Decorating the arch with decorative stone. Arch finishing options: materials and technological nuances

Finishing the arch is the final stage, which will highlight the beauty of the structure. It should be noted that this particular work is the most important when it comes to the decorative component. Don't worry - you can do everything completely yourself. The main thing is to show the necessary perseverance and desire. Of course, you cannot do without some experience and the availability of the necessary tools, which are selected depending on the chosen finishing option.

Decorating an arch in an apartment is a process that is carried out after the main work has been completed. The fact is that such structures are made from different materials using different technologies. The resulting architectural element serves to decorate the entire interior, giving it some individuality. We must not forget that cladding can play not only a decorative role, but also perform a protective function.

A few tips to help achieve the desired effect:

The easiest way to decorate an arch in an apartment with your own hands is to highlight the arched opening with the desired color. Often shades are selected that will contrast with the walls. Thus, it is possible to obtain a completed design with a minimum of effort. This method can be used for other materials.
Decorating material can be matched to existing colors. For example, if the cladding of interior arches is done with MDF panels, then it is advisable to combine them with closely spaced door leaves.
The design can be decorated using various embossing and patterned ribbons that correspond to the general direction of the design.
Nowadays stucco molding is becoming increasingly popular. Indeed, this is an excellent option that allows you to highlight an interior decorated in a classic style.
The mosaic looks quite unique. Its use requires experience in installation. But if everything is done flawlessly, the effect will be amazing.

Decorating an arch with mosaics is an unusual solution that deserves attention

Selection and use of materials

How can you decorate an arch? Currently, there are many materials that perfectly cope with the task. We can highlight the most popular ones that deserve special attention:

Natural and artificial stone. It should be borne in mind that the first type requires more professionalism.
Cork. A completely natural and environmentally friendly product. A significant disadvantage may be the price.
Decorative plaster. This option allows you to finish the surfaces in such a way that it gives the impression of natural stone.
Various types of tiles. They are similar in laying technology to stone, but give the interior a completely different look.
Textile. This material requires a special approach to avoid banality and simplicity.

Of course, there are many more products for decorating arches. If desired, completely unusual options can be used. So, for example, the structure, which is lined with fitted log cuts, looks quite original. Technologically, this solution is very simple. The blanks are cut to the required size. On one side there is a cut, which will serve as a groove for the edge of the opening. Such blocks of wood are inserted into place, secured with self-tapping screws.

Wallpaper - simple and accessible

Indeed, this is one of the easiest ways that allows you to complete the entire process in a short time. The main thing is that the costs will be minimal.

Wallpapering is the simplest and most inexpensive way to finish an arched opening

The whole process is very simple:

If necessary, before covering the arch with wallpaper, the surface is leveled.
On a note! Before finishing the plasterboard arch, a layer of putty is applied to its surface. This is necessary so that if there is a desire to update the finish, the wallpaper does not have to be removed along with the cardboard.
After waiting for the applied composition to dry, the glue is prepared. It is kneaded according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Wallpaper is cut into strips of the required length. The sticker runs strictly vertically, covering part of the opening. You should get a bend equal to 3-4 cm.
To bend the seam allowance but avoid wrinkles, cut the edge into corners.
Now is the most painstaking part of the work - you need to cut out a strip that will be glued to the arched surface. This must be done so that the existing pattern matches. This area is smoothed from top to bottom. That is, gluing is done at the highest point, after which the fragment goes down to the bottom.

Although there are some negative factors to consider:

It is necessary to decorate taking into account the fact that such material is very short-lived. After some time, the surface may acquire yellowish tints. The feeling of novelty will disappear.
The use of wallpaper is limited to the location of the opening. They are not recommended for use in structures located in the kitchen area. Even washable types will not save the situation.
Lack of protective functions. Such a coating is very easy to damage, and from minimal mechanical impact.

Of course, it cannot be said that this method allows you to decorate the arch. But, of course, it is suitable for many situations that require the job to be done in the most simple and inexpensive way.

Stucco molding - impressive and elegant

To get a spectacular arch that attracts the eye, use polyurethane stucco molding. This is a modern version of the product, which was previously made exclusively from gypsum. It is actively used to frame various structures.

