Drywall is suitable for creating the mostvarious decorative elements: from the simplest designs to unusual and unique design ideas. And one of the most common areas of application of gypsum board is the creation of semi-arches or arches. A correctly created semi-arch can decorate absolutely any room.
One of the advantages of plasterboard isthe ability to create complex structures, such as an arch or a semi-arch. A semi-arch made of plasterboard is a beautiful curvilinear structure that covers a doorway. Such a decorative element fits perfectly into any interior, striking with its originality, lightness and attractiveness. If desired, you can make a semi-arch from plasterboard with your own hands.
How to choose the design of the arch?
Before you make a half arch, you need todecide on the type of construction. Drywall allows you to create any curvilinear systems. It is due to its versatility that this material has found such wide application in the design of window and door openings. There are two main types of constructions that you can make from drywall with your own hands:
Plasterboard arch project diagram with dimensions.
The first type is best suited for talldoorways (about 250-270 cm). It can be made in a classic version and in a modern style. The classic solution is suitable for almost any room. Such semi-arches fit best into wide openings. Modern is more compact, and it is best to use a similar system in interior partitions. A plasterboard semi-arch is the most popular architectural solution with a variable radius of curvature. The arch is quite easy to make yourself. It will perfectly fit into any interior and emphasize its individuality. Many years of successful use are the best proof of the practicality of such structures. Return to contents</a>
Initial stages of work
A set of tools for working with plasterboard.Preparation begins with the doorway in which the plasterboard semi-arch will be installed being cleared of old finishing and thoroughly cleaned of various types of dirt. After this, markings are applied to the surface of the doorway, along which the frame guides and other elements of the structure will be installed. Do this with the obligatory use of measuring instruments in order to obtain the highest quality structure as a result. Prepare the following tools for the job:
After this you will need to fix ittwo guides on both sides of the doorway. Maintain a distance from the edge that will correspond to the thickness of the purchased sheet of plasterboard. Such a move will allow you to obtain a perfectly smooth surface as a result, without any kind of protrusions and irregularities.
Scheme of fastening profiles to the wall for installationplasterboard. Next, a horizontal profile is fixed under the mounted guides. Use an element with a slightly bent lower end. As a result, you will get a very beautiful and reliable inclined surface. After that, attach the profiles on the opposite side of the doorway in the same way. At this point, the frame of the future semi-arch made of plasterboard will be ready. It is important to do everything so that the finished semi-arch is as stable, reliable and durable as possible. Try to properly fix all the elements of the system so that they cannot leave their place in the future. Use dowels to attach the guides and profiles. The elements of the structure are fastened together using special bolts. To fasten the plasterboard sheets, you need to use self-tapping screws specially designed for this purpose. When installing the profiles, use sealing tape. It will make the structure more reliable and durable, and will also additionally improve the soundproofing properties of the system. Return to contents</a>
Step-by-step instruction on the skin of the structure
After you are completely finishedframe device, proceed to its sheathing. Buy drywall of such a size that will correspond to the dimensions of your doorway. It is better if the sheet is slightly larger than the opening, because if necessary, it can be trimmed without any problems, and it will not be so easy to increase the dimensions of a small sheet.
Scheme for preparing a template for an arch from a sheetdrywall. Draw an arc with the desired parameters on a sheet of drywall, take a jigsaw and cut out the structure along the markings. After that, make another exactly the same element. Attach the blanks to the pre-assembled and secured in the doorway frame. First, you will need to create special guides. They are secured at the bottom of the semi-arch. You also need to make curved guides. Making them is quite simple. Take an ordinary steel guide profile. Using metal scissors, make cuts on the side and back of the profile. Maintain a distance of about 60 cm between the cuts. After such preparation, you will be able to bend the profile without much effort as required by the intended design. Return to contents</a>
Procedure for fixing drywall
At this stage you will need to fixplasterboard. Prepare sheets of the desired shape and size. There are several ways to mount them. The most commonly used method is to attach the parts to the guides in the doorway, and then mount the curved part from below. The second method requires first attaching the curved guides to the sheets, and then inserting and securely fixing the structure in the opening. You can use the method that is more convenient for you. The result is equally good under any circumstances.
Scheme of fastening plasterboard to the arch frame.As a rule, the bottom strip of the structure is made curved. To do this, you need to pre-bend the straight part. You can do it using different methods. Most often, the most convenient, fast and budget one is used. According to it, the strip needs to be installed on special supports and bent, applying mechanical force to it. Do not act too roughly and strongly, under high pressure the material can simply break. The problem is that drywall is a rather fragile material and requires the utmost care. Another method involves pre-creating notches on the inside of the sheet. Such notches make the bending process even easier. You can also use another method. According to it, the material needs to be moistened with some water, using a brush to apply it. Having saturated with water, the sheet will begin to bend under its own weight. Another method involves the use of a needle roller. It allows you to create elements with almost any shape, parameters and bend. Return to the table of contents</a>
Guide for installing lights and finishing
If you wish, you can equip your semi-archfrom plasterboard with beautiful and original lighting. To do this, before fixing the sheets, you need to lay electrical wiring in the structure being created. Holes are made in the sheets according to the size of the selected lamps. Then the structure is finally assembled and fastened to the frame with self-tapping screws. At the final stage of creating a semi-arch, you will have to process the structure accordingly. First of all, seal the joints and seams with a reinforcing mesh and special sealants. The entire surface is putty on top. If desired, you can glue protective corners with liquid nails. After that, deal with the cladding of the semi-arch. For this, you can use any existing decorative materials. Select them in accordance with your individual preferences and be sure to ensure that they fit into the overall interior of the room. Good luck with your work!
