Turn a Square Doorway Into an Arch

Materials:

prefab custom metal arches
one 8" length of 2"x4"
drywall
plaster
construction adhesive
pneumatic stapler
utility knife
drill

1. Remove the drywall on above one side of the doorway all the way to the ceiling (figure A).

3. Install a new cripple stud (an 8-inch piece of 2x4) at the center of the opening.

4. Fasten both halves of the metal arch to the existing 2x4s on either side of the doorway. Then fasten the arch pieces to the cripple stud (figure B) to create the apex of the arch.

5. Hold up a piece of drywall on the outside of the arch and trace its outline on the drywall. Cut the drywall to shape. Install the drywall above the arch.

7. Finish the arch with plaster applied over the metal arches (figure C). Start with a rough coat and go from there.