How to close the arch: installing an accordion-type folding door and other options. We make an arch in the doorway with our own hands: manufacturing options for the Arch in the doorway

In the field of interior design, the interior arch occupies a special place. Replacing the usual doorway, it can not only attract attention, but also become the main detail of the interior. The use of a beautiful arch in design is not uncommon for a long time; with its help, the interior acquires elegance and nobility.

Depending on the interior design, you can choose an arch in shape and design. Being subjected to stylistic transformations in various design directions, the arch itself invariably remains the main alternative to interior doors. With the help of the arch, openings are made not only in living rooms, but also in office and many other premises.

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Types and forms

Consider the types of interior arches:

  • Classic. The classic opening is a semicircle, the radius of which is equal to 1/2 of its width. This form is the embodiment strict elegance and purity of lines. The construction of this arch is possible only in a room with ceilings of 3 meters or more.

There is a version that the semicircle is a distinctive feature of the oriental and antique style, which can give weight and significance to the interior.

  • Arch-portal. This is a rectangular opening without doors, it does not require additional labor during installation, but it is not suitable for every room. This form will fit perfectly into a laconic, strict interior with a linear decor. All the effectiveness of the result depends on the materials chosen for the design.

One of the most spectacular examples is a portal made of wood with illumination along the vault.

  • Modern. This form is something between a classic and a portal. The vault of the arch is less round, but far from straight, its upper part being represented as a segment of a circle. The radius of curvature can be anything, the main requirement is that it does not exceed half the width of the portal itself.

Modern is suitable for decorating openings in rooms with low ceilings, for example, in apartments of typical high-rise buildings. The design gives the room an elegant, discreet look.

  • Ellipse. This form differs from the previous one only in a large radius of rounding of the corners. The elliptical model is the most versatile, it fits perfectly into absolutely any interior design and is appropriate for any ceiling height. The height and shape of the bend depends only on your wishes and the initial data of the room. Also, the elliptical arch is ideal in combination with columns.
  • Romance. The romantic design is a rectangular arch, rounded at the edges. It is ideal for decorating wide openings, as well as rooms with low ceilings. This form will look equally impressive both in a small, modest room, and in a spacious, made in the palace style.

  • Trapeze. Very custom solution the design of the doorway in the form of a trapezoidal arch is guaranteed to add exotic to your room. Competent presentation with the help of properly selected interior items, harmoniously combined with the shape and material of the arch, will cause genuine interest and delight. This arch is simple in execution and no less spectacular than rounded openings.

  • semiarca. A semi-arch is an example of asymmetric openings that combine 2 forms at the same time. For example, it can be portal and romance, portal and classic, portal and ellipse. The design of this shape is based on a quarter circle. Asymmetry will help to hide errors in the calculations if they occur during installation.

In addition, the non-standard shape will decorate the doorway, add sophistication to the room and allow you to realize any original idea.

  • Copyright. Thanks to a wide range of finishing materials, the arch can be made of absolutely any shape and bend. This solution is for those who want to make their home unique and inimitable.

Non-standard arches can have broken lines, combine several styles at the same time, be complemented by windows, lighting and other details.

  • Building features. During the construction of a private house, arched openings are designed and built initially, while in apartment buildings arches are the exception rather than the rule. It should be remembered that the arch is a curved ceiling between the supports and has a functional meaning: it bears the load of the wall.

When redevelopment of an apartment with the introduction of arches, their location is absolutely appropriate in the interior walls, if they are not load-bearing.

  • Arches in load-bearing walls. There is a jumper directly above the door frame, if the wall is load-bearing, then the jumper cannot be removed, this can lead to unpredictable consequences. In the bearing wall, the arch can only be in height and width of the doorway. In this case, the height of the opening cannot be increased, you can only expand it.
  • Arches in a panel house. The same applies to the use of an arch instead of a door in a panel house. Door openings in the panels are recesses made in advance in accordance with GOST and it is not recommended to violate the integrity of the panel.

In these two cases, romantic-style arches are made with a small corner radius, ellipsoidal or portal.

  • Arched opening in a solid wall. Converting a doorway into an arch is not difficult, but punching a passage in a solid wall where it never was is a very labor-intensive process. It is much easier to completely remove the partition wall and build a new one, with an opening.

The device of the arch and its design

The device directly depends on what tasks this design will perform:

Zoning of premises when dividing rooms

The interior arch is an elegant and stylish solution in open-plan zoning. It divides the dwelling into functional zones and is used if there is a need to visually divide the space. Arches, made to order or ready-made, are designed to mark the boundaries of two or more zones, but not to separate them, but to visually unite, thereby expanding the space.

Some rooms can do just fine without classic doors and only win if you replace them with an arched opening. Usually this is the kitchen and dining room, dining room and living room, living room and hallway, bedroom and living room. When they are combined, the space expands, the feeling of isolation disappears.

Bright accent in the overall design of the space

If you are the owner of a strict and concise interior in classical style or, on the contrary, furnished a dwelling in the Empire style, but you lack an unusual detail that can attract all the attention and amaze with luxury, the arch will help with this.

It should be rich, decorated with elegant stucco with floral ornaments running in an arc. If the arch is high, classical, it is better to order full-fledged columns of the Corinthian order, the most luxurious and majestic. The height of the Corinthian column is decorated with carved flutes. Its graceful capital with carved vine leaves and curls will become the most significant element in the interior.

