I want to close up the arch in my living room, any suggestions on how to do this?

Question

The arch was put in to open out the living room and dining room but i hate it and would like 2 seperate rooms, but i'd like it to have doors on so it can be opened out when we have parties etc, what would be the best way to go about this? preferably without using a builder!

Answer 1

hibee is right that is one way. but for an internal partition wall all you need is timber (4" x 2") for the stud work. (you should may be use a little larger also you need plenty of it, typically verticals placed 18" apart distance horizontals top, bottom and again 18" apart.
all you need now is the plaster board, plaster board nails (to place a nail every 3 to 6 inches on all of the stud work you just installed) you need to use insulation typically the thinner one to place in between the studwork.
insulation is optiional but if done correctly will cut your heating bill and leave you more money to spend on the things you love.
don't forget to allow for the doors of your choice. of course if they are still available you could get those folding doors that used to run on a track, fit those in the opening instead of the stud wall (the timber and plaster board).
alternatively use several pairs of folding doors ( like a normal door split on two. when joining two pairs of folding doors together all you need to do is put the hinge on the opposite side to that of the existing hinge on the one pair. get help whatever you are doing.
tools you will need:
a tape measure, Hammer, Stanley (or other SHARP) knife (with spare blades), a saw for cutting the timber. a pencil for marking up the board and timber prior to cutting. you will need a plaster float to spread the plaster evenly and provide a good finish.

to finish the job you will need plaster board joint tape, and enough plaster to give at two thin smooth coats of plaster. all that is left now is to select a paint colour or wallpaper to finish the job (if wall paper don't forget to see if you need wallpaper paste or if self pasting a trough to soak the paper or apasting table and past brush and bucket.

it has been a while since i needed to do anything like this and i may have forgoten something.

almost forgot make sure to use proper eye protection and a face mask when you are doing the construction. If you do use uinsulation you need to use rubber gloves and disposable overalls. the insulation i'm thinking of is fibreglass and so could cause injury (glass fibres are worse than wood splints to get out).

good luck, if in doubt consult a professional builder (one who has been recomended to you) you shouls also seek out a professional plasterer who has been recomended as getting a smooth finish is tricky if you have never done it before. if this is a room you entertain in get a professional to do the work it could you less in the long run.

Answer 2

Build a wall the same as if it was squared off. You will just have to adjust your top plate to fit the curve. An easy way to do this is to make your top plate out of thin material layered upon each other, say 1/4" plywood layered to give you a solid surface for your studs to nail into. Then between your studs you can cut pieces to fit, almost like fire blocks, to provide more support. Other than that, frame out your door like normal, sheetrock, mud, tape and paint. Good project, sounds like fun!

Answer 3

I know the perfect solution if you are just starting with woodworking and also if you have already experience with it. I reccomend to give a look to this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) You can find a lot of woodworking plans and you will be able to manage the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It allows you to modify the projects and to alter the arragements. If you are a beginner this is the easiest way to start, it's the best approach to woodworking; and if you already have experience you will find a lot of ideas and inspirations to improve your abilities with woodwork. I'm sure that you will love it!

Answer 4

Go to B&Q and see what sort of doors they have there. You'll need to have a frame in place to hold / support the doors so being an arch it may be a bit difficult.

Answer 5

There were so many woodworking plans with this collection and you will not believe this but there are over thousands plans in the one package deal. Go here https://tr.im/GKvhY
This is really something to find that many all together. For someone like me who is just really starting to get involved with woodworking this was like letting me loose in a candy store and telling me I could have anything I wanted. That was my dream when I was a kid.

Answer 6

measure the thickness of the wall, buy some timber to make a door frame, hang two doors or bifolds, it will depend how big the hole is . you can get the doors made to measure if you have a decent joiners in your area, or give it a week and contact Barry at Helston Joinery in Cornwall...nice people to do business with.

Answer 7

Hey there,
If you are wondering where to find the most complete woodworking plans book,
you have to give a look here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=294
I hope it helps

Answer 8

if you are no good at DIY you should get builder in.you could use plaster board.or brick or block but you will need to plaster over.

Answer 9

Bricks + mortar + plasterboard.