Master of Architecture, graduated from the Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

In an effort to move away from generally accepted standards and give the interior elegance, the owners of apartments and country houses change the usual doors to arches. This is no longer new, but to this day a popular design highlight. The arch in the doorway is bought ready-made or made by hand. It comes in a variety of configurations, so it allows you to implement any idea.

Forms of arched openings

Interior door arches are selected not only on the basis of taste preferences, but also depending on certain parameters: ceiling height and. Structures are made of plasterboard, wood, MDF, PVC. Drywall is easiest to work with, 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 on the basis of this they are subdivided into several varieties:

After taking a closer look at your interior and choosing the desired arch model, you can start phased implementation work.

Step-by-step instructions for self-manufacturing

In order not to spend extra money on finished goods, you can do the decoration of the arched opening yourself. To do this, you need to follow a clearly established scheme.

Taking the necessary measurements

Any construction process requires accuracy, which is achieved by preliminary taking measurements. You need to start from the opening itself, so measure the width and height of it first. 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 execute it in classic style, then pre-align the walls. V otherwise the design will look ugly. Remove all defects from vertical surface you can putty or plaster using beacons.

Structural framing

To make the installation of the frame, you should perform a number of sequential steps:

1. Along the lines of the opening with dowels, a contour of metal profile... The vertical guides are installed indented from the surface of the interior wall. The size of the indent 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.

   For the frame device, two profiles are installed in parallel

3. Having finished working with the profiles, we take up the installation of the first sheet of drywall. If its thickness is 1.25 cm, then it is recommended to fasten it with 3.5x35 self-tapping screws. If the thickness of the gypsum board is not more than 0.95 cm, use smaller screws.

   Drywall is fixed with self-tapping screws

4. Sheathe the other side of the frame with drywall.

   

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

   An arched arc is made from the profile

6. Install and fasten the arcuate profiles to the main frame.

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

7. In order for the arcs to be securely fixed, they are attached with hangers to a straight rail located on top. The number of suspensions depends on the width of the opening. Usually three pairs are sufficient.

   

8. In increments of 0.4-0.6 m, attach reinforcing crossbars around the frame perimeter, 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 sheathed with plasterboard or plywood.

If it is assumed that the columns of the arches will not be too large in thickness, then 2 arcs can be changed to a wide profile. Cutting and folding is done in the same way. Only in this case, the installation of crossbars is not required.

Sometimes, instead of a metal profile, they use wooden slats... At the same time, the frame installation technology does not change significantly.

Plasterboard bending

After installing the frame, they are taken for the bending of the gypsum board. Experts recommend using drywall designed specifically for arched structures. He easily accepts the desired shape if the material is washed in the longitudinal direction.

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

Bending fabrication scheme

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

The dry method refers to the application on seamy side GKL cuts parallel to each other. The cut goes deep into the sheet, affecting the outer cardboard layer and gypsum. The cardboard layer on the front side remains intact.

With the dry method, the bending of the positioning element takes the correct shape. At the same time, it is important to know that it is better to cut the gypsum board with an electric jigsaw, and not with a hacksaw. Then the edges will not be torn.

Rough frame sheathing

If the bend was performed wet method, then first of all it is necessary to wait until the drywall sheet is completely dry. The fixation of the material is carried out 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 sheathing drywall sheet are cleaned. 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 even, you need to finish the arched structure. First, a primer is applied, and after it dries, a putty. Fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce the second layer and strengthen the corners..

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 up, after which you can start cleaning the irregularities with sandpaper. With a well-done work, the surface will be without roughness, irregularities, the caps of the self-tapping screws will not be visible in it.

Methods for finishing arches

Those who want to finish the arches on their own will have to work hard, cutting out each detail separately. However, many do not look for difficulties and choose an easy way - they acquire factory structures from prefabricated elements.

Prefabricated and prefabricated pads

Factory-made overlay is of two types: wood and foam.

Styrofoam elements

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

1. Fast installation. Installation speed is much higher than arched structures made of plywood or gypsum board.
2. Low price.
3. Easy transportation. Polyfoam is a fairly light material, so you do not need to hire movers to deliver the product to your home.
4. Low weight. Arches of this type can be installed even on very weak structures.
5. Various shapes.