For arches of a lower profile, romance, ellipse, modern and even semi-arches, columns of the most simple and devoid of frills Doric order will be a good choice. Its discreet architecture will nevertheless create an antique accent in the room.

Wanting to give the opening a major role in the decoration of rooms, it is distinguished due to the contrast of color or material, decorating with colored mosaics and enamel.

Elimination of defects during construction

If your room is ugly ceiling beams or ventilation pipes, they can be sheathed with drywall and complete the arch of a non-standard shape. In addition, in old houses it is often necessary to mask the unevenness of the ceilings and walls.

By hiding building defects under the arch, you will not only eliminate the imperfection of your interior, but also give it a new sound with the help of a non-standard beautiful design.

Utility purpose

If the arch is installed in bearing wall, its panels are quite wide, they make recesses that are used as bookshelves, as well as niches for decoration. In round arches with great depth, recesses are made, puffs are installed and places for recreation are organized.

Near the arch itself, a group of through windows is often built in, which increases the passage of light between rooms. The windows can be decorated with stained glass motifs or be transparent and serve as shelves for souvenirs and jewelry.

Dimensions

The parameters of the arches directly depend on the architectural specifics of the room. The width is limited by the preference of the owner, the height is determined only by the level of the ceiling. In a room with a height of 2.5-3.2 m, an arch with dimensions up to 2.2-2.6 m, respectively, will fit perfectly. However, these numbers are relative. It is not worth adjusting the arch to the very ceiling, it will ruin the whole look.

A small opening in a large, wide wall will create dissonance, so it is important to carefully measure the room and calculate the parameters of the future arch. It should organically fit into the interior.

materials

In the manufacture of arched structures, the following materials are used:

  • Brick. For the manufacture of a brick arch, it is necessary to mount a frame of reinforcement, drill holes in the wall and, having driven in metal pins, weld the frame to them. The whole process is very time-consuming and the output structure is heavy, therefore the “brick-like” finish, made from various types of artificial facing stone, is very popular.

  • Drywall. This material is versatile and malleable for the construction of round arches. The construction of any interior solutions from drywall is quick and easy to perform. The weight of such structures is small and will not give additional load on the wall. Moreover, it is a good solution for one-room apartments, in which there is not enough space for installing doors.

  • Tree. Often, when choosing a material for decorating an arched opening, they opt for wood. Designs made of this noble material will add status to your interior. Openings built of wood are very beautiful and durable.

Solid oak arches are a luxurious pleasure that you can do with your own hands, with a minimum skill of working with this beautiful material.

  • Laminated MDF. This material has rightfully gained wide distribution and gained consumer recognition due to its low cost, variety of textures and colors, attractive appearance. Also, laminated MDF is very practical and versatile. With its help, you can assemble complex structures, as well as order standard models. In addition, the ability to order products that are non-standard in size and configuration makes this material particularly attractive.
  • Veneered MDF and eco-veneer. The veneered MDF arch looks stylish and expensive, as the material conveys the texture and shades of solid wood as accurately as possible. It is made of MDF board and veneered with oak veneer. Possible shades: wenge, bleached oak, walnut, oak with patina, ivory. Eco-veneer arches are also beautiful in appearance and have high performance.

  • Polyurethane. Polyurethane is an elastic polymer that is widely used in decoration and construction. With high strength and resistance to external influences, it is durable, and most importantly, has a very low cost. This polymer allows you to make products from it with the maximum complexity of details, and in decorating arches it successfully replaces gypsum.

  • Plastic. Plastic products are very popular and allow you to repeat non-standard forms of arches, which are impossible without high costs make from wood. Plastic panels have not only a decorative function, but also a functional one. They protect the edges of the opening from damage and are moisture resistant, durable and fire resistant. Plastic, unlike other finishing materials, melts rather than burns.
  • Tile. A simple arched opening of a classical shape without any details, lined with tiles, is very effective. Particularly effective are tiles that imitate the surface and texture of stone. Its advantages: low cost, rich assortment of colors, moisture resistance and durability.

These are not all possible materials for the manufacture and design of arches, but the most common and spectacular.

How to make an arch with your own hands?

To make an arch with your own hands, you need to have a basic skill in working with building materials, pick up easy-to-install material and enlist competent instructions. Let's look at a simple and easy-to-use way to build an arch in your home.

Drywall arch

We will need:

  • Drywall of 2 types. For walls with a thickness of 12 mm and for arch arches - 6 mm.
  • Profile for racks 60x27 mm, and for the contour of the arch 28x27 mm.
  • Self-tapping screws and screwdriver.
  • Fiberglass mesh.
  • Putty.

Stages of work:

  • First you need to measure the opening into which the arch will be built. standard height doors 2 m, to build an arch, we need to raise the height of the arch to 2.5 m by removing part of the wall above the opening.
  • Many types of arches significantly reduce the opening, so in some cases it needs to be slightly expanded. We select in advance the shape of the arch, which will organically fit into the parameters of the room.
  • To do this, we attach paper above the door, on which we outline the height and bend of the arch. If the width is more than 120 cm, it would be better to make a slight bend by choosing the modern shape, with its small radius of curvature. If the width of the opening is greater, then it would be more correct to choose a romantic shape, it does not require raising the height and rounding its corners will be enough to decorate the arched opening.

