How to Build Wooden Arches

Here, we want to create an arched jamb to fit on an arched opening in a room.

1. Measure the width of the arch and record the number. Next, measure the height of the arch from the center point of the opening and record the number.

2. Draw the arch on a table by drawing a horizontal line the width of the arch; be sure to mark the center point. Next, draw the height of the arch on the 1 inch strip of lumber. Drill a hole at one of the marks and secure the other one to the center point marked on the table. This will enable you to draw the arch.

3. Measure and mark a line 7/8 inch on the inside of the arch line drawn on table. This will allow for the “T”s set up and the 1/8 inch Masonite strip.

4. Mark the “T”s 1/8 of an inch from the inside of the vertical form. Secure the “T”s on that mark with two 2 ¼ inch screws.

5. Secure the 1/8 inch Masonite strip to the front of the vertical form of the “T”. Secure this strip with pneumatic stapler. Place a strip of masking tape on the front of the “T” form to cover the vertical and horizontal areas of the “T”.

6. Place a liberal amount of glue to one side of five of the six 1/8 inch strips of lumber. Turn the glued side to the unglued side of the next piece until all six pieces are together.

7. Place the center of the glued material against the 4 inch Masonite and secure it to the “T” form with a screw clamps.

8. Place the remaining screw clamps to the “T” forms until the lumber is secure against all of the “T” forms.

9. After glue has set, usually over night, remove the clamps and the arched trim from the “T” forms.

10. Joint one edge until smooth. Next, carefully rip the width of the piece needed on a table saw.