Once upon a time, only a professional could make an arch. This was before the advent of drywall. Now a beginner can make an arch from drywall. You don't need a special tool for this, the technology itself is simple and straightforward - just follow our instructions.
Where to begin
The most common arches of simple shapes are parts of a circle or an oval. They are best suited for most traditional interior styles, where regular shapes and symmetry are welcome. In addition, they are the easiest to make with your own hands.
1. Classic rounded arch. 2. Modern. 3. Romance. 4. Ellipse. 5. Trapeze. 6. Semiarca
But first you need to decide whether the height of the vault will be sufficient. And if for a niche in the wall the dimensions do not play a special role, then for the passage between the rooms the ratio of the width of the arch and the distance from the floor to the point of junction of the arch with the wall of the opening means a lot.
The wider the opening in which the arch is formed, the greater the bending radius will be required so that the shape of the arch is proportionate
Usually they are guided by a simple ratio of a standard interior door - 80-100 cm wide by 200 cm high. That is, a rectangle of such dimensions should be inscribed in a “pure form” in the plane of the opening, taking into account the arch. Following this rule, you can determine that the width of the opening:
- 100 cm corresponds to the height of the lower points of the arch about two meters;
- 200 cm - about 180 cm;
- 300 cm - about 160 cm.
It follows from this that if the arch is made where the standard interior door stood, then the height of the opening will have to be increased.
The easiest way is to arrange an arch in a new place during redevelopment, when interior partitions are re-installed. And here we must already remember the recommended distance from the top point of the arch to the ceiling - usually it is 40-60 cm. Often the height of the ceilings does not allow the arch to be “fitted” in accordance with this rule, and this point is raised a little higher. But even in this case, you should not reduce the clearance to the ceiling level of less than 30 cm.
Once the indicative values for the junction points with the opening and for the height of the vault are set, the arch in the opening can be modeled from improvised means and make sure that it corresponds to the general plan.
It is convenient to use a special plastic corner for arches, which will ultimately be used when finishing the opening.
One simple modeling technique is to use a long strip of flexible material as a template, such as a hard-edged plastic skirting board. The plinth is applied with edges at the lower points of the arched opening, bent to the height of the arch, if necessary, change the shape of the arch by adjusting the degree of bending. They mark the junction points of the arch with the opening and put the corresponding marks on the plinth.
Drywall blanks
For the walls of the arch, you need to cut out two rectangles from the plasterboard. The dimensions of the blank are the width of the opening and the distance from the junction point of the arch in the opening to the overlap of the opening itself (or to the ceiling for new partitions).
Then, on one of the blanks, with the help of a plinth, the shape of the arch is modeled. To do this, aligning one of the marks on the plinth with the corner of the workpiece, it is bent until the second mark is aligned in the corner of the workpiece opposite in width. Draw an arc on the workpiece with a pencil and cut out the first wall. And already it will serve as a template for cutting the second wall.
To get a sector along the radius, it is better to use an awl, a nail and a pencil tied with a thread or rope. The length of the thread from the pencil to the nail will determine the radius of the sector.
L is the width of the opening, H is the height of the arch, R is the radius of the sector, D is the stock of material equal to the thickness of the finish of the ends of the opening
If an ellipse is needed, then two nails are fixed on the blank under the arch along the long side, stepping back the same distance from both sides by about 10-15 cm. A thread is tied to the nails so that it sags freely, and when pulled along the edge of the sheet, reaches its edge . The pencil is wound up by the thread and the shape of the arch is outlined.
For the vault of the arch, you can use a strip of ceiling plasterboard (it is thinner, only 9.5 mm), but the remainder of the standard sheet is also suitable, since with a small strip width it is easy to give it the necessary shape. The size of the blank for the vault is equal in length to the distance between the marks on the plinth, and in width to the thickness of the wall in the opening. The narrow sides of the workpiece are cut at the ends along one side of the corner so that the vault fits snugly at the ends of the walls of the opening.
Arch frame formation
The supporting frame for the walls is usually made from a metal rack profile. Depending on the materials of the partition and its thickness, the width of the profile may vary.
So if the arch is mounted in an opening where the walls are made of gypsum board, then use the same CW rack profiles that are in the supporting structure. In this case, the profiles are fixed in the opening with metal screws.
For walls made of bricks, building blocks (gas or foam concrete, gypsum), monolithic concrete, the width of the rack profile is selected individually. It is often easier to use a double frame (one for each wall of the arch) from a narrow CW profile with a 50 mm back than to select a wide profile for a single frame. For fastening to the wall, dowels are used, and for each material they select their own type of fastener. If the frame is mounted from a narrow profile, the holes for the dowel are drilled at an angle so that the edge of the opening does not crumble.
For side posts, the profiles must have a length equal to the distance from the opening overlap to the junction points with the arch. Since the arch “fits” in the opening to the partition at an angle of less than 90 °, the lower corners of the profile are cut so that they do not protrude beyond the edge of the arch walls.
If the frame is mounted in a plasterboard partition, then it is clearly visible how it should be fixed so that the arch is flush with the wall surface.
For partitions made of other materials, when attaching the frame, it is necessary to retreat from the edge of the wall by a distance equal to the thickness of the plasterboard plus the thickness of the finish (and this is at least 1-2 mm per putty layer for wallpapering or painting).
If the wall has a layer of decorative plaster or is lined with wall panels, then the frame must be fastened to the main wall material so that the arch walls are in the same plane with the surface of the partition itself, and not with its decorative finish. This rule is performed on each side of the arch.
