Arched structures are used for the construction of buildings and interior decoration from ancient times. These elements were not only decoration of buildings, but also carried a load, served as an additional strengthening of the building.
The story of the arched vaults
The word "arch" comes from the Latin arcus - "arc". The design appeared in ancient times. Stone architecture developed gradually, and the buildings began to be decorated with arches inside and out. Most often they were used in the construction of cathedrals, temples. The vaulted windows and doors looked unusual.
Today, the arch is a popular element for interior design around the world. There are many forms that allow you to create a unique, unusual design.
Arched design allows you to decorate the doorway or zoning the room. It can be made for any style of interior. Type, shade and design are selected according to the shape of the opening and the design of the room. It does not burden the space, leaves it light and airy. Manufacturers offer ready-made interior arches. You can install them yourself. The arch made according to individual sketches can become the central element of the interior. The price of goods depends on the material of manufacture, design, manufacturer, size. You can choose a budget or expensive luxury model.
Installation methods
Arch "Palermo" has a semicircular shape, is modular (consists of several elements). Manufacturers offer prefabricated structures made of natural wood (oak, walnut, wenge, teak, cherry, pine), MDF, particleboard, plastic, gypsum. Wood and plaster structures are heavy and expensive, but they are more durable, stronger, and look beautiful. You can make an arch yourself from brick, artificial stone, drywall, wood, stucco elements.
The complete set of goods
The configuration of the arches depends on the model and may contain a different number of elements. Elements of door arches "Palermo":
- Arched element.
- Inner plate.
- Vertical rack.
- Decorative castle.
- Arch Expander.
- Impost.
- Docking bar.
- Self-tapping screws and decorative stickers for them.
Preparation for installation
Before buying, you need to determine the style of the product, the shade. Make the necessary measurements of the opening. Arches are sold unassembled. They are packed in cardboard boxes. They contain images and diagrams of assembly of structures, indicated color, list of component parts.
Before installation, you need to check the presence of all parts of the structure, their integrity. Damage, chips, scratches, cracks are not allowed. Old trim is removed from the doorway. Close up irregularities and cracks. A frame is prepared from a bar or metal guides. Sometimes it is necessary to expand the opening, it is adjusted to fit the arch.
The necessary tools are prepared: a saw, a tape measure, a level, a drill with drills, liquid nails, a hammer, and self-tapping screws.
Work stages
Installation of the Palermo arch is carried out according to the scheme, which is enclosed in a box with the goods. Installation begins from above. Gradually moving down:
- Measure the width of the opening. Mark the future design using a level.
- It is easier to assemble the arch on the floor, then fix all its parts to the doorway. Work is easier to do with an assistant.
- First, arched elements are assembled on both sides and a retractor is installed (if necessary). For work, use the level and tape measure.
- The next step is the installation of an internal horizontal plate. It is cut off according to the height and width of the doorway, leaving a margin of 7-10 cm. To prevent the veneer from bending in the place of the cut, the edges are lightly sanded with sandpaper. The inner intermediate plate is inserted into the finished upper part of the structure. Work is carried out carefully, otherwise the decorative coating of the parts may be damaged. The plate must fit exactly into the grooves.
- All elements are fixed with screws.
- After that, the impressions are set (left and right). They differ in appearance. It is important not to confuse. Dowels are clogged in them, which are inserted into pre-prepared holes.
- The next moment of work is the installation of side racks. It is carried out using a level, the racks should be strictly vertical.
- The last stage is the installation of vertical inner plates. They are inserted similarly to the upper part (in the grooves).
- Decorative stickers are glued to all screws. They are included in the package. Arch "Palermo" is installed.
Design decoration
If the arch has no external decoration, it is decorated on its own. Most often complement the arches of natural wood. They are polished, varnished, painted to match the interior, stained. If necessary, the design can be changed along with interior decoration several times. Homemade designs are decorated with stone, mosaics, tiles, wallpaper, plaster, pieces of mirror, pebbles, fabric. Finished arches purchased at a hardware store do not require processing. They have a coating of veneer, film, paint, plastic.