  • Having measured the parameters of the opening and calculated the length of the radius, using a compass we draw a semicircle on drywall and cut it out with a jigsaw.
  • Then we build a frame from a bar or a metal profile.
  • We collect a rectangular opening and from the rack profile.
  • We sheathe the structure with drywall with a cut out circle using self-tapping screws, slightly melting their hats into the surface.
  • On the walls of the arched profile, we make cuts with scissors for metal every 3 cm. Then we fasten the profile along the arch arch to self-tapping screws, bending it in the shape of a semicircle. You need to do this from both ends.

  • Next, we make the jumpers of the vault. We measure the depth of the arch and subtract 1.5-2 cm. This will be the length of the jumpers.
  • We cut them from the profile and put them on self-tapping screws. Jumpers are necessary for the strength and stability of the structure.
  • From thin drywall, you need to cut out a part that will close the vault from below. This is a rectangle whose width is the length from one edge of the end to the other, that is, the depth of the arch.
  • We measure the length with a tape measure or a sewing measuring tape, from one lower point of the arch to the other.
  • The resulting sheet is also fastened to the screws.

The topic of this article is the manufacture of arched doors, their installation and the subtleties of these processes. We will talk about the types of doors with arches, note their varieties and features of each type. We will also provide advice on self-manufacturing entrance door in the form of an arch made of solid wood.

To date, arched openings of various shapes and styles are used in the construction and decoration of most premises. They are used as entrance and interior doors.

From all the variety doorways in the form of arches (see), the following classification can be made:

  • semicircular arches. They are the most common and are also divided into subspecies:
    1. Classic (semicircular) - they have an even radial shape.
    2. Ellipsoidal - performed in the form of an elongated oval.
    3. Modern - have intricate shapes with various protrusions.
    4. Romantic - in shape they are more like a rectangle, in which the upper edges are slightly rounded.
  • horseshoe arches. They are horseshoe shaped. They can have not only a smooth semicircle, but also an elongated pointed top. Most often, openings of this type are used to decorate rooms in national styles.
  • Gothic (lancet) arches. These structures have an elongated pointed shape, without smooth transitions.

What are arched doors

Arched doors have many varieties and are classified according to various factors: installation site, material of manufacture, design features

Types of arched doors at the installation site

There are two main categories here:

  1. Arched interior doors- located inside residential and other types of premises. Most often they are made of wood and have glazing. For glazing such structures, stained glass compositions are often used (see).
  2. Arched entry doors- are used mainly in the entrance groups of institutions: shops, organizations, shopping and entertainment centers. Made from plastic profile.

What are arched doors made of?

In view of the complexity of manufacturing this type of door leaf, the variety of material for their production is not very plentiful:

  1. Plastic. This material is used for the production of a profile from which not only entrance doors but also windows.
  2. An array of wood. Wooden door leafs in the form of arches are used for entrance groups in the private sector, as well as inside any type of premises.

Structural features of arched doors

Based on the characteristics of operation, the complexity of installation and the cost of the finished product, the following arched door structures can be distinguished:

  • Cloths that repeat one to one the contours of the opening. A feature of such doors is that their production takes a lot of time. They stand high enough. Such models are made of wood (see), since arched plastic doors made with a different technology.
  • Standard canvases with an arched part fixed above them. Such doors are somewhat cheaper, since the arcuate part of them is mounted separately and does not open together with the leaf. It also becomes possible to use not only hinged, but also sliding options for canvases.

Important! The height of the opening for such doors should be large enough. It is calculated by the formula: Vpr \u003d 210 cm + half the width of the opening.

  • Single leaf doors. They are usually used as interior, as well as input options for private houses and public places.
  • Double doors. For wide openings, it is advisable to use two doors. One of them can be fixed in the opening with a latch. Actual for entrance groups. In this case, more often the “working” part of the door is 2 times wider than the fixed one.

We make an arched door ourselves

Despite the complexity of manufacturing such canvases, it is possible to do this. Now you will see for yourself. We will learn how to make wooden arched entrance doors.

It is better to order the box part according to your size, and we will make the canvas with our own hands (see).

We prepare everything you need

First you need to prepare a tool, boards and improvised materials.

We will need:

  • Electric jigsaw with wood saws.
  • Electric milling cutter with two types of cutters: disk (for grooves) and cylindrical.
  • Sander with sandpaper of different grain sizes. Best of all - tape.
  • Boards, 5 centimeters thick.
  • Wedges made of wood.
  • Two small bars and 4 wood screws. The length of the screws should be 30mm more than the thickness of the bars.
  • Joiner's waterproof glue. Possibly PVA.

We make a blank for the arched part of the canvas

To make the arched part of the door leaf, we first need to measure the final width of the opening. That is, from the total width we subtract the thickness of the “box” part and the gap of 2 mm between the door and the opening (box).

After that, we perform the following work:

  • In order for the arch to turn out beautiful, its radius must be made equal to half the width of the doorway. Based on the width of the prepared boards, we calculate how many pieces they will need. Boards will be placed horizontally.

Important! Before you make an arched door, you need to choose well-dried boards. Since if they are raw, then the canvas will warp over time.

  • Now, using an electric mill, we make grooves for a tighter connection. To do this, we take a disk-groove cutter. We make grooves in such a way that the protruding part is about half the thickness of the board. That is - 2.5 millimeters. Likewise with the internal groove.
  • Next, we clean the entire surface of the grooves from dust and apply carpentry glue to them. After that, we connect all the boards and leave them to dry.

Important! In order for gluing to happen better, you need to take a board and attach pre-prepared bars to it with screws. The distance between the bars should be 10–20 mm greater than the width of the glued workpiece. Place the workpiece between the bars and open it with wedges.