Arch installation
The walls of the arch are fixed with self-tapping screws with a distance between the attachment points of 15 to 25 cm, but not less than three points on each side. The distance from the corner to each extreme attachment point should be within 5-10 cm, and the attachment line should be at a distance of 15-20 mm from the edge of the arch wall.
If the arch has built-in lighting, then the wires should be laid in advance, leaving leads or loops at least 15 cm long
After both walls are fixed, two strips of an arched profile are screwed to them from the inside through drywall to fasten the arch. If there is no arched profile, then it is made from a CD profile, symmetrically cutting wedges on the sides at a distance of 4-5 cm from each other.
To bend the strip of the workpiece in an arc, it is moistened with a sponge on both sides before installation. Then, on one side, it is rolled with a needle roller (another way is to prick with an awl over the entire surface by 1/3 of the thickness of the sheet) and moisten again only on the perforated side. They put it on the floor at an angle to it and the wall. When the workpiece begins to bend under its own weight, it is screwed into place to the arched profiles.
Finishing work
The final stage begins when the vault dries:
- the surface of drywall is primed;
- seams and joints with the wall are reinforced with sickle, and the ribs of the vault are reinforced with a plastic perforated corner;
- putty, rubbing attachment points, seams and joints;
- "bring out" the corners at the ribs;
- dry and grind.
The arch is ready. You can start decorating.
Do you want to functionally and visually zone the space of the apartment, but do not want to install standard interior doors? Then your choice is drywall arches. They not only divide rooms, but also effectively decorate doorways, making them more original. In addition, these beautiful designs do not require large expenses - they can even be made by hand. How? To get started, find out the features of different types of arches and evaluate the photos of finished products in the interior to decide on the design of the model. Then read the step-by-step instructions and watch the video explaining all stages of installation. And then you can confidently proceed with the installation of the arch. Further about all this in more detail.
Choose the type of arch
The main distinguishing feature of each arch is the shape of the vault. It is she who serves as a criterion for the classification of products. So, the following types of arches are distinguished:
- classic - a traditional version with a semicircular arch, the center of the section of which runs exactly in the middle of the doorway;
- portal - laconic arches with a rectangular vault;
- segmental - an asymmetric arch, the vault of which consists of two elements: one repeats the shape of the portal, and the second - the classical model;
- modern - semicircular arches with a non-standard radius of curvature of the arch - more or less than the classic radius of half the width of the doorway;
- romantic - a kind of portal arch with neatly rounded corners.
Advice. When choosing the shape of the arch, you should consider the size of the rooms. If the ceilings in your apartment or house are low, it is better to refuse classic variations - they somewhat hide the space. And for very low rooms, it is better to choose arches without pronounced rounding at all - segment or portals.
Getting ready for installation
Before proceeding with the direct design of the arch, you need to perform several preparatory work. The first is the preparation of the necessary tools and materials. In particular, you will need:
- drywall sheets: two canvases 12 mm thick and one for the arch - 6.5 mm thick;
- metal profiles - at least 6 pieces;
- two arched corners;
- dowels and screws;
- hacksaw for metal;
- drywall knife;
- perforator, screwdriver and drill;
Drywall arch installation tool
- building level;
- pliers;
- roller;
- gypsum putty and spatula;
- primer;
- sandpaper;
- pencil and tape measure.
Next, you need to prepare the opening for the installation of a new structure. First of all, you need to eliminate the door frame - this will help to significantly increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe opening. After dismantling, it is necessary to carefully clean the surface from various exfoliating materials, dirt and dust.
After completing the preparatory stage, proceed with the installation of the arch. Start by assembling and installing the frame structure.
We construct the frame of the arch
The construction of the arched frame consists of the following steps:
We mount drywall on an arched frame
After the arch frame is installed, it must be sheathed with drywall. Start from the side parts: screw the prepared canvases to the metal guides with screws in increments of 15-20 cm.
Advice. Screw the self-tapping screws in such a way that their hats “sink” into the drywall - so they will not interfere with the finishing work and subsequently will not spoil the appearance of the arch.
Next, you need to fix the drywall on the curved top profile. This is the most difficult procedure, since the material, on the one hand, does not bend well, and on the other hand, it can quickly deform under force. The best way out of the situation is to wet the drywall a little and, carefully bending, fit it under the frame. When the desired arch radius is reached, attach the drywall elements to the curved profile using self-tapping screws. Then the finished upper part of the arch must be connected with the same self-tapping screws to the side walls of the structure.
We process and decorate the arch
The last step in creating a drywall arch is finishing and designing the structure. The first procedure is performed in several stages:
- Walk along the surface of the arch with sandpaper to eliminate all roughness and irregularities.
- Fasten the arched corners to the putty - they will keep the shape of the upper part of the structure.
- Treat all mounting seams with putty.
- After the putty is completely dry, smooth out all the bumps again.
- Cover the surface of the arch with a primer, and after it dries, apply a finishing putty on top and sand the structure again.
- wallpapering is a simple option with great possibilities: thanks to the variety of textures, colors and patterns, you can choose a lining for absolutely any style. It is best to use non-woven - they are not only aesthetic, but also durable.
- painting - this decoration option is good for its practicality: the painted structure can be washed an unlimited number of times. Choose water-based paint - its colors are more saturated.
- sheathing with fabrics is a non-standard finish that will give your arch a more noble look. The choice of fabrics is unlimited - from laconic cotton to exquisite jacquard.