Finishing an arch with polyurethane stucco is an affordable solution with a stunning effect

This option has its own characteristics. The fact is that the finishing material is more suitable for classic interiors. If you use a polyurethane arch in a modern style, then such details may seem completely out of place.

Installation is carried out using the following technology:

The surfaces are leveled. All areas are well cleaned.
All dust is erased. If you leave such flaws, the gluing will be unreliable.
The treated surface should dry well. This period is used to perform marking. Trimming of parts may be necessary.
On a note! To perform trimming at an angle of 45 degrees, use a miter box. It is important to place the elements correctly to avoid the appearance of joining gaps.
Now you can start gluing. For this purpose, a special composition is used, which is marked: “suitable for gluing products made of polyurethane.” This substance is applied to the underside of the part, which is pressed against the surface and held. If joining is performed, the glue is spread on one side. It is important to remove excess immediately. The seams are treated with putty and sanded.

When finishing an arch with polyurethane, you need to take into account that all work must be carried out with extreme care. Any defects will be very difficult to correct.

Decorative plaster – time-tested

Arched openings can also be finished using decorative plaster. This method has its positive aspects. This is one of the few options that allows you to get an extremely individual surface that will be durable.

Some shortcomings cannot be ruled out. Thus, the coating is very difficult to restore if damaged. If the result of the work is a relief surface, then it must be constantly looked after.

On a note! It is very easy to decorate an arch in an apartment with your own hands if you use special decorative mixtures. They have a long setting time, which allows them to form the necessary texture in order to achieve the desired result.

The operating procedure is as follows:

Finishing the arches begins with preparing the required amount of mixture. Next, it is transferred to a prepared, well-primed surface. It is important to consider that each layer must have a certain thickness. Their number depends on the chosen decorative type.
To form the relief much faster, special rollers are used.
The resulting relief is left to dry. Then coated with a primer.

Now the finished area can be painted. To get an interesting effect, two shades of paint are applied to the surface. One fills the depressions, the other fills the protrusions.

Stone – reliable and original

Stone is an excellent solution that will help create your own zest in the interior. It is important to consider that it is better to give preference to artificial options. They are much easier to process and also do not require professional knowledge. The best looking material is one that follows the curves of the structure. In this case - an arc.

Decorating an arched opening with decorative stone is a stylish solution for modern interiors

The actions are performed in the following order:

Finishing an arch with your own hands begins by preparing the coating. It is important to exclude any differences and defects.
A laying diagram is drawn up. Markings are made on the surface. Material is laid out nearby on the floor. This technology will allow you to immediately adjust some elements, distribute them more correctly, and also avoid mistakes.
The stone is laid on glue or a special mixture. The technology allows you to create wide joints or do everything without seams.
If trimming is performed, then the cut edges must be processed.

The same technology is used when the question arises of how to tile an arch in an apartment. But it should be borne in mind that this material requires adherence to a certain sequence. If the stone can be laid “at random”, then the tiles are distinguished by their clarity.

Plastic – modern and affordable

Plastic is quite easy to work with. It is important to understand that not all panels can be bent at the desired angle. Many, especially cheap options, break quickly. It is much easier to line an arched opening with plastic panels when it has an angular arch.

The following manipulations are performed:

Careful surface preparation can be eliminated. It is important to understand that often, panels are used to form the entire opening. That is, they act as the main and decorative elements of the structure.
A wooden sheathing is created. It will serve as the foundation around which everything else is built. The slats are laid perpendicular to the panels.
An arcuate dome is formed by dividing it into sectors. Often, the division occurs into three parts: the top, two outer fragments.
The panels are fixed with staples, which are driven in with a stapler along the edges. All joints and transitions are hidden by decorative corners.

Covering the arch with plastic yourself will not cause any particular difficulties

How to additionally decorate such a surface? To do this, you can use various decorative elements that will harmonize with the plastic.

On a note! It’s easy to line an arch with plastic with your own hands. The main thing is not to choose the cheapest materials.

Cork - environmentally friendly and stylish

This is a fairly popular direction, which is limited only by the fact that this option can be very expensive. This state of affairs is explained by the fact that cork is a completely natural material.