Cut out a semicircle

For this operation, we recall the experience of installing plasterboard arches.

We use one of two options to outline the arched shape:

  1. If the arch has an even semicircle. We mark the middle of the blank at the bottom. Then we take a pencil and tie a non-sticky thread to it. Cut the thread exactly to the length of the radius of the arch. We attach one end of the thread to the mark and draw a semicircle with a pencil.
  2. If the shape of the arch (as in the photo) has an elongated semicircular or pointed shape, then we use a different method. It is very convenient to use a long metal ruler to delineate the boundaries of the bend contour. We also mark the middle and draw a line from it strictly vertically to the length of the radius of the arch. Next, put the ruler on the edge and bend it so that with one edge it touches the radius mark, and the other coincides with the edge of the workpiece. After that, draw a line with a pencil. On the other side, we do the same steps.

Important! Make sure that you get a symmetrical shape of the arched cutout.

Next, take a jigsaw and carefully cut the workpiece according to the markup. After that we take grinder with the largest skin and process the surface of our arched part of the door on both sides. After that, we repeat the grinding with a finer abrasive.

Now the most beautiful part of our door is ready. Arched-type interior doors can be decorated with the same elements. However, it is worth considering that glazed arches will be more elegant for interior spaces. And their manufacture requires carpentry skills.

Finishing the door panel

Now we have to make the rest of the door. It will be assembled according to the same principle as the previous part. The only difference will be that the boards will not be located horizontally, but vertically.

You should also provide a horizontal part at the very bottom of the canvas. This will help extend the life of the door.

As a result, our door leaf will consist of 3 parts:

  1. Horizontal bottom bar.
  2. Shield from vertical boards.
  3. Upper crossbar. She is the arched part.

After all 3 parts of the door are ready, we connect them using the spike method. To do this, we perform the appropriate operations with a milling cutter and put all 3 parts on glue. Do not forget to support the canvas with wedges.

The final stage is the treatment of the entire surface of the door with a protective agent and a finishing coating. For this, "Pinotex" or any other protection for the tree is suitable.

If the door is constantly on the sunny side, then it is not recommended to cover it with laminating coatings. In this case, it is better to use an ordinary colorless varnish for outdoor use.

The transformation of the interior of the premises is being done different ways. One of them is replacing the door with an arch. There are several technologies for its arrangement, but if you look in detail, then almost all of them are similar and quite feasible on their own. Moreover, it is possible to mount both purchased elements of the “arch” and those made independently.

Preparatory activities

Choosing an arch type

Experts recommend focusing on the height of the ceiling and the general style of finishing the room. There are several options for the execution of arched structures, but most of them reduce the opening due to the installation of a supporting frame by about 150 - 200 mm.

  • With low ceilings, it is hardly worth getting rid of interior doors. At the very least, it should be well thought out. The only possible option for finishing the opening after their dismantling is plastering followed by pasting (wallpaper, fabric) to match the walls. Building an arch in this way is quite simple; it is only necessary to correctly process the end parts of the passage. But this version of the design of the room has a significant disadvantage, and therefore does not suit everyone - the absence of a crate makes it impossible to install hidden spotlights in the opening.
  • In some articles on the subject of making an arch, there are recommendations for giving the desired geometry to the passage between rooms using cellular blocks, bricks, or the method of concreting. Not to mention the complexity of such work, it is worth considering the additional load on the floor. And since you still have to deal with the solution, then for an apartment - not the best option.

But if the decision is made, then you should take into account the features of the interior of the home. This will help to correctly determine the optimal type of arch.

  • Classical. The upper part is an arc with a constant radius (semicircle). It is relatively easy to make, as it has the correct geometry. But it is advisable to mount it only in the openings between rooms with high ceilings.
  • "Modern", "Romatica" are well suited for multi-storey buildings. The last type of arches has a large width, and therefore are recommended for installation in the opening leading from the hall to the hallway.
  • "Portal". The fundamental difference from others is that it is a rectangular arch. It is advisable to install it in private buildings. In relation to the apartment, it looks great, but only if the style of the room is dominated by straight lines. A significant advantage of this design is that it is mounted without much difficulty, even in the absence of skills.
  • "Ellipse" and "Trapeze" have a more original shape. Deciding how to make an arch in doorway according to one of these schemes, it is worth considering that the correctness of the geometry largely depends on the accuracy of calculating the parameters of all elements and radii (angles).

There are other design options for openings: Venetian, Florentine, with "shoulders" and a number of others. But it is so difficult to build an interior arch of any of these varieties that you should not choose them for self-assembly.

Material selection

  • Frame. There are only two options here - wooden slats and metal profiles. It is more difficult to work with the first ones, especially if the vault has a geometry with changing parameters. Bending wood is not only a complex process, but also a long one. In addition, the tree absorbs moisture well, is prone to drying out, and therefore deformation cannot be avoided. In this regard, a door arch assembled on a metal frame is more durable and reliable.

  • Facing. Panels made of plastic or chipboard with lamination look great, besides, they do not require further finishing. The downside is that it is difficult to choose their shade for a specific interior; besides, such an arch will be more expensive. It is better to use elements from fiberboard, plywood (small thickness) or gypsum board. Work with data sheet materials(cutting, bending) is much easier. Plus, the finish can be made any, at your discretion.
  • Must have experience working with wood. It is difficult to bend and, in some cases, process. For example, the selection of grooves, quarters without special tools and fixtures is not done.
  • Lumber still needs to be properly selected. First of all, by breed. Each is different characteristic features, and the use largely depends on the specifics of the room in terms of microclimate.