- decorative patterns are a very easy decorating idea to implement: you only need template stencils, spray paint, a protective film and your own imagination.
A drywall arch is a spectacular and relatively simple way to transform the interior of a home with your own hands. All you need to do is follow the instructions and do all the work step by step. And the result will not keep you waiting long - you will get an original and original doorway instead of the usual interior door.
How to make an arch with your own hands: video
Drywall arch: photo
In this material, we will look at how to mount drywall arches with our own hands. The photos and diagrams below will help you better understand some of the subtleties of the installation process.
How to make a drywall arch with your own hands: step by step instructions
Let's start making drywall arches by taking measurements.
Taking measurements
Object dimensions. For example, we have a doorway in a brick wall 2,100 mm high and 800 mm wide. The top point of the arch will be at a height of 2,000 mm and, since opening width - 800 mm, the radius of the arch will leave half the width - 400 mm. Thus, the lower point of the arch will have 2,000 - 400 = 1,600 mm.
Photo 1 - Working area
Along the perimeter of the opening (on both sides) we mount the UD-27 profile. The required profile length is calculated as follows:
(800 + 400 + 400)*2=3200 (mm), i.e. 3.2 linear meters.
In order to fix the UD-27 profile to the wall, we need a puncher and driven dowels 6x40 mm (6x60 mm). Holes for mounting are made in the profile before installation (the fastening step will be 300 mm).
Photo 2 - Taking measurements
Scheme 1 - Total consumption of materials per arch
Marking work
In order to cut a part from drywall with the desired bending radius, we need a drywall plate with a size of at least 800x400 mm.
Place the drywall sheet horizontally. You need to work on a flat surface - a wide table top or on the floor.
In the drywall sheet on the longer side, we make two holes with a diameter of not more than 4 mm at a distance of 400 mm from each other.
Using a wooden ruler, the length of which is 410 mm or more, after 400 mm from the extreme point, we put the mark "1".
IMPORTANT! Alternatively, instead of a ruler, you can use UD-27 or CD-60 profile segments. A margin along the length of the ruler is needed for fastening a self-tapping screw in the center of the sheet, as well as a pencil for drawing the outline of the arch bend.
Photo 7 - Stroke the outline of the arch
In the mark "1" on the self-tapping screw we fix the end of the ruler or metal profile.
We put a pencil at the first point from the edge of the drywall sheet, fixing the lead to the end of the ruler and, turning the ruler along the drywall sheet, draw a circle of the desired diameter.
Cut out the profile
With a manual hacksaw on drywall, we cut out the part according to the markup. According to this scheme, we need to cut two identical parts from drywall.
We apply one of the details of the arch to the profiles screwed onto the wall according to the marks. These jobs are best done with a partner who can hold the drywall. If working alone, the drywall piece can be attached with one or two screws.
Please note: there is a surplus at the bottom of the fixed profiles that needs to be cut into an arch shape. We make the appropriate markup and, setting aside a sheet of drywall, cut off the profile with metal scissors or a grinder. You should perform this operation 4 times - with each of the 4 profiles fixed vertically.
Installation of arch details
After trimming the profile, you can begin to fix the previously made arch parts. The step of fastening drywall to the UD-27 profile is from 250 to 300 mm.
We calculate the length of the profiles for attaching drywall to the radius of the arch.
From the circle length formula (2πR) we know all the quantities: π=3.14, R=400.
We are only working with half a circle. Thus, we have:
2πR/2=πR=3.14*400=1256 (mm)
Those. fastening is necessary to close the bend of the arch, its length must be at least 1,256 mm.
We make a curved profile for this fastener.
We bend the profile
How to bend a profile?
Using scissors for metal on both sides of the profile, we make symmetrical cuts in increments of 40 mm, since it is almost impossible to bend the profile in shape without cuts.
After making cuts, the profile must be bent along the existing radius.
Arch profile fixing
How to assemble a structure with a curved profile?
We begin to fix the profile from the lower end of the arch, gradually screwing the part to the drywall. Fastening the profile to drywall must be done with a screwdriver and self-tapping screws for drywall type MN 25.
Scheme 2 Arch
The bending points of the profile are screwed with an underestimation of 2-3 mm inside the structure.
IMPORTANT! The profile should not protrude beyond the edge of the arch.
Having reached the opposite end of the drywall bend, secure the profile with a self-tapping screw and cut off the excess, if any.
The second option for fastening the arched profile is from the middle: having connected the central bending point of the drywall and the center of the arched profile, we first fasten the profile on one side of the structure with self-tapping screws, and then the second.
IMPORTANT! If the distance from the center point of the upper edge of the drywall to the center of the arch bend is 600 mm or more, it is imperative to install jumpers made from the CD-60 profile to hold the structure.
Making a drywall arch completes the installation of a curved sheet in a doorway.
Making a curved plasterboard part
How to make a curved drywall part?
Interior arches made of plasterboard rarely do without curved parts.
Masters use the following manufacturing options for this structural element:
- you can purchase thinner drywall - up to 9.5 mm thick (the device of a curved part when using such a material is greatly facilitated due to its pliability and plasticity);
- the second option concerns rather not the material used for work, but the dimensions of the arch, because. the larger the radius the arch will have, the easier it will be to bend the drywall sheet;
- drywall can also be bent wet by wetting the sheet with water and walking over it with a spiked roller, and then fixing it on a bending template.
IMPORTANT! Figured parts for the manufacture of drywall arches in the corridor, in the hallway or any other room should be cut with a width less than the width of the wall by 4 mm. In our case, you will need a part with a size of 1,230x296 mm (since the width of the structure is 300 mm).