Foam arches are recruited from ready-made elements and trimmed in place to fit the size of the opening

Negative sides arched structures made of polystyrene are: fragility, toxicity, 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 of natural wood, MDF, chipboard or plywood

Arched elements are also made from inexpensive MDF, laminated chipboard, plywood faced with veneer. The desired option is selected individually based on the taste and thickness of the wallet.

Wooden elements are ordered according to the catalog, and then cut to length before installation.

Mounting wooden structures is simple. In hardware 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 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 recognized:

1. Simple staining... The arch will look elegant and complete if it is simply painted in white, brown or to match the walls. This finish is often complemented by decorative elements, backlit.

   Monochrome painting looks great in combination with backlighting

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

   Wallpaper highlighted slopes - a very stylish design move

3. Finishing with wooden, plastic clapboard. The method guarantees not only an excellent aesthetic appearance, but also ensures the durability of the structure, its protection from moisture and mechanical damage.

   The clapboard option is great for interiors with wall decoration from the same material

4. Decorative plaster... The surface of the arch is beautiful, embossed and durable. True, this finish sometimes needs to be restored, and it requires some maintenance.

   This method looks especially advantageous in deep arches.

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

   The ragged edges of the arch can become a highlight of any interior.

6. Cork- it is quite expensive, but ecologically clean material... It is easily susceptible to mechanical damage, therefore, to prolong its service life, it is recommended to cover the cork with wax.

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

   
   
   

The doorway will look more aesthetically pleasing if you arrange it in the form semicircular arch... You can make it out of drywall yourself, without resorting to the services of professional builders.

Arch markings

A significant disadvantage of this design is the reduction in the size of the doorway. To see if the arch will fit well into a particular doorway, it is best to first cut a blank out of paper or cardboard and fasten it above the door. If the height of the opening is less than 2.5 m, it may be necessary to reduce the bend of the arch or make small bends only at the corners of the arch.

Installation of an arch with a small bending radius

To draw the upper part of the arch on the blank, we will use compass... You can make it from improvised means: a self-tapping screw or an awl fixed in the center of a circle, a thread and a pencil. Pulling the thread evenly, draw the required arc. The longer the length of the thread, the flatter the arch will be.

Draw a circle

You can also make a compass from trimming a metal profile

Drywall cutting

1. First, cut through the first layer of cardboard and the gypsum core. To do this, apply a ruler to the intended line, and draw along it several times with a sharp knife or file for metal.

Cutting through the first two layers

2. To finally break the gypsum core, the drywall is placed on the edge and the cut point is lightly tapped. If the part to be cut has a small width, you can break the plaster by simply pushing on the edge of the sheet.

Cutting the second layer

4. To remove roughness along the edge of the cut, it is processed sandpaper or rasp.

Important! For perfect joining of sheets along the edges of drywall with a sharp knife, remove chamfer 45 °.

Chamfering

Cutting blanks for the upper arch

The most convenient way to work with jigsaw or a special plane for drywall... With the help of them, you can cut any shapes out of drywall. Moreover, with this method, gypsum practically does not generate dust, and the resulting edges require almost no additional processing.

Jigsaw cutting

You can also trim curly edges using drywall knife saw-shaped or fine-toothed metal files... However, this will take some skill. A knife or a file is carried out along the marked line so that the blade penetrates as deeply as possible into the sheet. In this case, the tool must go strictly perpendicular to the surface. Next, tap the cut point with a hammer, if necessary, draw a knife over it several more times.

Cutting with a plasterboard saw

Then cut through reverse side of the sheet, on which traces of knife pressure are already visible. Then the excess pieces are cut off, and the edges of the sheet are trimmed with sandpaper. If the cut line is large enough, it is better to cut the sheet inside the outline into segments.

To receive holes(for example, for mounting lamps or sockets), you can use an electric drill with a crown-shaped attachment.

Drill bit

Cutting and bending metal guides

Aluminum rails are cut with conventional scissors for metal... To attach the upper part of the arch, you will need a special arched profile... You can buy it in the store or do it yourself.

To bend the profile on it are made incisions... The distance between them depends on the bend radius - the larger it is, the more often the notches should be made. For bending, it is better to choose an L-shaped profile - it will be much easier to work with it, and you will have to make cuts only on one side.

