A soft segmented arch, also known as an eyebrow or flat arch, is a single radius arch that has a more subtle (softer) curve than all the other arch styles. The ability to choose your own rise along with the simplicity in design has made this arch style the most popular.
| Material |
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) |
| Thickness (in.) |
1” – 1 ½” (depending on width) |
| Depth (in.) |
1” to 5 ½”. Any depth over 5½” will be made as a split (a 2¾” arch for both the front and back of the opening). Lastly, a soft arch depth is limited to 18”. Anything greater than 18" is considered a barrel vault. |
Percentage Ratio
Based on the width, make your rise 1 ½” to 2” per foot (12.5% – 16.5%). For example, if you have a 38 1/2” opening, you’d have a 6 3/8” rise (38.5 x .165 = 6.375(rounded)).
Constant Rise Method
Regardless of the width, assign a fixed rise to all openings. For example, set a 3ft and a 10ft opening, both with a 10” rise.
Rise Chart
A tool used to reference the width of an opening to acquire a rise.
Every soft arch kit comes with tailored installation instructions to your specifications. It really is as simple as measuring and marking the center of your header, marking down from the header your total height, and then aligning and fastening each soft arch half to the stud and header.
Drywalling a soft arch is comprised of measuring the curvature of the arch, cutting the drywall to the curvature and depth, forming and fastening in place. You can also watch our "How to Drywall an Archway" YouTube video.
QUICK TIPS
Drywall, plaster, wood veneer, brick veneer, trim, tile… the list is seemingly endless. Whether you want your soft segmented archway to have a simple or an ornate finish, the choice is yours. You can also watch our "7 Creative Ideas to Finish Your Ceilings & Archways" YouTube video.
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