Well      03/08/2020

With your own hands from arches. Rectangular interior arches. We build a brick arch with our own hands

In an effort to deviate from generally accepted standards and add elegance to the interior, owners of apartments and country houses are replacing their usual doors with arches. This is no longer new, but still popular to this day. designer highlight. The arch in the doorway can be purchased ready-made or made with your own hands. It comes in a variety of configurations, so it allows you to realize any idea.

Shapes of arched openings

Interior door arches are selected not only based on taste preferences, but also depending on certain parameters: ceiling height and. The structures are made of plasterboard, wood, MDF, PVC. The easiest way to work is with drywall, as it is the most flexible material.

There are currently a large number of different types arches that vary in shape. The most common are:

Arched openings also have various designs and based on this they are divided into several varieties:


Having taken a closer look at your interior and choosing the right arch model, you can begin phased implementation work.

Step-by-step instructions for making your own

To avoid spending extra money on finished goods, you can do the finishing of the arched opening yourself. To do this, you need to follow a clearly established scheme.

Carrying out the necessary measurements

Any construction process requires precision, which is achieved by taking preliminary measurements. You need to start from the opening itself, so first measure its width and height. The size of the span between the walls of the opening is equal to the width of the arch. In order to make a semicircle as accurately as possible, this indicator must be divided by two.

Before making an arch, you need to decide on its future configuration. If you are going to do it in classic style, then pre-level the walls. Otherwise, the design will look ugly. You can remove all defects from a vertical surface with putty or plaster using beacons.

Creating a load-bearing frame

To install the frame, you should perform a series of sequential steps:

  1. Along the lines of the opening, a contour of metal profile. Vertical guides are installed indented from the surface of the interior wall. The size of the indentation is equal to the thickness of the drywall sheet and the plaster layer (about 0.2 cm).
  2. We install two such profiles parallel to each other on each side.

    To construct the frame, two profiles are installed in parallel

  3. Having finished working with the profiles, we begin installing the first sheet of drywall. If its thickness is 1.25 cm, then it is recommended to screw it with 3.5x35 self-tapping screws. If the thickness of the gypsum board is no more than 0.95 cm, use smaller screws.

    Drywall is secured using self-tapping screws

  4. Cover the second side of the frame with plasterboard.

  5. Make a metal profile in the shape of an arc. To do this, cut with special scissors side walls profile every 7 centimeters. As a result of these actions, it is easier to give it the required shape. For an arched structure, two such blanks will be required.

    An arched arc is made from the profile

  6. Install and secure the arched profiles to the main part of the frame.

    The arcuate profile is attached to the main part of the frame

  7. To ensure that the arches are securely fixed, they are attached with hangers to a straight guide located on top. The number of hangers depends on the width of the opening. Usually three pairs are enough.

  8. In increments of 0.4-0.6 m, attach reinforcing crossbars around the perimeter of the frame, fixing them on the guides of two contours.
  9. As a result of the above actions, a reliable metal structure in the form of an arch from a profile. In the future, it will be covered with plasterboard or plywood.

If it is assumed that the columns of the arches will not be too thick in thickness, then 2 arches can be replaced with a wide profile. Cutting and bending is done in exactly the same way. Only in this case the installation of crossbars is not required.

Sometimes instead of a metal profile they use wooden slats. The frame installation technology does not change significantly.

Bending plasterboard sheet

After installing the frame, they take on the bending of the gypsum board. Experts recommend using drywall designed specifically for arched structures. He accepts easily the required form, if the material is wrinkled in the longitudinal direction.

If you decide to use regular drywall, you will have to tinker with it. The installation element is cut out the right size in the form of a rectangle. They bend it in two ways: wet and dry.


Bend manufacturing diagram

The wet method takes a lot of time and cannot be rushed. To prevent the material from cracking when bent, it is moistened with water and punctures are made. In this form, the sheet of drywall is left to lie for some time, and then it is bent onto a template of the desired configuration.

The dry method refers to the application of cuts parallel to each other on the back side of the plasterboard. The cut goes deep into the sheet, affecting the outer cardboard layer and plaster. Layer of cardboard with front side remains intact.

With the dry method, the bending of the installation element takes correct form. It is important to know that cutting through gypsum boards is best done with a jigsaw rather than a hacksaw. Then the edges will not be torn.

Rough sheathing of the frame

If the bending was done using the wet method, then first of all you need to wait until the sheet of drywall is completely dry. The material is fixed first with adhesive tape and then with self-tapping screws. The minimum step between them should be from 5 to 6 centimeters.