Finishing with cork will create warmth and comfort and will not harm your health.

For work, it is advisable to use roll options. They are great for doing all the work yourself. It is important to consider that before decorating the arch located next to the kitchen with cork material, it must be treated with wax. This will avoid damage to the coating.

Of course, decorating arches in an apartment with cork is an excellent solution, but you need to remember that the overall interior design must be maintained.

It must be taken into account that all finishing work must be carried out in strict compliance with existing rules. Then such an architectural element will become a real decoration.

Options for finishing arched openings (20 photos)

Have you ever wondered how you can transform the appearance of your home?

If you contact experienced architects or specialists in European-quality renovations, they will advise you on such decor as a brick arch. Indeed, when you pay attention to an elite mansion, arched vaults probably catch your eye. They emphasize the status and grandeur of the owner of the house and decorate any style of design of the building facade and internal passages. In this case, you may want to do the same at home, replacing the door with an arch.

Trim instead of doorway

In this article we will tell you how to make an arched vault from brick with your own hands.

Varieties

When the conversation turns to an arched vault, you need to clarify what type you mean. The fact is that there are several of them and each of them is unique and individual in its own way. The laying of these brick vaults is carried out differently in each type.

An arched vault is a semicircle in the opening between two vertical bases, which are the walls of the building. As for the species mentioned, there are three of them.

Arched vault on the street

In first place is the usual or, as it is also called, a full arch. This variety is considered one of the most popular for a number of reasons. We can safely say about this look that it is made simply, but tastefully. A vault of this type is made in the shape of a regular semicircle.

In addition, if you choose this type of arch, you can easily lay it out yourself.

In second place is a wedge or rectangular arch. Posting it without proper experience is problematic. Therefore, this is not the best choice, even for people who are used to doing everything on their own, using instructions found on the Internet. This warning is relevant because without the proper experience, you risk building an arch that will not last even a couple of years. Externally, it looks good and resembles the letter P.

In the last, third place, there is a bow arch. Its arch has a low semicircle.

Types of arches and opening in a brick wall

Before you choose what type of arch you would like to see in your home, you should talk about some nuances, such as the distance between the supporting columns.

You will not lay a tapered arch in a wide opening. This limitation is explained by the fact that it will not be strong if the distance between the supporting columns is wider than one meter.

At the arched arch this distance is greater. It can be built between columns located at a distance of up to one and a half meters from each other. If you want an arched vault, and the load-bearing columns are located at a distance of two or even two and a half meters from each other, then a full arch will do.

These and other parameters can be found out by studying the guidelines for calculating the masonry of arches.

Preparing for the masonry process

Before you start work, decide where the arch will be located. The fact is that most construction manuals consider the option when the masonry is done from scratch, when building the house itself. In this case, the process is described from the construction of the support columns themselves.

Template for constructing a structure

In private cases, the owners remodel the passages, creating an arched vault in them. In this case, if necessary, preliminary punching of the openings themselves in the brick walls is done.

Whichever option you choose, the first step is to carry out masonry and, if necessary, strengthen the load-bearing columns. Strengthening refers to cases where the planned distance between columns exceeds one meter. After all, then the load on the load-bearing columns will increase. That’s why they lay it out a couple of bricks thick.

At this stage, it is worth paying attention to the fact that there should be no distortion between the laid bricks of both arches. Each row of bricks is controlled by a building level.

When you reach the vault, pay attention to a couple of construction tricks. Firstly, a special wooden template will come in very handy, which will control the laying of the vault bricks and hold them until the cement mortar hardens. We will look at creating a wooden template later in this article.

Secondly, the cement mortar itself is made thicker than usual; a liquid mortar does not guarantee that the masonry will not subsequently fall apart under its own weight.

Wood template

This template is indispensable when laying arches with your own hands. To create it, all you need is the necessary materials and enthusiasm.

First, find a couple of sheets of chipboard. They will subsequently become the basis of the future template. From the prepared sheets you need to cut out two identical semicircles that follow the contour of the planned arch.

Template for the arch to lay out with bricks

After you have completed this task, get a wide board that matches the thickness of the supporting support. Although a narrow board will do.

