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Reader Project: DIY Custom Arched Entryway

pmcdermottpmcdermottUpdated: Sep. 17, 2021

For a couple of years, Mark Ziers had been contemplating what he should do to the front entrance of his courtyard. Since he already had existing archways in his home, Mark decided to build arched doors with biscuit joints and glue. 

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

The Finished Archway

Mark created this beautiful entrance to his home with his newfound skills. “However, I was concerned with hanging a door outside in the elements until I came up with this stucco arch for protection. Over the course of a month, I worked on the arched entryway during my spare time. My wife had her concerns about my finish work on the stucco, so I decided to hire a professional to finish that portion of the project. The Family Handyman has always been an inspiration for me, as I am in a completely different profession and view this as my hobby.” — Mark. Click here to learn how you can build an arched entryway in your home.

Here is Mark’s step-by-step process for building the archway.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Template

I cut out the template from cardboard and secured it into place.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Building the Arch

Once I had the template, I was able to cut the parts from plywood and assemble the top section of the archway.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Framing the Sides

Next I framed up each side of the archway. I had to subtract the thickness of the material that will be skinned over so the framing would match the arch.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Joining of Archway to Sides

After I framed up the sides, I was able to fasten the top of the archway to the sides.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Framed Archway

The archway has been assembled and is ready to prep for stucco.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Prep Work for Stucco

I wrapped the archway with roofing felt to make it weathertight, then covered it with metal netting.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Scratch Coat

The scratch and brown coats have been applied and now the archway is ready for the finish coat.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Stucco

With the stucco applied, the archway itself is complete.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

Door Construction

The door is constructed of 2×6 redwood, with double biscuit joints every 12 inches and wood glue in between. The biscuit joiner was a great deal from Harbor Freight Tools. Plus: Check out these 20 other things DIYers should always buy at Harbor Freight.

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arched entrywayPhoto courtesy of Mark Ziers

The Completed Look

The door was stained and then sealed with two coats of finish. For the final touch, I installed a speakeasy I found on ebay.

For more ideas to add curb appeal to your home, click here.

Originally Published: September 12, 2018