Rock Edging for an Arched Doorway

Style

• Stone edging comes in a variety of looks from jagged, rough-hewn granite to smooth, porous limestone. Rougher styles look more rustic and medieval, and "jump forward" visually, while the smoother sanded styles tend to blend a bit more with the surroundings. The intent of stone edging is to make it look like it's been there forever, so the style of the stone should integrate seamlessly into the rest of the area. Chunky, jagged rock will bring the archway forward, and could make a room look smaller when used indoors. Smooth styles are more accommodating, and low-profile selections might not affect the visual size of the room at all.

Material

• The style you choose dictates the material to a point. If you love the jagged medieval castle-look of rough-hewn granite, then granite is the way to go. But smoother styles can look very similar to one another whether they're made from sandstone, limestone, travertine or slate. Each stone has their own nuances, but the ultimate choice generally comes down to budget and availability. Architectural foam is another option, also the least expensive. The foam is molded to mimic real stone in whatever style you like, and is realistically painted after installation. Foam is the better choice for most interior and do-it-yourself applications because it is light and easy to adhere to the wall.

Keystone

• The keystone is the center piece at the top of the arch. Traditionally, the keystone was what held all the other stones in place through simple gravity, but today it serves as a decorative focal point. Your keystone can be plain, modeled in the same fashion as the rest of the edging, or it can be elaborately carved. A happy medium is usually the best idea for most applications, with a double- or triple-layer profile following the general shape of the stone. If you get too ornate with the keystone carving, you risk making your archway look like a cemetery entrance.

Installation

• Picking material is the fun part, but installation is the real work. Architectural foam edging installs quickly and easily, usually with a glue-like adhesive. Real stone, however, is a challenge -- it must be affixed with mastic or mortar, and braced into place until fixed. Very thick, heavy edging can require an elaborate bracing system that will put the archway out of service until the project is completed. Bracing is easier with U-shaped edging, which results in stone covering the underside and both sides of the archway, because the support can come from underneath with only moderate clamping on the sides. But tile-style edging on only one side can be difficult because the bracing must come entirely from the side. In many cases, calling in an expert is the better choice.