On the base of this board you need to secure the previously cut chipboard vault templates with nails. To give the template rigidity, wooden blocks are placed between the chipboard sheets. This way you will give the structure the necessary rigidity.

The resulting hollow semicircle of the template must be sewn on top using a steel strip, six or eight millimeters thick. This thickness is enough so that it is not subsequently pushed through by the bricks located on top.

The resulting wooden template is secured between the laid out support pillars of your future arch. To secure it, you will have to use wooden spacers, which will later be removed, like the template itself.

The thickness of the selected wooden struts should be about eight or even ten centimeters. The distance between the spacers is at least half a meter.

Arch masonry

Now we have reached the moment when we can start laying the arch. Before you start laying the first bricks, learn one rule. All work on laying vault bricks must be done in one go. Under no circumstances should a break be allowed to allow the cement mortar to dry.

How to lay a template

This rule is due to the fact that during drying, the cement will begin to stretch the bricks to the sides, creating additional stress. Therefore, if you decide to lay the arch not in one, but in several days, be prepared for the fact that it will eventually crack.

It is correct to start the laying itself simultaneously on both sides of the template, gradually reaching the central part. The last brick, installed in the center of the masonry, will be a kind of lock.

It is characteristic that these recommendations are suitable for any type of arch, no matter which one you choose. The only problem you may encounter is installing the bricks at certain angles relative to each other, thereby creating an arched semicircle. To simplify this process, make preliminary markings on a wooden template, and use a square when laying bricks. Accordingly, during such brick laying, the cement mortar will also lie unevenly. Its layer will be thicker in the upper part of the arched vault.

However, no matter what difficulties you encounter, with due care and perseverance you will definitely succeed, and you will correctly build the arched vault of your dreams.

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An arched opening is an architectural element that is made in the form of a curved connection above a door or window opening in a wall or is a span connecting the supports of building structures. A brick arch can effectively decorate the facade of a house or complement the interior of an apartment.

Of course, it is better to leave the construction of such a structure to professionals, but let’s try to figure out whether it is realistic to build a brick arch with your own hands.

Variety of arch shapes

1 – pointed arch, 2 – equilateral; 3 – high pointed; 4 – rounded trefoil; 5 – pointed

There are several types of structures that correspond to a specific architectural style. Before you make a brick arch, you first need to decide on the style of the overall decor of the facade or apartment design.

The types of curved openings differ in the execution of the masonry:

Wedge– the brick is laid in the form of a wedge, and is fixed at the top point with a locking element. Such elements are often found in Gothic architecture;
Onion-represent a truncated cone. This architecture is characteristic of the oriental style;
Full semicircle or “classic”– the height of the semicircle should be half the width of the door or window opening;

Modern– brick arches have an arc in the shape of a truncated cone;
Romanticism– a rectangular opening with slightly rounded corners;
Ellipse– when calculating the structure, a regular or irregular ellipse shape is performed, depending on the design style. Most often used in new wave or post-modern style decor;
Portal– rectangular design.

But each of these designs has both its advantages and disadvantages. Laying a brick arch in the Gothic style requires a ceiling height of at least three meters. And the ellipsoidal shape requires a large wall area free from windows and other architectural elements.

Having decided on the type of structure, it is necessary to prepare tools and building materials.

Design calculations and work sequence

Laying brick arches consists of several stages.

The work is carried out in the following sequence:

Sketch calculation and drawing of a template for the future design;
Installing the template on the wall;
Laying an arched lintel;
Fixing and securing the arch;
Delete a template;
Decorative finishing lining of masonry.

Advice. Before starting work, prepare all the necessary materials.
And also decide on the shape of the bend, which should harmoniously combine with the architecture of the facade or with the design style of the room.

Calculation and production of a template

When starting to calculate the structure, it is necessary to measure the thickness of the wall, the height of the ceilings and the expected width of the opening.

The calculation of a brick arch begins with a preliminary sketch made on paper at a scale of 1:50.

Determine the radius of the circle and the width of the opening;
Using a compass along the axis of symmetry, as shown in the drawing, we select the optimal radius of the arc;

If the project requires the construction of an arched structure in the Gothic style - with a curly bend at the edges or the presence of several arcs of different radii, then each element must be calculated separately. Let's consider the simplest design option that a do-it-yourself brick arch can have.