Perforated corner prevents edge chipping

After fastening the edge trim plasterboard sheet are being cleared. And in order to prevent chipping of the curved edge, a perforated plastic corner is installed on it.

Leveling with putty

To make the surface smooth, you need to finish the arched structure. First, apply a primer, and after it dries, putty. To reinforce the second layer and strengthen the corners, fiberglass mesh is used.


Fiberglass mesh reinforces the corners of the arch

The last third layer of putty is applied to the mesh. After about 10 hours, it dries, after which you can begin sanding the uneven areas. If the work is done well, the surface will be free of roughness and unevenness, and the heads of the screws will not be visible in it.

Methods for finishing arches

Those who want to decorate the arches themselves will have to work hard, cutting out each part separately. However, many do not look for complications and choose the simple path - they purchase factory-made structures from prefabricated elements.

Ready-made and prefabricated linings

There are two types of factory-made overlay: wooden and foam.

Foam elements

Foam arches are often preferred as an alternative to plaster products. The advantages of such designs are as follows:

  1. Quick installation. The installation speed is much higher than arched structures made of plywood or gypsum plasterboard.
  2. Low price.
  3. Easy transportation. Polystyrene foam is a fairly light material, so you don’t need to hire movers to deliver the product to your home.
  4. Light weight. Arches of this type can be installed even on very weak structures.
  5. Various forms.

Foam arches are assembled from ready-made elements and cut locally to fit the dimensions of the opening

The negative aspects of an arched foam structure are: fragility, toxicity, and rapid flammability.

Wood elements

Wooden arched structures do not require advertising. They look rich and rarely do not fit any interior style. However, it should be understood that the word “wooden” does not mean that all components are made of pine, oak or other solid wood.


The arch can be made from natural wood, MDF, chipboard or plywood

Arched elements are also made from inexpensive MDF, laminated chipboard, plywood covered with veneer. Required option selected individually based on taste and wallet thickness.

Wooden elements are ordered from a catalog and then cut to length before installation

Installation wooden structures It's easy to do. IN construction stores arches are sold both assembled and disassembled. The first option is considered more reliable, since the work was performed by a specialist.

Decoration with finishing materials

Currently, there are many ways to do it beautifully and neatly. The decor is selected so that it is in harmony in color, texture, material with the home environment. The most popular options are:

  1. Simple coloring. The arch will look elegant and complete if you simply paint it white, Brown color or to match the walls. This finish is often complemented with decorative elements and lighting.

    Plain paint looks great when combined with lighting

  2. Wallpapering. This is the fastest, most affordable and easiest process. For these purposes, vinyl or non-woven options are best suited.

    Slopes highlighted with wallpaper are a very stylish design move

  3. Finishing with wooden and plastic lining. The method guarantees not only a wonderful aesthetic appearance, but also ensures the durability of the structure, protecting it from moisture and mechanical damage.

    The option with lining is perfect for interiors with wall decoration made of the same material

  4. Decorative plaster. The surface of the arch is beautiful, textured and durable. True, such finishing sometimes needs to be restored, and it requires some care.

    This method looks especially advantageous in deep arches.

  5. Stone. Arch in a house made of natural or artificial stone can only be installed with the help of a professional. The decoration captivates the eye and makes the interior unusual.

    The torn edges of the arch can become the highlight of any interior

  6. Cork- This is a fairly expensive, but environmentally friendly material. It gives in easily mechanical damage Therefore, to extend its service life, it is recommended to coat the cork with wax.

    Cork finishing brings a sense of eco-friendliness and comfort to the interior

  7. Clinker tiles. This finish will last for many years. It does not attract dirt and does not require special care.

    Finishing with clinker tiles – limitless space for interesting solutions

Arches are an architectural element that has existed since time immemorial. But despite all their archaic nature, arches are able to add zest to a modern one.

Now you can mount sheets of drywall - on both sides.

Construction of the arch vault

When starting to build an interior arch with your own hands, Special attention should be given to the vault. Firstly, this is the most difficult part of the arch to manufacture, and secondly, its shape affects the entire structure.

In addition to the above-mentioned arch-portal, there are several more types:

  • Classical arch or Romanesque(arch in the form of a semicircle);
  • Arch in Art Nouveau style(half a circle cut by a chord. It is similar to the classical one, but with a flatter arch);
  • Pointed arches(the vault seems to be made up of two circles that are leaned against each other);
  • "Romance" arc(similar arches are made in very wide openings. The vault is in the form of two arches connected by a straight gap);
  • Prism(the arch is made without any roundness, consists of straight lines, between which there are obtuse angles).

