Interior Archways by ArchCraft®

Before Installation

(Rough Opening)

  After Installation

(Archway)

Step 1

Begin with a rough opening that has been framed a minimum of 2" wider and taller than the desired finished opening and within 1/4" of plumb and square.

Step 2

Sheetrock must be "dropped down" below the bottom of the header and across the entire opening width on both faces of the wall. This "dropped down" portion of sheetrock should be done when the sheetrock is initially hung. For elliptical and segment arches, 12" of sheetrock below the bottom of the header is sufficient and for round top (half round) arches, 1/2 of the opening width should be dropped down below the bottom of the header.

Step 3

Using a pencil, tape measure, and a straight edge, carefully mark on the dropped down sheetrock the opening center-line, the header bottom, and the jacks.

Step 4

See our sheetrock removal chart to mark your sheetrock removal lines. Each arch geometry and size has corresponding removal lines. Make sure to use the correct data from the chart for the arch size and geometry being installed. The arch size is on a sticker located on the back of the curved jamb of the arch head.

Click here to see Sheetrock Removal Chart

Step 5

Cut the sheetrock along the removal lines and remove the portion of the dropped down sheetrock that lies below the removal lines and between the jacks. Repeat steps 3-5 to prepare the other side of the opening or simply use the side just prepared as a guide to remove the same amount.

Step 6

The opening should be ready to accept the arch head. The casing of the arch head should hide all cut lines once the head is in place. After a dry fit to ensure proper fit, blocking can be placed between the remaining sheetrock if desired although not necessary.

Step 7

Place one of the columns into its installed position. Do not fasten at this time.

Step 8

Place one end of arched head on the top of the column positioned in step 7. Raise the other end of the arched head as high as possible. Do not fasten at this time.

Step 9

While holding the arched head up, slide the remaining column beneath the head and into its installed position. Do not fasten at this time.

Step 10

Align, plumb, and square the three components. Pay special attention that the casing on the head aligns with the casing on the columns.

Step 11

Once all components are in place and are plumb and square, attach to the wall using appropriately sized finish nails. Place all nails through the casing and in locations such that they will hit the header and jacks of the rough opening.

Step 12

The archway is now ready for appropriate finishing!

Call us anytime at 1-800-266-7295 to speak with a product representatives about archways for your home or place of business.