Operating procedure

  1. Dismantling door frame. The opening must be completely cleared; not only from the frame with the sash, but also from sealing / insulating materials.

  1. Markup. There is one caveat to note at this point; the ends of the wall must be strong. And therefore, if it does not meet this requirement in a separate area, you will have to think about either strengthening it (for example, with a corner), or additional sampling of a part of the material with subsequent alignment. But in the latter case, the size of the opening will increase. This is typical for houses made of wood, if it is found that rot has developed on a beam (log).

  • Dimensions should be taken at several levels. Even if the skew is visually and imperceptible, then when the door arch is mounted with your own hands, difficulties may arise.
  • Many discrepancies raise the question of what to do first - draw up a drawing of the arch or determine the dimensions of the opening. Here it is worth focusing on local specifics. If the material of the walls is easy to process, then it is not difficult to expand the opening. Otherwise, the design parameters will have to be “customized” to fit it.
  1. Support frame attachment. It is assembled in several stages.
  • Arrangement of the main circuit. In accordance with the drawing, all external rails of the vertical installation are “fastened” to the wall.
  • Fastening "vault". Additionally, the upper part of the arch is fixed with hangers, which are located symmetrically across the entire width of the opening.

  • Strengthening the frame. For this, transverse elements are used that are installed along the arch along its entire profile. Approximately - 50 ± 10 cm apart. For GCR, a maximum is also sufficient (about 55 - 60), but if the lining is done with a board, then the interval should be reduced to 45 - 50.
  • Closing gaps. In fact, this is one of the ways to insulate the opening. Depending on the material of the wall and frame, the appropriate agent is selected - mortar, mounting foam, putty or otherwise.

  1. Wiring. As a rule, all arched openings are highlighted. That is why the lines are mounted even before the frame is finished.
  1. Structural cladding. The specifics of fixing the skin elements depends on their material. But they are attached to the rails of the metal profile with self-tapping screws; the easiest and most convenient way. It is only necessary to outline the location of the holes and drill channels for the hardware.


  1. Finishing the arch
  • Putty application. This is necessary to smooth out the roughness.
  • Soil treatment. Such products simultaneously increase the water-repellent properties of the base and the adhesion of the material.
  • Strengthening the finish (if necessary). The edges of the GKL are reinforced with a small corner (made of plastic, with perforation), the surface itself is reinforced with a reinforcing mesh that is glued.
  • Reapplication of putty and primer.
  • Grinding.
  • Finish coating. Possible options– paints and varnishes, decorative films, veneer, wallpaper, stucco, mirrors. There are no stereotypes - your own imagination will tell you what kind to give the opening.

In principle, the process of mounting and finishing the arch for an economic man is not difficult. And if we take into account in advance such a moment as the maintainability of the structure, then they will not arise in the future.

It is far from always necessary to separate rooms with closing doors, sometimes it is much more preferable and more beautiful than an open opening in which a spectacular door arch is built with your own hands.

Beautiful do-it-yourself arch

The passage from the hallway to the living room or from the library to the office can look much more original than a regular door leaf hung on metal hinges, regularly requiring lubrication from the squeak. In particular, the opening can be left completely open, which will provide convenience, due to the absence of obstacles, and give aesthetic completeness to any design. Proponents of monumentality for the construction of the arch usually choose brick, because it can be used to finish the opening with a hint of the Middle Ages, with a keystone and other related touches.

However, more practical people prefer simplicity and efficiency, preferring chipboard and drywall. That's just from the last arch with your own hands can be made the fastest, but how - this master class will tell you. First you need to decide what type of arch you want to see in interior wall(this can be not only a door, windows can also be made in the same style). There are 4 main options: classic, modern, ellipse and portal.

The first type includes arches, the upper curved part of which is a regular semicircle. The second type in its upper part looks like a small segment of a semicircle, the radius of which is much more than half the width of the opening. The elliptical version does not require any extra comments, it resembles an egg in shape. And the portal is an ordinary opening, only slightly larger than the standard size and ennobled with decorative trim. However, we will consider the usual classical type.

How to make an arch with your own hands - practical instruction

The most common and easily processed material today is drywall, it is from it that we will build an arched structure. It is most convenient to do this in the gap between the two walls, where the opening is completely absent, that is, the entire clearance from floor to ceiling is available. In extreme cases, before making an arch in the wall with your own hands, in a house or apartment, you can hollow out a wall above the opening, at the same time expanding it as much as possible. The thing is that we need space for mounting aluminum profiles. Having determined the scope of work, we make an arch with our own hands in order to ennoble the passage between the rooms.

Do-it-yourself massster class arch - step by step diagram

Step 1: Markup

We measure on inside opening from both edges a distance equal to the thickness, we put marks near the ceiling and near the floor.

With the help of a plumb line and a coated thread, we beat off the lines between the markers. We perform the same operation on the ceiling and floor. If the arch is located in the corner of the room, and one side of it is a transverse wall, we transfer the markings to it indicating the thickness of the drywall sheet.

Step 2: Mounting the rails

Along the lines made with an indent under the skin, we fasten with self-tapping screws aluminum profiles on the walls and ceiling, if necessary, leaving a gap for wiring.