Using the Pythagorean theorem in the calculations, we calculate the dimensions of the arch using the following formula:

where R is the radius of the circle, L is half the chord, H is the height of the arch rise

After the calculations, we enlarge the drawing and make a template from chipboard, on which the arched ceiling will be laid.

Important. When making a template from chipboard, it must be taken into account that the width of the opening on the template should be two to three centimeters less in height.
This is necessary in order to easily remove the chipboard after installing the brickwork.

The procedure for carrying out construction work

Knowing the dimensions of our arched lintel, you can begin directly installing the template and laying bricks:

Brickwork of arches involves first installing a supporting structure made of chipboard, 10 millimeters thick. The circles are cut out according to a template according to preliminary calculations.

Advice. In some cases, when a more durable and stable structure is required, chipboard is replaced with a frame made of reinforcement.
The frame is also made according to the dimensions of the arch and fastened together by welding.

The chipboard template is attached using self-tapping screws and wooden spacers to the door or window opening;
Fines are installed on the sides of the opening;
Brickwork is done from bottom to top, alternately on both sides of the opening;

The main mistakes made when constructing arches

There are several common mistakes that almost everyone makes when building arches. How to make a brick arch reliable and beautiful, and also prevent destruction and cracking of the structure?

It is worth considering the following advice from professionals:

The height of the arch should correspond to the width of the opening, this contributes to the uniform distribution of loads;

If you use metal as a frame, then during operation the walls will naturally shrink and the masonry may crack. Therefore, it is better to use chipboard as a frame;

Avoid wetting and swelling of the wooden frame and protect the arch from moisture with polyethylene. The template must be dismantled immediately after the masonry mortar has dried;

Important. In old buildings, it is necessary to further strengthen the foundation.
Since additional loads on the walls can lead to deformation of walls and openings.

Conclusion

It’s not difficult to build a simple arch yourself, but it’s better to entrust more complex architectural forms to professional craftsmen. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Often the interior passage in an apartment is not closed with a door, but left open. This allows you to elegantly unite the space and make the interior design of the rooms more elegant. To do this, you can purchase a ready-made structure from assembled elements or cut out individual parts with your own hands and then assemble everything in the doorway. But how to make an arch yourself so that it looks smooth and beautiful? After all, there are a lot of materials and technologies for installation; you need to choose wisely.

Designer arch

What arches can be installed in an apartment?

Installation of an arched structure in place of an interior door can be done without the involvement of professional builders. You just need to choose the type of arch and materials for its manufacture. Following the step-by-step instructions below will help you avoid mistakes and make an arch with your own hands.

Arch curves can be the most bizarre

Design features and significant differences

In construction, arched structures are supports for overlying elements of walls and structures. But in apartments, doorways to the corridor and between rooms are not load-bearing. In the first case, construction materials are selected based on serious external loads, and in the second they must withstand only their own weight together with the finishing.

Arch with bar counter

An apartment door arch, installed instead of a door, is an element of interior design. Its frame can be made from a lightweight profile for gypsum boards or bars with a cross-section of 20–30 mm. This design can easily withstand the weight of finishing materials. You just need to firmly fix it on the walls so that the decor does not warp or fall off after a couple of weeks.

Reference! In private houses and city apartments, an open door arch between rooms serves exclusively decorative functions. In this case, the load-bearing loads are placed on the concrete walls on the side or on the lintel above the opening.

Finished plastic arch

Shapes of arched openings and their capabilities

There are many options for arranging interior arches in shape:

"Classic".
"Romance".
"Modern".
"Ellipse".
"Trapezoid".
"Portal".

The most popular types of interior arches

The first option at the top has the shape of a regular semicircle, and the last one has strict rectangular outlines throughout its entire height. The rest are intermediate versions between them. But other variations are also possible with one side “support” or two curved posts.

The shape of the door arch and its design are chosen to match the design style of the room. This takes into account the height of the ceiling, the size of the opening and the features of the premises on both sides. In some houses, classic shapes with a regular curve in the form of a semicircle will look ideal, while in others - a rectangular portal. This is more a matter of the taste of the home owners and the general style of interior decor. Some people even prefer cone-shaped contours.

