How to Bend Drywall for an Arch

Bending drywall is surprisingly uncomplicated.

Drywall is a lightweight, rigid material applied to walls and ceilings in homes. It comes in flat panels that are nailed and screwed to the wall studs. When you are creating a ceiling arch, it may seem odd to use rigid drywall, but it really is the best material. The key is to soften the drywall enough to bend it slightly, and then secure it to the wooden framework of the ceiling before it firms back up.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Two chairs
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Drywall nails
• Hammer
• Drywall screws
• Power drill

Instructions

1. Measure the arch from the left side to the right side with a tape measure. When you measure, follow the curve of the arch with the tape measure carefully to achieve an accurate measurement. Once you have the length of the arch, measure the width of it as well.

2. Lay a piece of drywall on the floor and measure out the same length you measured. Draw a line with a pencil and then repeat the process to draw a line for the width.

3. Cut along each of the lines using a utility knife until the drywall is the proper size.

4. Turn the piece of drywall horizontally and score it lightly every 5 to 6 inches using the utility knife. Do not cut deeply; simply puncture it by approximately 1/8 inch.

5. Position two chairs next to each other and lay the ends of the drywall on the chairs so the center hangs free.

6. Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the back of the drywall until the entire surface is damp, but not soaking. Allow it to sit undisturbed for approximately five minutes.

7. Pick up the drywall, which should now bend easily. Hold it up to the preconstructed wooden arch frame and secure it to the wood using drywall nails hammered in every 3 to 4 inches. Secure the center of the drywall arch to the underlying wood using drywall screws and a power drill.

References

• Pro Handyman: Drywall Arches
• You Tube: How to Drywall an Archway