During installation, the markings made earlier should remain on the outside of each of the two rows of guides. The vertical details should be duplicated, you will need the "copies" later.

Step 3: Determining the Width of the Arch

On the floor, we measure the required distance from the wall opposite the vertical profiles and put marks on which we then draw a transverse line. This operation is carried out on both sides of the opening. Further, according to the markup, we fasten short profile trimmings to the floor, the length of which should correspond to the distance between the lines along which the vertical guides are screwed.

Step 4: Installing the frame profile

We insert the prepared parts into the trimmed on the floor, identical to the guides mounted on the wall earlier.

The difference is only in the position, we turn the frame metal profiles by 90 degrees, with mounting surfaces to the premises. We fix each with two screws.

At the top, we fix it to a horizontal rail screwed to the ceiling.

Be sure to use a plumb line and a level so that every detail of the frame is level.

Step 5: Trim one side

On top of the resulting structure, we fix drywall sawn to size with self-tapping screws, vertical strips are mounted on the sides, for which waste can be used. If there is not enough material for the upper part, you can use a narrow fragment under the ceiling or directly above the opening.

Step 6: Making a compass from improvised means

You most likely do not have at hand (and there is no way to get) a class teacher's compass, which is usually used in geometry lessons to draw circles with chalk on a blackboard. Therefore, we propose to make this tool on our own just for our case.

We measure half the width of the opening (we put a marker on the edge of the drywall) and get the radius of the future arched arc. Now we take a rail of a slightly longer length and screw a self-tapping screw from one end a centimeter from the edge. We screw the second same screw exactly at the previously measured distance, determining its position using a construction tape measure.

Step 7: Marking the Arch

If you put a marker by measuring half the width of the span, you can immediately proceed to drawing the arch line, otherwise we apply the tape measure again and find the desired point. A centimeter above the edge, we stick one self-tapping screw of our compass, and with the second we draw an arc from the upper corners of the portal.

Step 8: Shaping the Arch

Using a hacksaw (manual or electric), we cut the drywall along the line and get an arched passage.

It remains to strengthen it, for which we measure the length of the arc from the sawn-off fragment with a construction tape measure and take a profile of the same size (for the speed of the process - a couple). Every 5 centimeters we make cuts in the guides and carefully bend one of the parts along our arch, successively screwing it with screws.

We fasten the curved part to the ceiling profiles with two guides of the appropriate length.

On sides attaching drywall strips

Another fragment, cut along the length of the arc, is abundantly moistened and treated with a needle roller on both sides.

We pause for a few minutes so that the material is slightly saturated with moisture. Then we set the previously cut one vertically, put a strip on it, and it itself slowly bends under its own weight.

When the process stops, we gently help with light pressure on the ends, after which we let the material dry a little and screw it onto the bend of the arch.

In no case should drywall be allowed to soak strongly, since there is a high probability of internal or external defects.

Do-it-yourself arch installation - original solutions

A less common type is a semi-arch, when half of the arc in the highest part rests against the wall. It can be either classic or elliptical, or completely irregular shape. There is an option called "romance", these arches resemble portals, but have rounded upper corners. Also, those who want something original install trapezoidal arches between the rooms, the upper part of which has the shape of a corresponding geometric figure.

And, finally, a rather curious version of the eastern arch is quite rare, when the upper part of the opening sharply expands into a horizontally oriented oval or ellipse. Do-it-yourself arch installation is possible, whichever option you choose, although the classic one is the most easily doable. However, upon completion of the installation of the structure, you can continue to work, this time in the direction of design.

To finish the arched openings today there are many ready-made solutions, for example, wooden or plaster trim, half-columns for the sides of the opening. You can decorate with tiles, artificial or natural stone(if the construction is made of drywall, it is advisable not to abuse the cladding, in order to avoid deformation). Also on the inside of the arch, you can mount small shelves for flower pots or figurines.

How to make an arch with your own hands? This question worries many who dared to make the design of the interior opening on their own.

A do-it-yourself door arch made with your own hands will make you proud of yourself, thereby allowing you to bring something original and unique into the interior of a room or bedroom. Despite the fact that many beginners are tormented by vague doubts, in fact there is nothing terrible in this work, the main thing is desire. If you have one, our detailed work plan will help you!

What is an arch and its varieties

The arch is an ancient architectural element that is increasingly being used as an interior decorative element input or interior door More specifically, a doorway. The arch is a universal opening in the wall, which is able to give "volume" to a small room, and at the same time, zone an apartment of a small square.

Taking into account the wishes of the owners of the home, thanks to the arches, designers can turn various ideas into reality by giving the doorway different kind. Today modern materials allow you to give the arches a different geometric shape, as well as to form intricate vaults. Most often, for the manufacture of arches and their cladding, they use:

  • Brick.
  • Wooden bar.
  • plywood.
  • Tiles.
  • GKL, etc.

The structure of the arch is a support for partitions and walls. But, since in high-rise buildings the doorways are not load-bearing, the only requirement that is put forward for them is to withstand their own weight (with a finishing finishing material). If the wall is load-bearing, the material must be selected according to external loads.

Any version of the arch, which is mounted instead of a door, performs an exclusively decorative function. The frame of the structure can even be made from a light profile for fiberboard or chipboard, and a wooden bar can also be used. Only important point- reliable fixation of the partition so that the decor does not fall off and does not deform after a few days.


As we noted, the design of the house can be beautifully supplemented with an arch, because there is a huge variety of its forms. They can be made in a classic or romantic style. Modern is also often used. No less popular is the elliptical shape, trapezoid, "portal" and many others.

