How to Make an Arched Drywall Entryway

Arches can be as simple or as decorative as you desire.

An arched drywall entryway will brighten up the entrance to any home or building. The archway can be as simple enough to fit in naturally with the surrounding decor or it can be elaborate so it stands out to become a feature in its own right. You can make an arched drywall entryway using a few drywall sheets and a basic wood frame to hold it up, so an elaborate customized entrance to your home need not cost a lot.

Things You'll Need

• 5 2-by-4 lumber pieces
• Hammer drill
• Masonry drill bit
• Long screws
• Screwdriver
• 2 metal brackets
• Pencil
• Compass
• Drywall sheets
• Jigsaw
• Drywall screws
• Jointing compound
• Jointing tape

Instructions

1. Measure and cut four pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to the height of the entryway with a circular saw. Screw the pieces into the entryway to create two support joists on either side, using a hammer drill with a masonry drill bit to make the holes. Measure and cut the last 2-by-4 piece to fit between the two front joists. Fasten this piece between the joists at the top of the entrance using the metal brackets.

2. Draw the arch you want to create onto a drywall sheet using a pencil and compass. Cut the arch out using a jigsaw. Mount the drywall arch onto the wood frame using drywall screws. Measure and cut wooden support blocks using the jigsaw. Fasten the support blocks into the arch using drywall screws.

3. Measure and cut a sheet of drywall to the length and width of the curve of the arch. Dampen the cut drywall sheet, then leave it for 30 minutes while it becomes flexible. Bend it into the arch to cover the wooden support blocks. Screw it into place with drywall screws. Screw more drywall into the sides of the archway to cover the rest of the wooden frame.

4. Prepare a small amount of jointing compound. Push the jointing compound into the joints between the drywall sheets. Cut lengths of jointing tape and press these into the jointing compound. Cover the tape and the surrounding drywall with more jointing compound to seal the joints between the drywall sheets. Wait for the jointing compound to dry. Decorate the arch as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the drywall arch with a layer of plaster or stucco to help the arch blend into the surrounding building more easily. This will also help protect the drywall from the weather, which will allow it to last longer.

• When cutting drywall, always wear a breathing mask. This prevents the inhalation of plaster particles, which can cause breathing problems.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Build a Drywall Arch
• EZ Rip: Building a Drywall Arch Opening