It’s done! I am finally ready to share this project on how to install an archway without a contractor. Yes! A perfectly measured, MDF archway ready to install. It’s the best kept secret for DIY projects that involve walls or ceilings!
I can’t take credit for the find because my {first} husband found this US based company when we started this wall tear down between the kitchen and dining room. This is what we Coloradoans do when it rains…. we get antsy! We want to be outside!
This DIY project stalled when we couldn’t figure out the best way to create an extended archway when we took out the upper cabinets below and tore down 1/2 the wall behind the cabinets. Like I said we get antsy…
Every room’s entrance on the main level includes an archway. A 90 degree corner between the kitchen and dining room would …. drive my bat ass crazy!
We cut out the existing archway and squared the corners to prepare for the highly anticipated, but we were stuck on the easiest and least amount of financial pain to create the archway. My {first} husband found Archways and Ceilings online when he did a Google search for “how to create an arch.” I think that is what he Googled. This US based company (Texas) is awesome!
My husband took the lead on this part of the project. With a few video tutorials and an awesome FAQ page on Archways & Ceiling’s website the measurements of the depth, width and rise of the intended arch were all submitted online in minutes. We ordered the site’s popular soft segmented arch or eyebrow arch. The website points out that this arch softens a transition from one room to another. In this case it was between our dining room and kitchen (popular spaces in our houses).
Here’s the open wall when we ordered the archway. We crossed our fingers and were psyched when it arrived well in advance of the estimated delivery.
It shipped to our door and it arrived in several pieces, but in one box. When the box arrived I initially thought my husband had ordered skis.
The arch is made of MDF board which makes it easy to install with nails or screws. The archway screws directly into 2×4 boards we installed before the archway was delivered. See the 2×4’s in the photo below. The company has plenty of images on their site too!
Because the measurements are so precise it makes installation almost fail proof.
The opening on the right is where we had to move two plumbing pipes and add an electrical outlet per county code.We hired an electrician to install the outlet and it cost under $200.00.
We installed drywall over the arch and skim coated the walls. The total surface area was fairly small so we went over it with spray texture (in the can- it’s like Cool Whip in the can versus the tub).
I am so excited for this archway. The decision to knock out the half wall was to open the space, bring in the light from the dining room window and adding space to entertain- because everyone ends up in the kitchen! It has opened up the entire space and sets it up for our plans to use the dining room for meals that don’t include a turkey.
Linking to Our House Now a Home
CHECK OUT PART ONE OF THIS PROJECT
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