DIY Arched Hallway Entry

Cut the drywall arch surrounding the entryway with a utility knife until the framing is exposed around the sides and top.

Saw the 2-by-3-inch lumber into three pieces that will go along the sides and top of the entryway. The length of these pieces will differ based on the width of the entryway and the depth of the arch. Nail the pieces along the inside of the frame accordingly, using 2-inch nails.

Tie a pin and a pencil to either end of the string. Push the pin through the center of the cardboard piece and after stretching the string to its limit, begin drawing a circle on the cardboard.

Remove the pin and cut out the circle using scissors. Divide the circle into two parts. You can cut the circle down the middle, but depending on the design, you may have to cut lower or higher.

Tape the cardboard arch to the bottom of the top frame to ensure that you have enough room to walk in and out of the hallway.

Trace the outline of your arch on two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood and cut them out to get two plywood arches.

Position the plywood arches on either side of the framing, then nail them into the framing using 2-inch nails.

Cover the arch on either side with drywall cut roughly to the dimensions of the arches. Trim off any excess drywall with a utility knife.

Cut lumber blocks to the thickness of the wall, shaping them to the curve of the arch. Screw them in between the plywood arches using drywall screws.

Nail hardboard strips into the wooden blocks, bending them as you go along, with 2-inch nails. Trim off any excess from the sides of the archway.

Cut a strip of drywall that measures the thickness of the archway and soak it in water anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Immerse the strip completely and take it out only when it becomes flexible.

Bend the drywall to the shape of the hallway arch and screw it into the hardboard using drywall screws.

Fix flexible corner beads to the edges of the arch. Secure them using a stapler.

Apply joint compound to the corner beads, making sure to cover them completely. Let the archway dry.

Sand the archway and paint it to your liking.