The first example is made as a regular semi-arch, in the form of a semicircle. On last photo you can observe a square interior opening, called the "portal". This design method is performed with strict observance of rectangular outlines. All other samples are intermediate variations between the two basic forms.

But, these are not all options. You can also experiment with side supports, use curved posts, etc. You can finish the shape and decorate it in different styles, the main thing is that the passage harmoniously fits into home interior. In some apartments, the classics and a round, correctly bent vault look great, in others - portals, it all depends on the taste preferences of the owners. Pay attention to the advice of experienced finishers:

  1. Classic arches are best done in apartments with high ceilings, at least 3 m.
  2. In panel-type high-rise buildings, it is better to frame the doorway in modern style.
  3. It is preferable to decorate wide doorways from the corridor to the hall in a romantic style, for which wide racks are selected.
  4. The finishing of the “portal” opening goes well with the interior of the room, which uses clear lines. "Portal" is ideal for houses that are made of clapboard, logs or timber. This combination is very elegant and harmonious.

What materials can be used to form arches?


To make an arched vault, you need to stock up on the following material:

  • Drywall sheets.
  • Plywood.

It is worth noting that it is best to sheathe the frame with drywall sheets, because in the future it can be decorated with different decorative materials. But, if you need to create a more sophisticated shape, choose plywood sheets, as it bends better. The preparation of the arched frame is formed from:

  • Metal profile.
  • Wood beams.

But, for the construction of the arch, you can also take concrete, aerated concrete and brick, which are decorated with a finishing material. Despite the fact that such structures are solid, it is forbidden to build them in high-rise buildings due to their heavy weight. It is also forbidden to make a metal door frame, which, moreover, will cost a pretty penny. And how to make an arch in an apartment with your own hands from metal? After all, this is a very laborious process that requires the use of specialized devices. That is why drywall is the most acceptable material for finishing apartments.

How to make an interior arch. Step by step instructions (video)

How to make an arch out of wood?

Do-it-yourself wooden arch, more precisely wooden frame, formed without much effort. But, in addition to wood blocks, sheets of plywood will also come in handy. The first thing to do is to measure the width of the passage, subtract the thickness of the materials, after which we get optimal thickness wooden beams. Then an arc is drawn on plywood, which is cut out with a jigsaw.

Subsequent installation is carried out with self-tapping screws (5 cm), which fix the bars to plywood. The arch in the doorway is also fixed with self-tapping screws, which are screwed in at a distance of 15 cm. The final stage- fixing the 2nd wall of plywood and its subsequent sheathing with sheets of drywall. Note that you need to fix drywall sheets with special self-tapping screws for working on drywall.

We mount an arch from plywood

How to make an arch with your own hands from wood without using natural material? Today it is not difficult, because the tree can be replaced with plywood. To correctly calculate the number necessary materials, including fittings, the first thing experienced finishers do is create a sketch.


To work with plywood, you will need such a handy tool:

  • Jigsaw (or hacksaw).
  • Drill.
  • Screwdriver.
  • Sandpaper.
  • Finishing accessories.

Since plywood is a fairly unique material that allows you to create original and unusual shapes, you need to work with it, following the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Measure the doorway and note how big the arch will be.
  2. Then you need to cut the strip and carefully process it.
  3. The resulting strip is slightly moistened and left for a while.
  4. After the manipulations done, the plywood will be pliable and will easily take the necessary shape.
  5. The prepared bar is bent in the right way and immediately inserted into the required doorway, carefully fixed and spacers are installed in the corners.

Formation of an arch from plywood. After the canvas is installed, you need to wait a bit until the sheet is completely dry and takes its final form. At the next stage, you can act in two scenarios:

  • Form inserts from wooden bars and sew up the surface with drywall.
  • take advantage mounting foam by filling in the voids.

Plasterboard arch installation

Working with drywall, like with plywood, is very similar and does not cause difficulties, but it is cheap. If you have the opportunity to build walls and form an arch at the same time, this way you can finish the job as quickly as possible. Before forming an arch, you need to gradually prepare the surface, namely:

  • Dismantle the old door panel, decorative overlays, platbands and other accessories.
  • Close up all the damage on the walls to avoid trouble in the future.
  • Get tools.
  • Draw up a detailed work plan and sketch.

You can install a drywall arch in different ways, then we will describe each method in more detail. The first option is the most popular:

  • Take 2 sheets of drywall, one of which is cut in half.
  • A U-shaped frame is formed in the doors using a metal profile.

  • One segment is fixed on the frame, having previously marked it into 2 equal parts and marking the center.
  • A hole is drilled in the rail from the edge and in the center. The distance between them should be equal to the middle of the arc of the formed arch. To do this, determine what distance will be observed between the edges of the semicircle.
  • Then a curved line is applied, with the help of which the hole in the middle of the rail is connected to the center of the segment of the drywall sheet, which is fixed on the frame. Immediately it is worth checking whether the height of such an opening is suitable.
  • Then the sheet is removed and the excess is cut off, after which it is again fixed to the frame.
  • The second sheet of drywall is installed on the opposite side. Taking the corner and the first segment (like a stencil), transfer the dimensions of the arc. Next, cutting the arc and fixing it is repeated in the same way.
  • After the work done, a void is obtained in which the frame is mounted. To do this, the profile is cut and bent. The resulting structure is fixed to the racks and drywall. It is also worth installing jumpers for reliability and structural strength.

