How to Make an Archway: A Basic DIY Guide

How to make an archway? Many homeowners are pretty eager to know that answer to this question. After all, there is a benefit on customizing the appearance of our house from time to time. Aside from aesthetics, remodeling and refurbishing the interiors of our abode can help the spacing and overall ergonomics of our home.

Some people think that painting is already enough to improve the appearance of their rooms. Of course, it is not a wrong statement. But at the same time, we don't consider that it is enough. If you have certain doorways and entrances that particularly stands out, converting them to an archway is a perfect idea.

In this article, we will feature the very method of making an archway out from a plain doorway. Just take note of the materials and the process that is involved in this project. Let's get started!

How to Make an Archway

Fortunately, this architectural innovation is a straightforward task. Its complexity is typically moderate. Specifically, it involves some basic carpentry skills. Moreover, you also need to learn how to tape drywalls, too.

Tools needed:

Materials needed:

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is to cut the interiors of the drywall. In this, you can expose its framing. Next, you need to figure out the size and style of the arch. Specifically, you could opt for an ellipse, partial circle, or half circle arch. Use a cardboard so that you can make it a pattern of your intended.

Tape the pattern on the drywall so that you can get a better view to the final output. Moreover, you have to make sure that you put an allowance to its headroom.

Step 2

Take your drawing and make it a template for your cut. Specifically, you should make two plywood arches that have 1/2 inch thickness. The next cut you should do is cut a 2x4 into 2 1/2 inch. After this, make two side blocks and 1 top block. You should nail these blocks to the framing of the door.

Moreover, you should place them in the center so that the 1/2 arches would fit on the current frame. Once this is over, you can already nail the arches on both sides of the frame.

Step 3

Make small arch blocks. Next, you need to attach them on the plywood arches through screwing. The blocks should have a distance of around 6 inches from each other. Create different strips of hardboard (around 1/8 inch) and nail them to the blocks. Obviously, these pieces should be after the plywood. In this process, you should use special drywall nails.

The presence of the hardboard enables a reliable and smooth backer for the wall. It also removes the formation of creases. Make sure that you place this material throughout the sides of the arch.

Step 4

This next step requires you to connect the drywall over the arch's face. You can let it hang on the archway so that you can cut the curve of the plywood. You should use a keyhole saw or drywall saw for this.

After this, you to make a drywall strip that has the similar thickness of the wall. If you are utilizing the standard 1/2 inch drywall, you should wet it back portion so that it can somehow bend. Ideally, you should place it over two sawhorses so that it plummet while you soak it in water.

We recommend that you should do this process several times so that you can maximize the flexibility of the drywall. If you don't want to do this procedure, you can buy a 1/4 inch drywall that has a bendable characteristic. You should be able to find it on your local suppliers

Step 5

You should apply two nails for every 6 inches of blocks on the curve. The starting point of your nailing should on the next bottom part of the archway's curve. For the sides, you can use straight strips of plywood to finish them.

Alternatively, you could also attach corner beads on the both edges of the archway. Make sure these flexible plastic components should be present in the entire arch. You can do this through the use of a staple gun. Specifically, you should drive 9/16-inch staples for every 3 inches of the corner beads. Moreover, you need to keep the beads on the tight and centered to the drywall. No need to rush on this part.

Step 6

After the last process, you can integrate some joint compounds and layer them on the corner bead. You can also do various layers of coating, depending on your preference. The final touches should be sanding and painting. When all of these are over, you have already an archway! Congratulations! You have done it already!

Conclusion

Overall, the process of making an archway is not that complicated. However, it is pretty meticulous and would certainly consume your time. Of course, it would be great if you will do this project over the weekends or whenever the kids are not around. You will be using some power tools on this project. Therefore, you have to exercise as much caution as possible.

Moreover, we recommend that you should have someone to help you with this task. If you are working on a massive door or pathway, then you need to maximize your labor as well. You need people to work with you so that you can minimize the time that you need to finish this project.

Of course, it would be great if you would avoid last minute shopping. Therefore, we recommend that you should acquire all the necessary tools and materials before you start working. As long as you can satisfy your requirements, your pace would be smooth.

Did you learn from this article? Are there some alternative methods that you know how to make an archway? Tell us more about them in the comment section below!