Create an Arched Doorway

Figure A

1. Begin by covering all furnishings with plastic covers. Remove small items from the area. To remove the door casing, score the caulking between the casing and the drywall around the entire perimeter. Use a pry bar, loosen and remove the casing. Remove the entire casing and pull it away from the wall. With a pry bar and putty knife, carefully remove the baseboards. Use a claw hammer to remove any protruding nails.

Figure B

2. Before purchasing your arched doorway kit, take exact measurements of the opening. Measure from one side of the opening to the other, and from the floor to the top of the opening. Also measure the thickness of the jamb. Take these measurements to a home center store and allow them to help you make your selection.

Figure C

3. Dry fit the archway, making sure it is centered in the opening, then make marks on the drywall where the arch crosses the wall. After removing the trim, use the marks to measure for 2x4 blocking and make the cuts with a circular saw.

Figure D

4. Install the blocks to each side and top corner with a drill and screws, then install the cross pieces. These pieces of blocking will be used to attach drywall. When placing the archway, without the new drywall, there would be openings in each corner.

Figure E

5. Cut four pieces of drywall to the approximate size of the corners. Attach the panels of drywall to the corners using screws. To trim the drywall to the proper angle, score and pop loose with a utility knife along the diagonal block.

Figure F

6. Using a broad knife, spread joint compound along the entire length of each joint, covering all seams and holes. Next, press paper tape into the wet joint compound and smooth the tape out with the broad knife. Apply a second layer of joint compound over the tape and smooth with the knife. Do this for both corners. Allow to dry. Sand, prime and paint all three kit pieces at this time.

Figure G

7. Begin by standing one column firmly in place, then lift the archway into place as far as it will go. Slide the second column under the arch and over the sidewall jamb. Center each column under the arch and check for plumb.

Figure H

8. Permanently attach the columns to the wall jambs by pre-drilling pilot holes along the edge of the column and filling the holes with eightpenny nails. Set each of the holes with a nail set and fill with spackle. Now is a good time to caulk any cracks if necessary. Install the decorative top cap with one finishing nail.

9. Reattach baseboards if necessary and touch up wall paint to finish the job. This project takes only around two days to complete and costs in the neighborhood of $650.