The sides of the vaults are also made of plasterboard. We cut out a recess of the required shape from the bottom of the sheets.

Since a prismatic interior arch consists exclusively of straight lines, it is easiest to make it yourself. To make a rounded vault, you will have to sheathe it at the bottom bent sheets drywall.

If you want to build an interior arch with your own hands, but have doubts about own strength, then you can use standard ones or make them to order. Arches can be chosen in various designs, textures and materials.

Wooden arches will look expensive and presentable, but they won’t be cheap either. In addition, the material is heavy in every sense. For DIY work, fiberboard or MDF is better suited.

Assembling the arch must begin from the top.

First we use the wooden dowels supplied in the kit. We assemble a vault from two pairs of panels. We connect with PVA wood glue. After gluing, we wait for it to dry, and then the vault cornices from below.

Then we file the flexible plate of the inner part of the arch- with a margin of at least 10 millimeters.

We assemble the vault from the two halves, the halves are glued to the inner panel.

We install the arch in place and fix it with self-tapping screws or liquid nails. It is necessary to finish the side panels according to the dimensions of the openings with a small margin in length and width.

We also file the trims, from to to, so that the cut is inside the arch. Then we install platbands into the cornice of the vault using dowels. To do this, coat the groove with glue and insert the side panel into it so that the top edge is immersed in the groove.

We do the same with the second half of the arch.

An arch as an element of building architecture is intended to divide a room into zones without using a door. Last years are marked by the active use of these structural elements. Such an elegant device can enhance and decorate any home and save living space, which is especially important for small spaces. They can often be seen in hallways, kitchens and between other rooms. How to make an arch at home? To do this, it is necessary to study the features of installation work.

This covering can be purchased at finished form or do it yourself. The shape of such vaults is also different: starting from classic options and ending with modernist designs. In the process of their production, various building materials are taken: brick, stone, metal, wood, PVC, fiberboard, chipboard, gypsum board, plywood. The most popular are plasterboard sheets. They are flexible and easy to install.

Preparatory work

To understand how to make an arch, it is important to carry out installation one by one. First, the designated space is measured: its width and height are determined.

When starting to build an arc, it is worth considering the fact that the door plane will decrease by 10-15 cm. These indicators relate to height. Later, this space can be lined with decorative inserts made of ordinary foam plastic.

Its width is measured and divided by two. These numbers will be necessary to ensure that the traditional semicircle turns out smooth and symmetrical.

These data are equal to the internal distance corresponding to the opposite sides of space. At the beginning of the work, you should decide on the shape of the structure.

Traditionally, semicircular samples or gypsum board sheets are installed, which will be discussed below. Find out how to make an arch correctly below. To begin with, you should focus on the verticality of the surface, otherwise the design will look ugly and one-sided.

If the need arises, the internal plane should be leveled using plaster or putty, focusing on the installed beacons.

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Necessary attributes for work

The following list of accessories will allow you to carry out installation on your own:

  1. Guide view profile.
  2. Rack profile.
  3. Dowel with screw for fastening the profile frame for concrete, brick walls.
  4. Self-tapping screws for wooden surfaces and fastening of gypsum board sheets.
  5. GKL sheets.
  6. Self-tapping screws with press washer.
  7. Roller with needles.
  8. Special corner with perforations.
  9. Latex putty for gypsum boards.
  10. Jigsaw.
  11. Stationery knife.

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Installing Arch Facial Components

You can get an answer to the question of how to make an arch, starting with cutting out the façade structural elements. The main problem during this period is that you need to get two identical elements, regardless of the material from which the vault is made. Marking and cutting for each of them is carried out according to the same pattern.

You can make an even semicircle different ways. For example, by using any devices. As such samples, you can take strong and elastic twine and a simple pencil.

  1. The rope is tied to a rod.
  2. The center of the circle is marked. To correctly determine the radius, you need to remember the number that was obtained during previous measurements.
  3. So, if the width is 1 m, then the required figure will correspond to 50 cm.
  4. 60 cm is laid off from one of the edges of the sheet and a line is drawn. The distance from the top of the opening to the top of the future arch corresponds to 10-15 cm.
  5. The gypsum board is cut based on the width of the door plane. So, in this version it is equal to 100 cm.
  6. Then, on the designated straight line, a border corresponding to 50 cm is marked on each side. These indicators indicate the boundaries of the hemisphere.
  7. Using a pencil and string, 0.5 m of the length of the rope is marked and the last marks of the hemisphere are drawn. The result is an analogue homemade compass. As a result of using such a device, a circle with smooth edges is formed.
  8. According to the markings, a semicircle is cut using a jigsaw or a stationery knife. Its width is 1 m and its height is 60 cm.