Profile bending

Drywall bending

For the device of the arch, you can purchase arched drywall ... It is more plastic and, since its thickness is less than ordinary sheets, it bends easily. However, buying a whole sheet is quite expensive. Some stores sell such material not in sheets, but in pieces, which is very convenient. If there is no way to purchase a small piece, you can also bend an ordinary drywall sheet.

Thin arched drywall bends easily, but costs more

There are two ways to do this: wet and dry. In the first case, in order for moisture to better penetrate deep into the sheet, the drywall blank should be rolled before flexible needle roller.

Before bending, the workpiece is rolled with a needle roller.

Further the sheet evenly moistened with water and laid on a curved surface that repeats the shape of an arch, pressing down with a load. The workpiece dryer can be cut from drywall or plywood residues.

Wet bending

Important! With any method of bending, it should be borne in mind that drywall bends well only along the length of the sheet.

At dry bending cuts are made along the entire length of the fold. Moreover, the larger the bending radius, the more often such notches should be applied. This can be done quickly with a grinder, however, since a lot of gypsum dust is formed in this process, it is better to do the work outdoors.

Dry bending drywall

Installing the frame

After dismantling the door frame, the surface is cleaned of peeled plaster, dust and dirt and knocks down all irregularities. Further, on the sides of the doorway, using self-tapping dowels with a step of 20-30 cm, they are fixed two rack metal profiles... In this case, 11-12 mm should be retreated from the edge for mounting drywall and applying putty. If the width of the opening is large (more than 1 m), between the two guides are attached lintels... Small sections of profiles connecting the two side guides are also mounted in the lower part of the opening. They should rest on the floor.

At the top of the doorway are mounted two arched profiles... If necessary, they are also connected with jumpers.

Fastening the upper part of the profile

Fastening a profile with jumpers

The sections of the profile are fastened together with self-tapping screws.

Fastening drywall

The very first self-tapping screws with a pitch of 25-35 cm blanks for the upper semicircle of the arch are attached. Their width should be equal to the width of the doorway plus 10-15 mm. Self-tapping screws should not be fastened too close to the corners - it is necessary to indent 1-1.5 cm, otherwise cracks will appear at the attachment points.

Plasterboard installation

Fixing corners

Important! So that the screws do not stick out above the surface, they should be sunk into the sheet by a couple of millimeters. In the future, the holes from them are covered with putty.

The finished structure is plastered with a wide trowel at the beginning starting, and then finishing putty ... The solution is applied to inner side arches, and then, after it is completely dry, on the side walls. At the joints of drywall, to protect the solution from cracking, it is attached with a putty painting net.

After the installation is completed, the arch is covered with putty

Attaching the painting net

Arches are an architectural element that has existed since time immemorial. But in spite of all their archaism, the arches are able to add zest to the modern.

Now you can mount drywall sheets - from both sides.

Construction of the arch vault

Getting started building 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 portal arch, there are several more types:

• Classic arch or Romanesque(vault in the form of a semicircle);
• Art Nouveau arch(half of the circle, cut by a chord. It is similar to the classical one, but with a shallower arch);
• Pointed arches(the vault is, as it were, made up of two circles that are leaning against each other);
• Arch "romance"(such arches are made in very wide openings. The vault is in the form of two arcs connected by a straight interval);
• Prism(the vault is made without any roundness, it consists of straight lines, between which there are obtuse angles).

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

Since the 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 with bent sheets of drywall at the bottom.

If there is a desire to build an interior arch with your own hands, but there is a doubt about own forces, then you can use the standard ones or make them to order. Arches can be chosen various designs, textures and materials.

Wooden arches will look expensive and presentable, but they will not be cheap either. Plus, the material is heavy in every sense. For hand-made work, fiberboard or MDF are better suited.

The assembly of the arch must be started from the top.

First, we use the supplied wooden dowels. From two pairs of panels we assemble a vault. We connect with PVA carpentry glue. After gluing, we wait until it dries, and then from the bottom of the eaves of the vault.

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

We assemble the arch of the two halves, the halves are glued to the inner panel.

We install the vault 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 saw off the platbands, too, from to so that the saw cut was inside the arch. Then we mount the platbands into the cornice of the arch with the help of dowels. To do this, glue the groove with glue and insert the side panel into it so that the upper edge plunges into the groove.

