Originally posted by Siber: Need more info-Interior? cased? with a door? molding around it, or finished? how wide? Niche?
This is not a cased opening. The arch is to go between two faux walls approximately 6-feet apart with smooth edges and the painted. It will also be approximately two feet from ceiling at apex.
Go to http://www.outwater.com and ask for a catalogue. It is about the size of a New York phone book and has preformed arches of various sizes. I thought their prices were really cheap. These are exactly what you need. Andy
Posts: 32 | Location: West Virginia | Registered: 08 February 2005
Rich-thought one of the wonderful carpenters would have responded to you by now- but I'll try to get you started. You will need a piece of plywood for the front and back of your arch. Consider where you want the apex to be and make the Arch template about 1 1/2-2 in higher (as you will be using sheetrock, etc.to finish) Measure the opening and cut plywood to fit arch area from the apex to the side radius'where it "blends" with side wall. I would then make a paper template of the plywood and by folding it in half, you can make the arch radius that you like (cheaper than plywood) -You can also use the string-radius method if you like. But paper is easier to me. Once you have the radius that you want- transfere it to the plywood and cut both pieces to match. Using some "backer blocks" attach these arches to the front and back of your opening at the top and sides. Now measure between the arches to determine the width of 1 x4's that will span from one arch to the other. Attach boards flat (4 by surface facing floor)-Nail or screw these flush with the bottom of the arch- (about every 10-12 in.)-Once your arch frame is secured, you'll be ready to finish it with drywall or plaster. If using drywall, the secret to "bending" it is to dampen the BACK and depending on the tightness of the radius, you may need to "score" the paper backing every 4-6 in. to get the curve you need.Secure the drywall to the arched opening frame with sheetrock screws. Then continue drywalling the remaining opening. Having a good drywall finish will determine how good the arch looks. Tape and mud seams smoothly especially the edges. I probaly shouldn't send you to another sight-but Ask the Builder.com has a good visual of this process.Good Luck
I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but try this website. We put these in our home, and they look wonderful. http://www.creativecorners.net/index.html Good luck!
Rich My husband has been in commercial drywall since 1968 and I have seen him create many arches after the fact. First remove the bead from your opening exposing your raw edges in the space you want your arch. You can attach a piece of wood, such as a 2x4 at the top and sides of the opening for something to attach your sheetrock to. Remember to allow for the thickness of the rock and wall when you do this. Not all openings are created equal and if this is rocked with 5/8" or 1/2" rock that will determine alot. You can then cut your arch out of sheet rock and attach it in the opening to the prefastened wood. On the inside of the arch you can then use what we use commercially. A piece of 25 ga metal track. You notch along the sides of the track with metal snips to allow it to bend to the shape of your arch, slide it into the space, bottom facing out, between the two sides fastening with sheetrock screws as you go. This is cheap and easy and we have done it on every house we have remodeled and built on our own. On the inside of the arch you can then use 1/2" rock that has been moisten to make the bend. If you use screws as opposed to nails on any rock project you will also avoid nail pops. You can also score the back of the rock to help make the bend. Use plastic bead that is made especially for arches. It comes either regular or bullnosed. This also may need to be picked up at a drywall supply as some home centers do not carry it.
Posts: 1 | Location: Colorado | Registered: 15 June 2005
