Arched structures have been used to build buildings and decorate interiors since ancient times. These elements were not only decorations for the buildings, but also carried the load, served as an additional reinforcement of the building.
The history of arches
The word "arch" comes from the Latin arcus - "arc". The design appeared in ancient times. Stone architecture developed gradually, and arches began to decorate buildings inside and out. Most often they were used in the construction of cathedrals, temples. The arched windows and doors looked unusual.
Today, the arch is a popular element for interior decoration all over the world. There are many forms that allow you to create a unique, unusual design.
The arched design allows you to decorate a doorway or zone a room. It can be made for any style of interior. The type, shade and design are selected according to the shape of the opening and the design of the room. It does not weigh down the space, leaving it bright and spacious. Manufacturers offer ready-made interior arches. You can install them yourself. An arch made according to individual sketches can become a central element of the interior. The price of the goods depends on the material of manufacture, design, manufacturer, size. You can choose a budget or expensive elite model.
Installation Methods
Arch "Palermo" has a semicircular shape, is modular (consists of several elements). Manufacturers offer ready-made structures made of natural wood (oak, walnut, wenge, teak, cherry, pine), MDF, chipboard, plastic, gypsum. Wood and plaster structures are heavy and expensive, but they are more durable, stronger, and look beautiful. You can make an arch with your own hands from brick, artificial stone, drywall, wood, stucco elements.
Product packaging
The complete set of arches depends on the model and may contain a different number of elements. Elements of door arches "Palermo":
- Arched element.
- Inner plate.
- Vertical stand.
- Decorative lock.
- Retractor.
- Impost.
- Docking bar.
- Screws and decorative stickers for them.
Preparing for installation
Before buying, you need to decide on the style of the product, shade. Make the necessary measurements of the opening. Arches are sold unassembled. They are packed in cardboard boxes. They have images and diagrams of the assembly of structures, the color is indicated, the list of componentsitems.
Before installation, you need to check the presence of all parts of the structure, their integrity. Damage, chips, scratches, cracks are unacceptable. Remove the old trim 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 the size of the arch.
Prepare the necessary tools: saw, tape measure, level, drill with drills, liquid nails, hammer, self-tapping screws.
Stages of work
Installation of the arch "Palermo" is carried out according to the scheme, which is enclosed in the box with the product. Installation starts from the top. Gradually move down:
- Measure the width of the opening. Apply the markup of the future design using the level.
- It's easier to assemble the arch on the floor, then fasten all of its parts to the doorway. The job is easier to do with a helper.
- First, arched elements are assembled from both sides and a retractor is installed (if necessary). To carry out the work, they use a level and a tape measure.
- The next step is to mount the inner horizontal plate. It is cut along the height and width of the doorway, leaving a margin of 7-10 cm. To prevent the veneer from bending at the cut point, the edges are lightly sanded with sandpaper. The internal intermediate plate is inserted into the finished upper part of the structure. The 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 self-tapping screws.
- After that, the imponts (left and right) are installed. They differ in appearance. Important notconfuse. Dowels are hammered into 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 must be strictly vertical.
- The last step is to install the vertical inner plates. They are inserted similarly to the upper part (into the grooves).
- Decorative stickers are glued to all self-tapping screws. They are included in the product. Arch "Palermo" installed.
Decorating the structure
If the arch does not have an external finish, it is decorated independently. 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 the interior design several times. Home-made designs are decorated with stone, mosaics, tiles, wallpaper, plaster, mirror pieces, pebbles, fabric. Finished arches purchased at a hardware store do not require processing. They are covered with veneer, film, paint, plastic.