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

To transform your interior and add some zest to it, you can make a drywall arch. This design inspires respect and makes you think, because it seems that it is simply impossible to do it on your own. But all fears and experiences are completely unfounded. If there is a desire, then using step by step instructions, which will be given below, will be possible in an apartment or house. And also figure out which of the materials will be preferable in each case.

First of all, you need to understand what such a construction is. An arch is one of the elements in architecture that is characterized by curvature. The place of creation are through or blind openings and spans. For greater effect, it can be supplemented with various decorative elements.

Exists different kinds arches:

• Classic - characterized by a smooth shape. Has an equilateral rounding.
• Half arch has only one rounded corner. Is an modern solution for newfangled trends in the interior.
• Trapezium - complex form from curved lines.

Of course, there are many more species (see photo).

It will be better if a template is made before starting work. It is very easy to make it from ordinary cardboard or fiberboard. So, you can immediately understand how the object will look, which rounding is preferable.

Working with wood requires the most attention. In this case, no error should be allowed. Various species are suitable for production, but pine is most often used, as a fairly durable and cheap material.

Need to know! Before working with wood, you need to make sure that it is well dried. Otherwise, no instruction will help, drying and warping will begin. It will be impossible to correct the situation.

Not everyone likes pine as finishing material but it's easy to fix. For finishing works can be used valuable breeds wood (oak, beech, mahogany) or cheaper veneer.

Manufacturing process

In general, any work with natural wood, if there is no experience, should be entrusted to specialists. When creating an interior opening in a house or apartment, you need to proceed from real possibilities.

There are several design options for this material:

1. Typesetting
   The arched opening is made by assembling different fragments (small parts). That is, by pressing, rounded elements are created, which are then connected together (gluing, twisting). It's pretty painstaking process which requires many tools. Allows to avoid deformations.

   Making a type-setting arch from wood

2. One-piece constructions
   They are literally made from a single piece of wood (timber). Hardwood is preferred. Often, such a structure acts as an "internal" frame, which is subjected to external processing.



Mounting

To install an arched structure, you must adhere to the following rules:

• The installation site is carefully prepared, all unnecessary is removed, the surface is putty.
• Prepare in advance necessary tool- individual in each case.
• Mounting takes place in several stages:
  is created supporting frame;
  the elements are laid and connected;
  external cladding is made.
• After that, they start finishing: they are covered with varnish or paint.
• Deficiencies lead to the formation of empty spaces - they are putty or foamed, but this will be a clear drawback.

This option will be preferable if you want wood to serve as the material, but natural wood to use - there is no possibility. In addition, a do-it-yourself plywood arch is quite simple to do.

Preparation

1. A detailed sketch is created. For this, all the necessary measurements of the opening are carried out. This allows you to create a visual project, and immediately calculate necessary materials and accessories.
2. The installation site is also prepared. All unnecessary is removed in advance, if necessary, trimmed.
3. Prepare the tool:
   hacksaw or jigsaw with files;
   drill and screwdriver;
   sandpaper and a bar;
   finishing tool.

You need to understand that plywood is quite unique material... With it, you can create great designs, it is strong and has increased flexibility.

The first way to use plywood

The technology is as follows:

• Measure the opening. Immediately note how large the arc should be.
• A strip is cut from a sheet of plywood, the edges are well processed.
• This fragment is slightly moisturized, waiting for a while.
• Now this material will take almost any shape.
• The strip is bent and immediately inserted into the desired opening - they are fixed, do not forget to install spacers at the corners.

You need to wait until the plywood is completely dry. At this time, it will finally take the form of an arc. Further, they act in two ways:

1. Inserts are made of wooden beams. The surface is sheathed with plasterboard.
2. Apply polyurethane foam. Open areas just foaming. After complete drying, the protruding areas of the swollen material are removed. For the plywood arch to take decorative view- the surface is completely putty and covered with paint or varnish.

The second way is more complicated

It will be similar to working with GCR. Is as follows:

• The distance between opposite sides of the opening is measured. The required arch height is measured.
• All this is transferred to the plywood sheet. It should be of such a size that it grabs the walls by another 10-15 centimeters - two sheets of such will be needed.
• An arc is drawn along three points.
• With the help of a jigsaw, the unnecessary is cut out. The first sheet is used as a stencil for the second. The operation is repeated.
• Both segments are installed in a stationary place. They are fixed - jumpers are made between them. The main thing is to install them correctly. In this case, the thickness of the material from which the arc will be made is measured. That is, if the thickness is 6 mm, then the jumpers should be installed from the edge of the arc at the same distance (+ 1-2 mm).
• Choose the material for the arc (gypsum board or plywood) - bend it and install it.
• Finishing work is being carried out.

