Bell curve arches, as their name implies, resemble the outline of a bell curve, or the mathematical distribution formula. This style of arch is a close cousin to the elliptical arch with one distinctive difference: they have the same gentle curve in the center, but the tighter radius at the sides flair down instead of up.
| 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 bell curve arch depth is limited to 18”. Anything greater than 18" is considered a barrel vault. |
The rise of a bell curve archway is roughly 23% percent of the width. For example, if you had a 5’-3 5/8” width, the rise of your bell curve would be 1’-2 5/8” (63.625 * .23 = 14.63375). The fixed percentage allows the rise to scale with the width, which keeps the shape intact.
Every bell curve 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 bell curve arch half to the stud and header.
Drywalling a bell curve 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 bell curve 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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I used to cringe when I’d hear a client request an elliptical arch, because I knew it meant I’d have to build it as oppose to delegating this to one of my guys. Plus the time it takes to build these correctly would take me half a day. Not anymore. Archways & Ceilings elliptical arches are too quick and easy. I couldn’t believe the simplicity as well as the ease of installation with the provided detailed instructions. Truly an amazing product.