We will also bend drywall in a “wet” way, but without perforating the sheet, because. thin drywall is used: with a roller or sponge, you need to wet the drywall abundantly on both sides and after 15-20 minutes carefully attach it to the arched profiles.
The fastening step should be no more than 15-20 cm.
Finishing seams and puttying joints
After that, you can start finishing the seams and puttying the joints of drywall sheets.
How to putty the joints of drywall boards?
The assembly seams are filled with putty, after which a serpentine tape is applied to the seam and puttyed again. This is followed by puttying the recesses from the screws and finishing the sheets.
How to make an arch? The design of a drywall arch often comes down to the installation of built-in lighting. At the same time, spotlights can be hidden in the wall, and not just on the bend of the drywall. An illuminated arch is not only a beautiful, but also a functional object in the interior.
How to make a drywall arch: VIDEO
Plasterboard arches: design
Drywall semi-arch
A semi-arch is a popular type of plasterboard construction that decorates doorways.
It is distinguished from the arch by a simplified frame: wall profiles are mounted on only one of the walls, i.e. as a result, the semi-arch is a quarter of a circle inscribed in the doorway.
Making a semi-arch with your own hands
The semi-arch is placed according to the same principle as the plasterboard arch, but only in the "half" version of the work. Therefore, you should not have any problems with how to build a semi-arch. Installation and preparatory work with this type of construction is even less than with the standard version.
In addition to the semi-arch, there are also other types of arch, shown below in the photo.
In the work were used
- dowels 6x40 or 6x60 mm for attaching profiles to walls (step up to 400 mm);
- self-tapping screws LN 9, LN 11 (self-tapping screws, with a sharp end), or LB 9, LB 11 (self-tapping screws with a drilling end);
- self-tapping screws MN 25, MN 30 for fastening plasterboard sheets to a metal frame.
Do-it-yourself drywall arches: VIDEO
$ Cost of drywall arch
How much does it cost to install a drywall arch
in Moscow - from 190 rubles / m²;
in Kyiv - from 56 UAH / m² (price for plasterboard curly structures).
A graceful arch is an element of architecture that can make any interior elegant and unique. A correctly chosen arch design will allow it to become a dominant point in the interior and gather the entire space of the apartment into a single whole. This article will tell you how to make a drywall arch without the help of professional builders and extra investments.
Peculiarities
Arched openings appeared in the East. Gradually, the habit of replacing doorways with decorative arches migrated to Europe. This method of designing interior passages solves not only the issue of increasing the space of the premises due to the absence of doors in them, but also decorates it, giving the home elegance and style, refreshes a boring interior, bringing an original touch to it.
Having decided to make an arch on your own, you should pay attention to drywall, since this type of material is the easiest to install (after all, serious knowledge and experience are required to form an arched opening from gypsum or plaster), it is available on the market and inexpensive.
The main advantages of drywall arches are:
- low weight of the material (arches can be installed both on load-bearing walls and on not very strong partitions, without fear for the reliability of the structure);
- quick and easy installation;
- the quality of the material - soft but durable material allows you to experiment when creating a unique style of space and cut out any bizarre shape of the structure;
- masking property. Plasterboard structures in the form of arches allow you to hide technical units and communications in the room;
- the ability to separate the functional parts of one room;
- functionality (drywall openings can have niches for books or recesses for houseplants).
Kinds
The classic drywall arch is a structure installed between adjacent rooms and supported on the sides by columns. Bypassing the usual drywall option, you can create an original asymmetrical shape that emphasizes the modernity of the interior.
According to the shape of the vault, arched structures are classified into the following main types:
- Roman. The most common type of arch. Its semicircular arch will be appropriate in any interior;
- square or portal. They make out wide openings;
- trapezoidal. Also often used in the design of wide openings;
- ellipsoid. This view is similar to the classic version, but with a large radius of curvature at the corners;
- gothic. It has an ovoid vault with a pointed apex;
- Turkish. Artistic design in oriental style;
- British. This species has strict forms. Emphasizes the sophistication of any room;
- Thai or semi-arc. Asymmetric vault: on the one hand, it is a classical arch, on the other, an arch in the form of a portal.
Modern designers, using the excellent property of the material, produce completely original solutions. Interior arches are complemented by original lights and LED lamps. These elements often play not only a decorative role, but also create additional local lighting in the apartment.
In addition to lamps, there is another design technique that adds useful properties to the usual arched opening: the design of shelves and niches both inside the structure and on its outer sides. This idea helps to create additional coziness, because small shelves can perfectly accommodate souvenirs and family photos.
For various rooms
Plasterboard arches in a modern interior are not uncommon. This architectural element allows you to abandon the usual doors, while creating a finished look of the doorway.
In small apartments, there is often not enough space for open doors. For this reason, instead of a door, a beautiful and concise arch is mounted in the opening. Such arches act as a kind of border between adjacent rooms, where there used to be a door, and actually expand the free space.
The choice in favor of the interior arch is also made when the redevelopment of the apartment is planned. So, for example, the exit from the kitchen to the balcony or from the living room to the kitchen can be arranged in the form of an elegant arched opening. At the same time, it is possible to choose the shape of the opening you like (standard semicircle, trapezoid or other asymmetric shape).
When it comes to expanding the space, it would be useful to think about replacing the doors with an arched opening in the hallway and in the corridor. These rooms serve more for connecting rooms than for comfortable living in them, so here you should not think about saving space while refusing doors.