There is another way to create an arch from plywood, but it takes time and tools. Its essence lies in the fact that the inner filling of the arch is made of cut plywood fragments. Namely, filling takes place like a sandwich. But this method allows you to adjust the immersion depth of each subsequent arc. Thus, it is possible to create a wavy (relief) structure.

Drywall arch

How to make a drywall arch with your own hands? This is not difficult. This material is somewhat reminiscent of plywood, but it is easier to work with and significantly cheaper.

It's great when you manage to combine several construction works: Erecting walls and creating a drywall arch. Then you can carry out the installation with the least finishing work.

There are two ways to use drywall, but it all starts with the preparatory work:

• It is necessary to ensure that the work site is freed from all unnecessary ( door frames, platbands, decorative elements).
• If there are cracks, chips, then they are repaired. Yes, the design of the arch will hide everything, but it is better to avoid unpleasant consequences.
• The necessary tool is being prepared.
• A preliminary project is being created.

Method one - on a metal frame

This is a very fast and quite popular method that allows you to make a drywall arch in your house or apartment.

According to a similar principle, and wooden frame... Only there, more attention should be paid to the jumpers, on which the arc will be attached.

To better understand how to make an interior drywall arch, watch this video:

The second way is typesetting

More difficult option... The principle is as follows:

• From the corner of the opening, on both sides, they begin to fix the sections of the gypsum board. To do this, mix PVA and water.
• Each next piece is smaller than the previous one.
• So, until the smallest segment is fixed.
• Additionally, they are strengthened with self-tapping screws, anchors.

The hardest part comes. Namely - with the help of the putty mixture, a smooth arc is formed. It is not so easy, it is better to prepare templates in advance.

As you can see, there are many ways, you can use different materials and technology. Not all of them are suitable for work that you can do yourself. But if there is a desire, then observance certain rules will allow you to create a great design.

An easy way to increase space small apartment and clean up at home. It is not always possible to move or dismantle the walls, and the event is quite costly and time consuming. Opening with removed door does not look very aesthetically pleasing, so it needs to be decorated in a new way.

The most popular way to do this is with an arch. Even with the help of this element, it is possible to separate long corridor into separate zones: this eliminates simplified geometry.

Such an architectural element can be arranged in any part of the home - in, or in the living room. It will add individuality and originality to the house, make it different from standard apartments.

To make with my own hands arch is quite real.

This will require certain tools, materials and detailed description process.

Instruments:

• pencil, tape measure,;
• scissors for metal;
• bucket;
• sharp knife;
• trowel;
• respirator, gloves and goggles.

You can build it wherever you please, in any area of ​​the dwelling. But in order for such an element to fit perfectly into the design, you need doorway not lower than 2.5 meters... It will look great in any interior, but it is most suitable as alternatives kitchen door or for long corridor.

Most arches significantly reduce the doorway, which in some cases is a significant drawback. You can check in advance how exactly the selected type of arch will fit into the existing doorway. For this, a blank is cut out of cardboard or paper, which is attached above the door.

When the metal profiles are firmly fixed to the wall surface, proceed to the installation of sheets.

It will be more convenient to use an electric one with a torque. If the thickness of the material is 12.5 mm, self-tapping screws 3.5 x35 are required, and for sheets of 9.5 mm, smaller screws will be sufficient.

In the same way, the reverse side of the arched frame is finished with plasterboard.

When screwing in the self-tapping screws with a screwdriver, you should control that their caps are in the same plane with the surface of the material. If they are wrapped deeper, then the formed grooves will need to be covered.

To securely fix the plasterboard parts on the frame, self-tapping screws must be placed at least every 15 cm.

Further, to strengthen the rigidity of the structure, it is necessary to fix the curved metal profile along the edge of the arch. For this, a section of the metal profile is cut according to the dimensions of the arc. Are used . Since the edges of the material are sharp, it is best to protect your hands with thick gloves.

How to bend a metal profile?

Only then will the arch appear before us in all its completeness. What is required? All joints and edges of drywall should be covered with fiberglass mesh or paper tape... Then several layers are applied.