Carpentry and Woodworking - arched entry

hello all, i would like to know what the easiest way to create an arch entry. i removed a wall and would like the opening to match the rest of the house which is plaster arches. my opening is square so maby a prefab arch? thanks

Arches are usually framed out of plywood. 2 identical pieces of plywood cut to the desired radius with short 2x blocks connecting the arch.

You can make one with steel studs, then apply drywall or plaster. We made a curved front for our wood stove platform with steel studs and it was easy. Our residential steel framing book told us how but I am sure there is somehting lurking on the net too. Basically you cut the C channel at 2-inch intervals on one edge and the web (the top and side of the "C"), bend, and fasten.

i am trying to bend 1/4" ply..........soaking in h2o, then a little at time bend....er i mean snap.......lol. am i at leat getting the concept?

Usually 1/2" plywood is used - but not bent. You construct an arch by cutting the radius out of 2 oieces of plywood/osb. These make up the sides of the arch. Small blocks of 2xs get inserted between the plywood following the curve.

Once the framing is in place, 1/4" drywall is usually used to make the bend.
1/2" drywall can be used. the drywall curve doesn't have to be perfect as you can further improve the radius using joint compound.

The current issue of "The Family Handyman" has an article on turning a square doorway into an arched one. They used premade pieces that fit into the corners of the existing doorway. They're finished with drywall compound.

They used ArchCraft Products model #712 purchased from creativecorners.net .

After cutting the 1/4" sheetrock to size, I score the back of it across the grain slightly to help bend it. But, of course, it will take a helper to put it in place, because it will be a lot limper than the intact sheet. Drywall compound works miracles.