Often, in order to maintain the overall style in the apartment, all doorways are designed in the form of arches of the same type. This is not always true, and sometimes it will even overload the interior. But a couple of arched openings of the same shape of the upper part, one of which is complemented by an interestingly carved drywall configuration on the wall, is a very stylish approach.
How to choose?
Previously, only palaces and houses of wealthy people adorned arches, but today this element can be found in any average apartment and even in a modern frame house (a wooden arch is cut down at the time the frame of the house is made).
When choosing an arch, you need to focus on its functional component. Arches are active and passive. Passive ones are often found in residential buildings and perform the function of a simple transition, connecting two rooms. Their shapes are simple: ovals, portals or standard rectangles and trapezoids. Active arches involve more complex forms and often include additional decorative elements (shelves, lamps).
If a decision is made to replace a boring metal door with an arch with a rounded top, experts recommend choosing a ready-made model, since in this case there is a question about the reliability of the structure.
Manufacturing
In order to make a classic arch with your own hands, you need to understand its structure, understand what are the subtleties of the construction technology of this design.
Curved arcs form the so-called arch vault. It can have a uniform coating or consist of various parts with gaps between them. You can revive the smooth-hemmed version of the arch vault using a decorative relief, architraves on the edges of the arch.
The top of the arch is the highest point of its vault. It serves as a structural element. Often the top is also an aesthetic fragment (for example, in oriental vaults). The tops of the wings go down, their ends rest on the supporting structures - beds, which can also be decorated decoratively.
The span of the arched vault is the width of the arc formed by the wings. The height of this arc from the center of the span to the top is called the arrow of the arch. The arched vault usually rests on pilaster semi-columns or goes inside the walls, resting on the spatulas (in this case, this vault is called hanging). The portal is formed by a structure located below the pilasters and blades.
The top, the vault of the arch and the portal are the main visible components of the structure. They are called arched transom. Usually, the fragmul is drawn up in a single concept. The golden section of the arch structure is determined by the ratio F = (A + B) / B if B≥A. This ratio in architecture is observed when A \u003d 1/3 B. The arch will have the correct golden ratio if its height is approximately three times the width of the arch opening, otherwise you can get the effect of reducing the height of the room and spoil the overall interior.
Detailed calculations and assembly are described in the following sections. But in addition to installation work, it is also worth focusing on finishing work: how to decorate and what is the best way to sheathe the arch in order to give it a beautiful look.
As decorating materials for decorating the arch can be used:
- plastic, molding - budget and simple options;
- polyurethane - a flexible material used to form stucco moldings of gables, ceilings, cornices;
- decorative stone - an artificial or natural natural mineral. Most often used in the design of arches in load-bearing walls or monolithic structures.
As for plastic, everything is simple here. Ready-made profiles can be bought at the store, choose the desired color or paint it yourself and put it on glue without much difficulty.
It is quite difficult to make polyurethane decor on your own, so they often resort to buying ready-made decorative elements. Stone cladding is an expensive but sophisticated option. Most often, slate or shell rock is used. Acrylic artificial stone effect tiles are lighter and can even be used for drywall partitions. As for the texture, here, depending on the interior of the room and personal preferences, raw surfaces and polished mirror tiles can be used.
How to calculate?
When the task is to make an arch on your own, after the shape and size are chosen, the master needs to first calculate the future product in order to determine the exact dimensions of the parts to be mounted. Do not be afraid, since the calculations of this design are based on simple school formulas. When carrying out calculations, it is recommended to draw in parallel a sketch of the future product on graph paper, after which the project is scaled to the specified dimensions of the product. As stencils, you can use thick cardboard or a fiberboard profile sheet. By applying the template to the surface of the erection of a curved vault, it is possible to more realistically assess the accuracy of previously performed calculations and, if necessary, correct it in time.
This article will consider an approximate calculation of a standard round arch for a straight doorway.
The main 3 parameters that should be known to the master are the width of the opening, the height of the future arch and the depth of the wall. There are two main calculation methods: empirical and mathematical. The master himself decides which of them will be more convenient for him. The calculation and drawing of the circumference of the arch must be carried out on paper on a scale that is 30% smaller than the real one.
With an empirical calculation, you must first measure the door opening and transfer it to a sheet of paper. Carry out the axis of symmetry of the doorway. After that, they take a compass, put its leg on the axis point and make several different circles. Choose the most suitable, and the rest are removed with an elastic band.
When mathematically calculating the radius of the arch, the Pythagorean theorem is used:
R= L2 + (R2 – H2)
R= L2 + (R - H) 2
Transforming the formula, we get the following form:
R2 = L2 + R2 - 2HR + H2
Subtracting R you get:
L2 + H2 - 2HR = 0
After the subsequent conversion, we get:
Radius R as a result:
R = (L2 + H2) / 2H
Where R is the radius of the circle, L is half the chord of the arc (the size of this chord is equal to the length of the arch clearance). H is the lift height.
Due to the fact that the arch being made will include many fragments (for the purpose of their formation, a board with given dimensions should be taken), it is necessary to first calculate the dimensions of an element made from a board with selected dimensions. The calculation is carried out from the reverse. It is necessary to calculate the maximum length of the part that will be made from the existing board with a certain width, taking into account the already known radius. Using the previous formulas, where all the relationships are already known, you need to derive the following equality:
After the calculation is fully made, and the project is drawn, it will be possible to visually imagine what the structure will look like. If necessary, you can re-measure the parameters of the opening and easily correct the calculations, modify the drawing until its appearance completely suits the master.