It is recommended to choose the classic option only for high ceilings in the region of 3 meters and above.
In typical panel high-rise buildings, it is better to design the entrance to the kitchen with a “MODERN” arch.
For a wide doorway from the hall to the corridor, “ROMANTIC” with large wide racks is more suitable.
The rectangular “PORTAL” looks best in an interior where clear horizontal and vertical lines predominate in the decoration. This type of doorway design is ideal for houses made of timber or logs. In such a home, its rectangular corners will look elegant and fit the theme as much as possible.

Classic in the interior

What to build a designer doorway from with your own hands

To quickly make an arch in the doorway of an apartment, it is enough to purchase a set of prefabricated elements made of plastic or laminated chipboard lumber. They must be cut to the desired height and then secured in the places specified according to the instructions. But such options are standard and quite expensive. Plus, not every opening can be fitted with a ready-made model with the required dimensions.

Components of an interior arched system

To make panels of arched posts and arches you will need one of the following materials:

drywall;
plywood;

Advice! It is better to choose plasterboard sheets for covering the frame. GCR can later be finished with a large number of different materials. However, thin plywood is much easier to bend.

Finished veneered arch

The frame for an interior arch can be made:

from a metal profile;
from wooden blocks 20x20 and 30x30 mm.

Brick decoration is ideal for connecting a balcony

You can also make an arch instead of a door from concrete, brick or aerated concrete blocks, and only then decorate them with one or another finishing material. But these options are more for those who like capitalism and solidity. Plus, they weigh a lot; it is impossible to build anything from them in the apartments of old apartment buildings.

The use of metal is limited not only by its weight, but also by its high cost. Manufacturing metal structures of complex shapes at home is a very difficult project to implement in practice. The easiest way to do it yourself is to work with drywall and its profile.

Step-by-step instructions for self-installation

The photos and recommendations below will allow even a novice master to cope with the improvement of a doorway. To do this, you first need to create a frame, and then sheathe it and decorate it. You can do everything yourself, you just need to do everything consistently and without mistakes.

Scheme of a plasterboard arch

Preparing the doorway

First, the leaf and frame of the existing door (if it exists and is in place) are dismantled.
Then the opening is expanded to the planned dimensions.
There is no need to plaster the cut walls under the frame; they will still be covered with sheathing. It is enough to straighten them and remove everything that can fall off (plaster, pieces of concrete, falling bricks). The main thing is that the supporting profile can be secured securely and in a strictly vertical position without tilting.
If you are planning a backlit design, then you need to install the wiring in advance.
Measurements are always taken at several points in the opening so as not to miscalculate the dimensions.
If the walls are uneven, then the thickness of the racks (depth of the arch) is selected according to the thickest point.
To simplify the marking and cutting of sheet material for covering the arched frame, it is necessary to make a life-size template from cardboard. This will allow you to avoid mistakes and preview how the contours of the structure being formed will look.

Important point! The upper part of the arch takes about 10–15 cm away from the height of the doorway. At least 20 cm should remain from it to the ceiling. When calculating and marking, these numbers must be taken into account.

Fastening the guides

Creating a load-bearing frame

To make a frame for an arch, you first need to create a main contour from a profile around the perimeter of the opening, fixing it to the walls.
Then the upper curved part of the frame system will be attached to it. Sometimes only a curved element is made on top, but this is only possible with perfectly smooth slopes.
Vertical guides in the doorway are attached with an indentation from the plane of the interior wall by the thickness of the plasterboard sheet plus 2 mm for subsequent plaster on top of it.
After plastering you should have a single, flat surface.
On each side and at the top of the arch being created, you will need to secure two such profiles parallel to each other.

Advice! If the walls are made of wood, then self-tapping screws are sufficient to attach the guides, but in the case of concrete or brick, dowel screws will be required. The spacing between fasteners should not exceed 30 cm.