  • Next, the necessary strip is cut out, bent, and deep cuts are made from the inside. It is necessary to fix without haste, with gentle movements.
  • That's it, the arch is formed. The only thing left to do is to paste over the wallpaper or paint it in the desired colors.

The second way is much more difficult. The masonry is formed using the following technology:

  • Pieces of drywall are fixed from the corners on both sides with a mixture of PVA glue and water.
  • Drywall is cut so that each next fragment is smaller than the previous one.
  • Work continues until the smallest fragment is installed.
  • Self-tapping screws or anchors are used as additional fixation.

It's just preparatory process. Further it will be even more difficult. The next step will require plaster and putty. Large expansions and other defects are sealed with plaster, and a smooth arc is created with a putty mortar. This is a rather painstaking work that requires a firm and experienced hand of the master, so it is better for a beginner to immediately purchase template blanks.

Step-by-step instruction

If you decide to install the arch in the hallway, in the kitchen or on the balcony, follow the recommendations below:

  • Dismantle old door and platbands.
  • Expand the doorway to the desired size.
  • Trim the walls and close up any defects.
  • If the design is backlit, run the wiring.
  • Take all measurements in different places to minimize errors.
  • For uneven walls, choose the depth of the arch in the thickest place.
  • Do not be too lazy to make a life-size sketch (this will allow not only to install the arch as accurately as possible, but also to pre-evaluate how the arch will look like).
  • You need to start work on installing the supporting frame in the following sequence:
  • Along the perimeter of the doorway, create the main contour from the profile and fix it on the wall.
  • Fix the frame system.

  • Set the vertical guides indented from the plane of the interior surface by the thickness of the drywall and add 2 mm to the data (the margin is made for plaster).
  • The plaster surface must be rolled out to maximum evenness.
  • To create a semicircle from the profile, cuts are made on it in increments of 5-7 cm.
  • When an ideal curve is formed from the profile, it is installed in the right place and fixed to the frame.
  • For greater strength, the arc must be fixed with several hangers to the horizontal upper guide.
  • Then install the crossbars in increments of 40-60cm.
  • The result should be a structure of metal profiles in the form of an arch for further plating.

Finishing

When the arched frame is ready and sheathed, finishing work can begin. To do this, you need to glue the edges and joints of materials with specialized paper tape or fiberglass mesh. You will also need to apply putty, at least 3 layers, and sand the structure. After you are convinced of the reliability of the formed structure, you can proceed by following some of the recommendations below.

To do all the finishing work, you need to purchase acrylic putty, which is designed for internal works. But, mind you, it is better to act with a special mass for drywall. Before use, the putty mass is thoroughly stirred until smooth.


When starting work, put on gloves and other personal protective equipment! The putty is applied in linear motion with a rectangular spatula. In addition to filling all the irregularities and joints of materials with putty, it must also be applied to the caps of self-tapping screws so that their edging does not show through. Similar actions are carried out until the surface becomes perfect.

After puttying, you can start gluing the joint and edges to remove all kinds of irregularities and give the material strength. To do this, you can take a fiberglass mesh or paper tape, it all depends on your preference (both options are good). Cut off a fragment of the grid and place it on the joint (in the very center), pressing it with your fingers into the still not dried putty. Check that the tape is securely fixed and that there are no wrinkles.


After all the joints are processed with a mesh, you can cover the curved parts of the arch with it. You need to do the work in a similar way. When the mesh forms folds during the processing of arcuate sections, they can be leveled by cutting the canvas with a sharp knife.

After drying, the putty will become snow-white. This will be a signal that you need to take sandpaper and go smooth the surface. But, work carefully, do not remove too much putty so as not to expose the mesh. For this work, use a respirator, because during the grinding of the surface there will be a lot of dust, which is very harmful to human lungs.

When all 3 layers of putty are applied and the surface is cleaned, you need to wait about 12 hours for the structure to dry completely. Work again with fine grit sandpaper to achieve a perfect surface. That's all, you can decorate the surface.

Arch decoration

It doesn’t matter at all what material you used to install the arch, because even a do-it-yourself brick arch needs final decoration. To decorate the door arched vault, you can use the following techniques:

  • Painting to match the walls.
  • Sheathing with wood blocks (as an option, laminate, siding, etc. are often used for this).
  • Wallpapering.
  • Use fake diamond based on gypsum.
  • Decorate the structure with mirrors or mosaics (for mosaics, you can use small pebbles, corks, glass, etc.).
  • Use foam molding or surface painting.

Important! Try not to overdo it, so as not to clutter up the passage and mix incongruous. It should be noted that sometimes regular painting to add elegance.

As you can see, there are a lot of options for finishing decoration, for which you can use not only natural materials. It all depends on the idea of ​​the designer and the wishes of the owners, as well as the general style of the room. The classic additional interior can be supplemented with stucco molding, fabrics, so that everything harmoniously blends together. The decoration of the columns looks no less concise if clinker is glued on them.

Ready-made arched kits


If you are not confident in your own abilities, and the training video lessons from the Internet are not entirely clear to you, you can make your life much easier by buying a ready-made kit for forming an arch. Similar kits can be made from different materials, have different design, color, design and texture, which will allow each person to find the most suitable option. The most suitable option is a set of fiberboard or MDF. Such materials are very similar to wood, but are less difficult to process and install. In a ready-made standard kit interior arch is included.

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