How to cut?
When the project is ready, start scaling the product on drywall. Keeping the proportions of the product, draw the layout of the arch in the given parameters. Cut out a piece of drywall to the desired size. To do this, a special knife is drawn along the drawn line and the extra pieces of drywall are broken off by hand.
It is necessary to prepare two identical sheets. One of them is placed on a flat surface, a line is drawn through the center. A mark is made 2-3 cm above the bottom of the sheet and a bolt or self-tapping screw is screwed. A rope is put on the bolt, the free part of which is pulled into a loop and a pencil is inserted into it. This system (similar to a compass) will allow you to draw a straight line of bending the radius of the arch. Having determined the desired radius, pull the cord and draw a bend line with a pencil.
After that, on the second sheet of drywall, the markings are repeated in the same way. In order to avoid unnecessary actions, you can cut out the workpiece of the product on one sheet, put it on another sheet and circle the contour of the product with a pencil. Thus, two identical blanks will be obtained. It is best to cut products using special scissors for metal, carefully cutting off everything unnecessary.
Installation
In order to install a drywall arch in a doorway, you will need:
- drywall arch blanks;
- metal profiles;
- dowel;
- self-tapping screws of two types: 3.5 × 25 mm; 4.2×13 mm;
- scissors for metal;
- pliers;
- screwdriver;
- perforator;
- roller with needles;
- construction tape measure or level;
- simple pencil;
- gypsum putty;
- sanding skin;
- wall corners;
- primer;
- sheathing material (optional).
Before you put the frame of the structure, you should prepare the doorway. First you need to remove the door frame and break the opening up and to the sides to increase the space for the arch. The surfaces of the resulting opening are carefully cleaned, smoothing out coarse irregularities, removing dust and dirt.
It is necessary to follow the step-by-step installation instructions, then the arch design will be securely installed and fixed in the opening. First, metal profile guides are attached with dowels in the upper part of the opening. Similar guides are also installed along the walls of the opening (to the level where the curved parts of the arch end).
After that, a product in the form of an arc is formed from a metal profile. Along the edges of the profile, equidistant cuts are made with special metal scissors and the product is bent, focusing on ready-made drywall templates. Similarly, two such curved profiles are formed for each of the sides.
You need to install a curved profile like this: attach the profile vertically to the guides with dowels, and attach it to drywall with self-tapping screws. In order to assemble the frame more reliably, several pieces of the profile are inserted between the arcs inside the arch.
How to bend?
The next step in the installation of the arch is to fix the arcuate part inside the structure. To do this, take a sheet of drywall. Carefully cut out a strip according to the width of the inner space of the arch, longer than its inner surface. When measuring the length, it will not be superfluous to leave a margin of about 10-15 cm.
You can bend drywall using ordinary water. To do this, moisten the bottom of the drywall strip and pierce it with roller needles. Next, you need to bend and attach this element inside the arch. This is done with adhesive tape and left for a while to dry. Homemade arch frame is ready.
How to putty?
After the arch frame is assembled, all the elements are securely fixed, and the inside is completely dry, you can proceed to the processing and external design of the structure.
To begin with, the entire surface of the arch is sanded with special paper, all irregularities are eliminated, dust from sandpaper is removed. The surface of the arch must be smooth. The seams remaining from the installation must be sealed with putty. Before filling the joints, you need to install the prepared corner profiles (they give the corners of the arch rigidity and protection against deformation).
These corners can be mounted on top of the putty, but then another layer of putty must be applied on top, aligning all the joints. After the putty dries, smooth the surface again with sandpaper. They remove dust and prime the entire outer space of the arch. When the soil dries, the final putty of the structure is carried out and the irregularities are sanded.
How to paint?
When all the dirty work is done, you should move on to decorative trim.
When choosing a design, you should take into account the general concept of the interior and its style. The fastest and cheapest method of finishing will be painting the structure with water-based paint. This finish is very practical, because in case of contamination of the wall, it can be wiped with a damp cloth, in addition, the arch will be very resistant to scratches. This type of finish is also good because, if desired, the arch can be quickly repainted by yourself.
Options in the interior
Arched vaults occupy a special place among architectural details when decorating a room. Smooth lines will bring a mood of comfort to any room and emphasize the refined style. If a choice is made in favor of complementing the interior with an arch, it is necessary to choose such a design so that the vaulted structure fits organically into the space of the room and serves as a certain highlight in the interior.
Arches look great in rooms with semicircular window openings. Vaulted structures will favorably complement the interior, in which there are doors with a semicircular top. Arched openings are used not only in living rooms and hallways. The kitchen space is also decorated with arches. Here they will serve not only as an element of decor, but also fulfill their functional role (storage systems, niches in the form of arches).
The design of the arch, decorated with glass shelves, looks authentic in itself. If the area of the room allows, weightless glass shelves can be replaced with massive ones made of stone or wood, plywood. They serve as a great place for souvenirs and photographs.
The light framing of the inner and outer parts of the arch looks interesting. Where there is not enough light, this will be especially helpful. This applies to most corridors and hallways. Designers recommend using non-standard forms of lamps for this to give the room an additional sophistication. When designing arched openings with light elements, you should not limit yourself, focusing on the material of the arch, because the backlight will look advantageous both with a plasterboard arch and with a wooden structure.