The profile for the arch opening is cut to obtain the required bend.

The arch is made in a different way using a long and flexible element. To do this you can take plastic panel, flexible plinth.

  1. A rectangular base measuring 100 × 60 (65) cm is cut out. Next, 50 cm is measured from each side and 2 lines are drawn. The place of their intersection is indicated by a dot.
  2. The drywall sheet is bent on both sides according to the width of the future opening. It turns out to be a semicircle. The volumetric part corresponds to the previously designated points, the ends should be in contact with the ends of the rectangular base in the lower part.
  3. The finished vault is drawn and cut out.

The second method of making arches requires the involvement of an additional person. Taking accurate measurements alone will not be easy.

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Erection of the frame on the arch

You can make this important element in the house by preparing a metal profile. Marking guides oriented to the width of the opening. Here these indicators correspond to 1000 mm. They are fixed on any side. They are secured to concrete and brick with dowel screws; for wooden surfaces, special self-tapping screws are used.

In order for the structure to be in the same plane as the wall, the frame should be fixed 12 mm inside the opening.

As soon as the gypsum board sheets are fixed and putty is applied, the base will become even.

Fastening is carried out on either side of both side parts of the frame. The length of such elements corresponds to 600 mm.

The bottom of the profile is cut at an angle. Fixing arch parts to the frame with self-tapping screws for metal bases.

And why not leave an open doorway instead?

The fact is that rectangular structures hanging over your head create severe psychological discomfort. It is much more pleasant for us to see towering arches above us, which resemble the bending crowns of trees in a park or sea ​​waves. There are no rectangles in nature; all lines are natural, lively and streamlined. Therefore, since ancient times, architects have sought to repeat natural lines so that a person in any building would feel calm and protected.

Types of arches

There are arches various types. The classic arch is distinguished separately. It has not changed its shape for centuries. A classic arch has a radius equal to half the width of the opening and characteristic decorative elements. The perimeter of the opening has a casing made of stucco or similar materials. In the center of the vault the arch forms a kind of decorative element- keystone. The side parts of such an arch are often made in the form of columns, on which the base and capitals are clearly visible. A classic arch is always appropriate in appropriate interiors.

In non-classical styles, the most popular types of arches are:

  1. Gothic - formed by two arcs that intersect under acute angle and look like an arrow.
  2. Moroccan - strongly elongated in the center. This type of arch is common in Spanish and Moorish architecture.
  3. Oriental or Arabic style arches are characterized by an opening shaped like an onion or the keel of an inverted boat. This type finds its application in the architecture of India and Muslim countries of the Near and Middle East. Echoes of the style can be seen in ancient Russian religious buildings.
  4. Modern is different unusual shapes, among which asymmetry is popular.

Modern democratic style allows for the most unexpected forms and design finds. Asymmetry, mixing styles and materials for decoration are widely used.

New construction and Decoration Materials- drywall, which is attached to a frame made of wood or metal profile. These materials do not require the involvement of specialists with professional tools.

All work on constructing a plasterboard arch is easy to do yourself.

Arch as a way of zoning

Creating an interior arch is a convenient and practical way of zoning space. With its help, you can either select separate zones in one room or studio apartment, or combine small rooms into one.

Most often, arches are installed in hallways, removing the door that darkens the room. A small hallway in this case visually merges with the next room, especially if the same finishing materials were used. For example, the same tiles are placed on the floor in the hallway and in the kitchen, and the room is separated by laminate or parquet. If a separate room is allocated for the dining room in an apartment or house, an interior arch between it and the kitchen will be much more appropriate, since the housewife will often have to walk between them with dishes in her hands.

When combining a balcony or loggia with a room, design the doorway in the form of an arch.

By building regulations demolish the carrier external wall is prohibited, and the installation of an arch will allow you not to break the rules and add zest to the interior. Below we will describe how to make an arch in doorway.

If the arch will stand in a room with high humidity, you should purchase the appropriate drywall - its sheets are green. Regular material in conditions of high humidity it will lose its shape after a few years.

We build an arch with our own hands

An arch like this can be easily created in any room - in the kitchen, hallway or living room. If you have very little experience in finishing works, we invite you to make an arch with your own hands using step-by-step instructions and photos.

