How to Remove an Archway in a Wall

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Things You'll Need

  • Stool

  • Stud finder

  • Pencil

  • Goggles

  • Dust mask

  • Work gloves

  • Chisel

  • Hammer

  • Drywall saw

  • Pry bar

Archways have been a popular way to make an ordinary pass-through or walk-through more aesthetically interesting. Some homeowners even elect to remove interior doors and install an archway. These are not difficult additions and are typically comprised of drywall or plaster fastened over furring strips that are screwed or nailed to the walls. Because the inside is actually hollow, removing an archway is a fairly simple and straightforward renovation project.

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Step 1

Stand on a stool and hold a stud finder against one side of the archway to locate the studs the furring strips are attached to, then mark the location of the studs with a pencil.

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Step 2

Put on goggles, a dust mask and work gloves.

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Step 3

Hold a chisel at a 90-degree angle against the archway, away from the studs.

Step 4

Strike the chisel repeatedly with a hammer until you break through the drywall or plaster, exposing the furring strips.

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Step 5

Use a drywall saw and/or pry bar to tear out the rounded portion of the archway, leaving only the furring strips attached to the walls.

Step 6

Remove the furring strips using a pry bar for nails or screw gun for screws holding the furring strips in place. You can now plaster or drywall over the exposed wall studs to square the entryway and leave it blank or hang a door.

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