The most harmonious is the arch, which has absolute symmetry or smooth smooth lines in the case of the initial choice of an asymmetrical shape. Such an arch will suit any interior. If there is a choice of the shape of the arch to the interior in the Art Nouveau style, you should take a closer look at the curved arcs. In the classic design of the interior, such an arch is not suitable. But here this element with a lot of decor from plaster decorations in the form of columns and intricate curls will look appropriate.
An acre in the form of an ellipse or a wide portal has a strict but noble appearance. It is easy to perform, does not require frequent alterations and is appropriate in any space.
However, the arch in the interior of a modern room is a rather controversial element. Some evaluate the arched vault as relics of past centuries. Others praise this elegant detail, hoping that it will never go out of style.
And since they don’t argue about tastes, then you shouldn’t immediately refuse this design unambiguously. Even in the modern world of designers, the arch is not a gaudy outdated fragment of a dwelling, if it is combined with the overall style of the space. The arch has long been a classic. And only its unsuccessful application can spoil the classics.
Often the interior passage in the apartment is not closed with a door, but left open. This allows you to elegantly combine the space and make the interior design of the rooms more elegant. To do this, you can purchase a finished structure from typesetting elements or cut out individual parts with your own hands and then assemble everything in the doorway. But how to make an arch yourself so that it looks even and beautiful? After all, there are a lot of materials and technologies for installation, you need to choose wisely.
designer arch
What arches can be installed in the apartment
Installation of an arched structure in place of an interior door can be performed without the involvement of professional builders. You just need to choose the type of arch and materials for its manufacture. Following the step-by-step instructions below will help you avoid mistakes and make an arch with your own hands.
Arch curves can be the most bizarre
Design features and significant differences
In construction, arched structures are supports for the upstream elements of walls and structures. But in apartments, doorways to the corridor and between rooms are not load-bearing. In the first case, structural materials are selected based on serious external loads, and in the second case, they must withstand only their own weight, coupled with the finish.
Arch with bar
The apartment door arch, installed instead of the door, is an element of interior design. Its frame can be made from a light profile for plasterboard or bars with a cross section of 20-30 mm. Such a design can easily withstand the weight of finishing materials. It is only necessary to firmly fix it on the walls so that the decor does not warp or fall off after a couple of weeks.
Reference! In private houses and city apartments, an open door arch between rooms performs an exclusively decorative function. Bearing loads in this case are assigned to the concrete walls on the side or a lintel above the opening.
Finished plastic arch
Forms of arched openings and their possibilities
There are many options for arranging interior arches in shape:
- "Classic".
- "Romance".
- "Modern".
- "Ellipse".
- "Trapeze".
- "Portal".
The most popular types of interior arches
The first option at the top has the shape of a regular semicircle, and the last one is performed with strict rectangular outlines over the entire height. The rest are intermediate versions between them. But other variations are possible with one side "support" or two curved racks.
The shape of the door arch and its design are chosen according to the design style of the room. This takes into account the height of the ceiling, the dimensions of the opening and the features of the premises on both sides. In some houses, classic shapes with the correct bend in the form of a semicircle will look perfect, while in others - a rectangular portal. This is more a matter of the taste of the owners of the house and the general style of the interior decor. Some even prefer cone-shaped contours.
- The classic version is recommended to be chosen only with high ceilings in the region of 3 meters and above.
- In typical panel high-rise buildings, it is better to decorate the entrance to the kitchen with the MODERN arch.
- For a wide doorway from the hall to the corridor, "ROMANCE" with large wide racks is more suitable.
- Rectangular "PORTAL" looks best in the interior, where the decoration is dominated by clear horizontal and vertical lines. A similar design option for a doorway is ideal for houses made of timber or logs. In such a dwelling, its rectangular corners will look elegant and as much as possible in the theme.
Classics in the interior
What to build a design opening with your own hands
To quickly make an arch in the doorway of an apartment, it is enough to purchase a set of typesetting elements made of plastic or laminated chipboard lumber. They must be cut to the desired height, and then fixed in place according to the instructions. But such options are standard and quite expensive. Plus - not every opening will be able to pick up a finished model with the right dimensions.
Components of the interior arch system
For the manufacture of panels of arched racks and arcs, you will need one of the following materials:
- drywall;
- plywood;
Advice! For sheathing the frame, it is better to choose drywall sheets. GKL in the future can be finished with a large number of different materials. However, thin plywood is much easier to bend.
Finished veneered arch
The frame for the interior arch can be made:
- from a metal profile;
- from wooden bars 20x20 and 30x30 mm.
Brick decoration is ideal for joining a balcony
You can also make an arch instead of a door from concrete, brick or aerated concrete blocks, and only then ennoble them with one or another finishing material. But these options are more likely for lovers of capitality and solidity. Plus, they weigh a lot, in the apartments of old apartment buildings it is impossible to build anything from them.
The use of metal is limited not only by its weight, but also by its high cost. The manufacture of metal structures of complex shape at home is a project that is very difficult to implement in practice. It is easiest to work with drywall and a profile for it on your own with your own hands.
Step-by-step instructions for self-assembly
The following photos and recommendations will allow even a novice master to cope with the improvement of the doorway. To do this, you first need to create a frame, and then sheathe it and decorate it. Everything can be done with your own hands, you just need to do everything consistently and without errors.
Plasterboard arch scheme
Preparing the doorway
- First, the canvas and the frame of the existing door are dismantled (if it exists and stands still).
- Then the opening is expanded to the planned dimensions.