If the columns of the arch are made of small thickness, then two arches can be easily replaced with a wide profile. All cutting and bending manipulations in this case are carried out according to a similar pattern. However, transverse installation will no longer be necessary. When using wooden blocks instead of a profile, the frame for the arch is made using a similar technology. Only the original material of the supporting frame structure changes.

Two ways to bend plasterboard sheet

Rough sheathing of the frame

After completing the assembly of the arch frame, all that remains is to mount the gypsum board or wood board on it. To give plywood or fiberboard the desired shape, they will have to be pre-moistened, fixed on a template and steamed with a hot iron.

Ideally, you need to use special arched plasterboard, reinforced on both sides with non-woven fiberglass. It is enough to stretch it in the longitudinal direction and give it the desired shape.

There are two ways to bend a regular plasterboard sheet: wet and dry.

Wet technology involves soaking the back side of the gypsum board with water and gradually bending it onto a template of the required shape and fixing it on it. This process is lengthy; haste can lead to rupture of the cardboard layer of the sheet. And the resulting part can be installed and secured with self-tapping screws on the arch frame only after the plaster has completely dried.

Advice! It is possible to speed up the process of moistening gypsum board to give it elasticity using a needle roller.

The dry method involves making parallel cuts on one side of the sheet, which affect the plaster and the upper outer layer of cardboard. But the front cardboard layer remains intact. The bend is smooth and of the correct shape.

Installation of the main element of the arch

Cutting sheet material is best done with a jigsaw. When using a hacksaw, the cutting edges will certainly be less even. The sheathing is fastened with self-tapping screws in increments of 5–6 cm. After fixing it, the edges of the plasterboard and plywood sheets are sanded. And then a special plastic corner with perforation is attached to the curved edge to protect it from chips.

GKL fastening

Putty for perfect surface leveling

The next stage of finishing a plasterboard arch is primer and putty. After applying the first one, you need to wait until it dries. And fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce the second layer. The corners are also reinforced and leveled using a mesh.

The edges must be smooth

Surface putty

Putty joint with wall

Mesh reinforcement

Edge reinforcement with mesh

Next, apply the third finishing layer. The putty, which has hardened after 10-2 hours, is sanded with sandpaper to remove excess and make the surface as smooth as possible. There should be no protruding screw heads or dents left on it.

This is what the arch should look like

Decoration of the structure and design techniques

You can finally decorate the arch in the apartment with your own hands and make it beautiful:

painting in color with the walls;
wood paneling or plastic panels;
wallpapering or veneering;
finishing with decorative stone on a gypsum base;
decoration with mosaics and mirrors;
decorating using stucco or ready-made columns.

Simple finish with backlight

Both natural and artificial materials are used in the finishing of the interior arch. The choice here depends on the overall design idea for the interior design of the apartment. To improve the doorway, you can use polyurethane stucco molding and even textiles. All options are acceptable, the main thing is that they are in harmony with the surrounding decor.

Shelves in the design of an arched passage to the corridor

Framing columns made of clinker or decorative stone looks original and stylish. Manual installation will require time and diligence, but the result will certainly please the master. The uniqueness of the apartment with this method of decoration is guaranteed.

Artificial stone decor

Decorating the arch with natural wood will bring solidity and elegance to the house, and the mosaic pattern invented by the owners will add uniqueness to the decor. The main thing is not to overdo it with the design, making the design a tasteless heap of elements of different styles. All interior details should be in harmony with each other and complement each other.

Stucco columns in an arched doorway with wide walls

Often, simple painting in white or brown is enough to complete the design, making the arch with your own hands beautiful and elegant. However, some require built-in lighting and additional decorative elements in accordance with the style chosen for the apartment. It will take more time to finish the arched opening, but it will be worth it.

Decor with corner and wallpaper

It’s not difficult to install and decorate an interior arch instead of a door yourself. For work, it is enough to have metal scissors, a screwdriver and a hacksaw in the house. But if you have no experience in handling these tools, it is better to trust professional installers.

Making an arch out of brick is not an easy task even for an experienced home craftsman. This action requires certain skills and knowledge. And if skills need to be acquired in practice, then knowledge can be obtained by reading the recommendations and instructions on how to make a brick arch. For clarity, we provide photo and video materials.

