How to Drywall an Arched Opening

Although challenging, arched openings are worth the effort.

Arched openings break the monotony of straight runs and right angles. They fit into just about any kind of interior design, whether classical or modern. Such details can not only provide charm to your remodeling but also add to the property value to your home. Framing arched openings is fairly straightforward, but installing drywall to sharp curves may require one or two failed attempts. Even so, drywall isn't that expensive, and it's worth it in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch drywall
• Drywall saw
• 1/4-inch drywall
• 2 saw horses
• Water spray bottle
• Arch corner bead

Instructions

1. Apply 1/2-inch drywall to the framing on either side of the opening as normal, allowing it to overlap the opening. Screw the drywall into place. Make sure the heads of the screws are beneath the surface of the drywall without breaking the drywall's paper.

2. Cut away the drywall that overlaps the opening with a drywall saw. Stand on the side of the drywall opposite the opening as you cut, allowing the framing of the arch to guide the saw.

3. Measure from the finished face of one side of the opening to the finished face of the other side. Cut 1/4-inch thick drywall to that width. You will be applying two layers, so cut enough pieces so that the length will cover the arch twice.

4. Set up two saw horses, spacing them apart about 3/4 the length of the drywall. Lay a piece of drywall on the saw horses lengthwise with the finished side up.

5. Squirt down the drywall with a water spray bottle to give it flexibility. The amount of water that you use is critical, so apply it gradually. Too much water will make the center of the drywall too heavy, and it will sag and break. When the drywall sags into a curved shape approximating the curve of the arch, carefully screw it into place with no more screws than are necessary. After adding the second layer, allow the drywall to dry before adding more screws.

6. Install drywall to the flat part of the opening below the arch.

7. Apply arch corner bead to the corners of the arch. Arch corner bead is prenotched, allowing you to bend it around tight curves. Finish the rest of the drywall as usual.

References

• Building a Drywall Arch Opening
• Home Improvement Plus Perks; How to Bend Drywall