Prepare your tools in advance:

  • scissors for metal work;
  • knife;
  • roulette;
  • putty knife;
  • grater or grout;
  • carpenter's square;
  • pencil.

Materials:

  • drywall or wooden blocks
  • metallic profile;
  • plywood sheet;
  • self-tapping screws for drywall;
  • putty and plaster;
  • paper tape.

Also, do not forget about personal protective equipment - glasses and a respirator.

When everything for the work has been prepared and a place for the future arch has been chosen, the doorway should be measured. Considering the size of the opening, draw the desired arch shape on a sheet of drywall. This stage is the most critical, so you should approach it seriously. A curve of the desired radius can be drawn by screwing a self-tapping screw with a rope tied to it into the drywall. The length of the rope should be equal to the length of the radius. When the contours of the arch are drawn on a sheet of drywall, do not forget the old rule:

Seven times measure cut once.

Cut out the future arch along the contours using a jigsaw or a special hacksaw for drywall. Before cutting, carefully secure the sheet so that it does not move. Once the drywall is cut, it can be set aside. It's time to make the frame. As we remember, it is made from a metal profile or wooden beam. A profile frame is more suitable for brick walls, and bars for wooden ones.

Installation of a metal frame

In order to make an arch from plasterboard, first install its frame. Guides are cut from the profile required length and fixed on the wall as shown in the photo.

If the profile is attached to a concrete wall, you need to drill holes in it and hammer in dowels, into which screws are then screwed. For attaching the profile to wooden wall use self-tapping screws with a length of at least 4–5 cm. The optimal distance between them is 10–12 cm.

After securing the guides, measure a section of the profile for the lower edge of the arch. Since the arch has a curved shape, the profile section will also have to be bent. To do this, its sides are cut with metal scissors and carefully bent, each time trying it on the cut out part of the plasterboard arch. This process looks like this:

Next, the bent part is attached to the guides either directly or using direct hangers, as in the drawing below.

Hangers are needed to rigidly fasten the lower part of the arch. Next, the side parts of the arch, cut from plasterboard, are screwed to the frame. The most convenient way to do this is with a screwdriver.

Then, at several points, jumpers should be installed connecting both side walls of the arch.

Installation of a wooden frame

If you decide to make an interior arch from wood, then you first need to determine the thickness of the wooden blocks. Measure the width of the opening and subtract the thickness of the plywood and drywall from it, the resulting figure will be the thickness of the block. Using a jigsaw, cut out the sides of the arch from plywood.

Secure the entire structure with self-tapping screws. It should look something like this.

Installation of the lower part of the arch

After installing the side parts of the arch, it was time to sew up the opening from below. Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the bottom and draw it on the drywall. Since the lower part has a curved shape, the material will have to be bent. To do this, draw parallel lines across the strip with a pencil. The distance between them should be about 10 cm.

Cut the layer of paper along the lines with a knife. Attach the drywall to the bottom of the arch with the cuts facing up and, using smooth, slow movements, gradually shape it into the desired shape.

When bending drywall, do not apply too much force to avoid breaking the material.

Next, align the edges and secure the bottom with self-tapping screws.

After securing the bottom, use a knife to smooth out any uneven areas on the drywall.

Finishing the arch

To ensure that the joints and places where the screws are attached do not show through, they are glued over paper tape or masking tape. They are leveled with putty in several layers and each layer is sanded with an abrasive of the required grain size. For puttying use acrylic putty for interior work or special for drywall. Apply putty with a spatula and level with grout.

If in the process of breaking the doorway from concrete wall large pieces break off, use plaster. Unlike putty, it can be applied in a thick layer. After the plaster has dried, the surface is leveled with a thin layer of putty.

To prevent cracking, a mounting mesh is reinforced over the putty.

Lastly, a finishing layer of putty is applied to cover the mesh. After drying, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned. If the mesh is still visible after drying, apply another layer of material. The result should be a perfectly flat white surface.

Now the interior arch, made from plasterboard with your own hands, is ready for decorative finishing.

Examples of using arches in design

Check out the most successful and beautiful examples plasterboard arches in interior design.

A complex arch with shelves connects the room with a balcony.

Lamps are mounted in this arch between the room and the hallway. The result was a spacious and bright room.

In the next photo, the arch leads to the kitchen instead of a door.

In the hallway, all doors have been replaced with arches.

The photo clearly shows how the creation of an interior arch ennobles the room and emphasizes the beauty of the interior

Installing a prefabricated arch in a simple way - video