How to Build Arches With Drywall

Arches can be built from drywall by forming the shape of the arch

Arches are used for entryways that lead to into various rooms in a home. In order to create an arch you will need to build or expose the frame of the wall and then apply the drywall. Applying drywall is part of the finishing that needs to be done after completing the wooden structure. You can build arches with drywall by first determining where an arch will need to be in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall saw
• Tape measure
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Plywood
• Jigsaw
• 2-by-4 boards
• Circular saw
• Drywall
• Drywall screws
• Power drill
• Saw horses
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Cut away the existing drywall from the wall with the drywall saw to expose the existing framing of the opening.

2. Measure the width and height of the opening, for the arch, with the tape measure. Determine how big to make the arch and then draw a template on a piece of cardboard with the pencil. Place the template on the opening to see how the arch will look.

3. Take the template down and place it on a piece of 1/2-inch plywood. Trace the shape of the arch on the plywood and then cut out the arch with the jigsaw. Repeat this step on a second piece of plywood.

4. Measure and cut a 2-by-4 board into three blocks that are 2 1/2 inches wide with the circular saw. Attach one block to the top of the opening and one on each side with the nail gun. Place the blocks horizontal in the opening so the plywood arches will sit flush with the framing.

5. Place the plywood arches over the opening and secure them with the nail gun to the 2-by-4 boards in step 4.

6. Measure the width between the plywood arches and cut small blocks out of a 2-by-4 board that match the measurement. Insert the 2-by-4 blocks in-between the plywood every six inches and secure them with the nail gun. These will be used to secure the bottom piece of drywall for the arch.

7. Place a piece of drywall on each side of the arch and secure it with drywall screws using the power drill. Cut along the arch with the drywall knife to create the curve.

8. Measure the width of the arch and cut a strip of drywall with the circular saw. Lay the strip of drywall on a pair of saw horses.

9. Fill a spray bottle 3/4 of the way full with water. Spray the top of the strip of drywall to soak it with the water. Wait while the drywall begins to bend. Spray more water on the drywall as needed and wait at least an hour.

10. Lift the drywall up off of the saw horses and place it under the arch. Secure the drywall to the 2-by-4 blocks, at the bottom of the arch, every six inches with the nail gun. You may need help with this.

Tips & Warnings

• Finish the edges of the arch by applying flexible corner bead.

References

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