- Plastering cut walls under the frame is not worth it, they will still be covered with sheathing. It is enough to trim them and remove everything that can fall off (plaster, pieces of concrete, falling out bricks). The main thing is that the carrier profile can be fixed securely and in a strictly vertical position without tilting.
- If a backlit design is planned, then it is necessary to pre-wire.
- Measurements are always taken at several points of the opening, so as not to miscalculate with the dimensions.
- If the walls are uneven, then the thickness of the racks (arch depth) is selected according to the thickest place.
- To simplify the marking and cutting of sheet material for sheathing the arched frame, it is necessary to make a full-size template from cardboard. This will allow you to avoid mistakes and see in advance how the contours of the structure being formed will look like.
Important point! The upper part of the arch takes about 10–15 cm from the height of the doorway. At least 20 cm should remain from it to the ceiling. When calculating and marking, these figures must be taken into account.
Mounting rails
Creating a Structural Frame
- To make a frame for the arch, you first need to create a main contour around the perimeter of the opening from the profile, fixing it to the walls.
- Then the upper curved part of the frame system will be fixed on it. Sometimes only a curved element is made from above, but this is possible only with perfectly even slopes.
- Vertical guides in the doorway are mounted with an indent from the plane of the interior wall by the thickness of the drywall sheet plus 2 mm to the subsequent plaster on top of it.
- After plastering, a single, even surface should be obtained.
- On each side and at the top of the created arch, you will need to fix two such profiles parallel to each other.
Advice! If the walls are made of wood, then self-tapping screws are enough to fix the guides, but in the case of concrete or brick, dowel screws are required. The step between fasteners should not exceed 30 cm.
If the arch columns are made of small thickness, then two arcs can be safely replaced with a wide profile. All manipulations for cutting and bending in this case are carried out in a similar way. However, transverse installation will no longer be needed. When used instead of a profile of wooden bars, the frame for the arch is made using a similar technology. Only the original material of the supporting frame structure changes.
Two ways to bend drywall sheet
Rough frame trim
After completing the assembly of the arch frame, all that remains is to mount a plasterboard or a wood board on it. To give plywood or fiberboard the desired shape, they will have to be pre-moistened, fixed on the template and steamed with a hot iron.
Ideally, you need to use a special arched drywall, reinforced on both sides with non-woven fiberglass. It is enough to knead it in the longitudinal direction and give the desired shape.
There are two ways to bend a regular drywall sheet: wet and dry.
- Wet technology involves soaking the back side of the GKL with water and gradually bending it on a template of the required shape with fixation on it. This process is lengthy, haste can lead to rupture of the cardboard layer of the sheet. And it is possible to install and fasten the resulting part with self-tapping screws on the arch frame only after the gypsum has completely dried.
Advice! It is possible to speed up the process of moisturizing GKL to make it elastic with the help of a spiked roller.
- The dry method involves the application of parallel cuts on one side of the sheet, which affect the plaster and the upper outer layer of cardboard. But the front cardboard layer remains intact. The bend turns out to be even and regular in shape.
Installation of the main element of the arch
Cutting sheet material is best done with a jigsaw. When using a hacksaw, the cutting edges will certainly turn out to be less even. The sheathing is fastened with self-tapping screws in increments of 5-6 cm. After fixing it, the edges of the plasterboard and plywood sheets are sanded. And then a special plastic corner with perforation is attached to the curved edge to protect it from chips.
Fastening GKL
Putty for perfect surface leveling
The next stage of finishing the drywall arch is a primer and putty. After applying the first, you must wait until it dries. And for the reinforcement of the second layer, a fiberglass mesh is used. The corners are also reinforced and leveled with a grid.
Edges must be even
Surface putty
Putty joint with the wall
mesh reinforcement
Edge reinforcement with mesh
Next, a third finishing layer is applied. Hardened after 10-2 hours, the putty is sanded with sandpaper to remove excess, to make the surface as smooth as possible. There should not be any protruding caps of self-tapping screws or dents on it.
This should be the arch
Decorating the structure and design techniques
You can finally decorate the arch in the apartment with your own hands and make it beautiful:
- painting in color with walls;
- sheathing with wood or plastic panels;
- wallpapering or veneer;
- finishing with a decorative stone on a plaster basis;
- decoration with mosaics and mirrors;
- decorating with stucco or finished columns.
Simple backlit finish
Materials in the finishing of the interior arch are used both natural and artificial. The choice here depends on the overall design idea for the design of the apartment interior. To refine the doorway, you can use polyurethane moldings and even textiles. All options are acceptable, as long as they are in harmony with the surrounding decor.
Shelves in the design of the arched passage to the corridor
The framing of columns made of clinker or decorative stone looks original and stylish. Handmade installation will take time and diligence, but the result will surely please the master. The uniqueness of the apartment with this method of decoration is guaranteed.
Decor with artificial stone
Finishing the arch with natural wood will bring solidity and grace to the house, and the mosaic pattern invented by the owners will make the decor unique. The main thing is not to overdo it with the design, making the design a tasteless heap of elements of different styles. All interior details should harmonize and complement each other.
Stucco columns in an arched opening with wide walls
Often, the usual painting in white or brown is enough to complete the design, making the arch beautiful and elegant with your own hands. However, some require built-in lighting and additional decorative elements in accordance with the style chosen for the apartment. It will take more time to finish the arched opening, but it's worth it.
Decor corner and wallpaper
It is not difficult to install and arrange an interior arch instead of a door on your own. For work, it is enough to have metal scissors, a screwdriver and a hacksaw in the house. But if there is no experience with these tools, it is better to trust professional installers.