Forms

A brick arch with your own hands can be created in a variety of shapes, taking into account the required architectural style. Types of openings, taking into account the masonry:

classic – the height of the semicircle is half the width of the opening;
bow - a trimmed cone, characteristic of the oriental style;

Construction process

wedge-shaped - in the form of a wedge, secured at the top with a locking element, which is characteristic of the Gothic style;
modern - an arc like a truncated cone;
romanticism - rectangular in shape with slightly rounded corners;
ellipse – used in postmodern or new wave;
the portal is rectangular in shape.

This or that brickwork of arches is characterized by features that need to be taken into account, especially harmony with a certain style.

Subsequence

In general, the procedure is different for all types of arches, but the main stages of this event can be identified:

creating a project;
building a template element;
its installation;

masonry;
removing the template;
finishing.

It is worth noting that the template element can be made either from wooden blocks or from chipboard. Dimensions are determined in advance. And the attractiveness of the brickwork depends on the quality of the template.

What is necessary?

To lay an arch out of brick, you will need a formwork template, which is made from boards and two racks for support.

The laying is done without gaps using wedge bricks. The thickness of the joints is allowed up to 1 cm. When using cement-sand mortar, the template can be removed only after two weeks.

If there is no wedge brick, you can remake a rectangular one. For a stove arch this parameter should be small. In addition, it is not recommended to use the solution for such a case, otherwise destruction is likely.

Create a template

The template is quite difficult to create. We can say that this stage of construction is the most difficult. After all, the result will be responsible for the shape, and at the same time play the role of a supporting structure. The template is created from a semicircle of chipboard and a piece of board. They should be nailed together, and then the hardboard is fixed.

Installation of support pillars

Side supports are made from boards for installation on the inside of the columns. A template is installed at the end of these elements. Next we do markings, determining the location of each brick.

Masonry

Making masonry with your own hands is easy if you follow certain recommendations. The bricks are laid from the edges to the middle. They should be placed according to the marks on the template. You can control the quality of the arch when there are three bricks left for laying.

The solution should be applied in a wedge shape. To maintain the symmetry of the second row, a cord is used.

It is worth cleaning the solution after it has set. To do this, use a damp brush.

Design features for the garage

You can give a sufficient number of photos of brick arches that are used in garages. To ensure its durability, it is recommended to take into account several features.

For example, many strive to make the arc minimal, but this only reduces the reliability of the design. It is also recommended to compare the strength of the template and the weight of the arch.

The posts must fit tightly so that the arch does not sag. Before starting the process, you should determine the required amount of bricks. If the arch is large, thick seams should be avoided. The thickness of the bottom seam should be 3-6 mm. Laying is done from the edges to the center. We lay the central brick last.

If the arch is made for a garage, the distance in the opening will be greater. To increase the strength of the wall above the arch, it is worth laying reinforcement.

Design features for stoves and fireplaces

In this case, the bricks are fitted tightly so that they touch at the bottom. When the masonry is dry, the template may be difficult to remove. Then there is an alternative - to burn it during the combustion process.

Cleaning from solution

Since when laying with your own hands, the solution cannot always be perfectly distributed, it can end up on the front part. Then you will have to clean it with a dry cloth. If there is not enough mortar in the seam, it must be filled from the bottom up.

Causes of destruction

There are special circumstances that may cause the arch to burst:

Small radius with large width. Due to the uneven distribution of significant loads, cracks and destruction may appear;

If metal bases or corners are used as a template. Despite the desire to use them to strengthen the structure, the result may be the opposite. After all, a metal base, unlike a wooden template, does not allow the arch to shrink. This may cause cracks to appear.
The template was not retrieved in time. While the template is in the structure, it absorbs moisture, the wood swells, as a result of which the masonry cannot withstand stress. Therefore, if you cannot immediately pull out the template, you should cover the arch with polyethylene.
The cause of destruction may be subsidence of the foundation, in which case it will need to be strengthened.

Having prevented possible causes, we build a reliable structure

It will take several hours to create a brick arch with your own hands. There is nothing complicated in the procedure, it is only important to follow the technologies and recommendations, then the result will be at the highest level - finishing the arch with brick will not only look beautiful, but also serve for many years.