Curved drywall - smallest radius.

TheVampire

Putting up a wall that will have a "portal" through it. Bottom of portal is flat and top is arched. Size is 20" wide and 10" high. Can I wet and bend 1/2" drywall to make the inside of the arch without it breaking? Can I get a curved bead that will fit or be shaped to this size? Thanks.

Sir MixAlot

1/4" drywall is the best for bending. 1/2' will bend but not as much. And, yes they do make a bead for curves. Home Depot or Lowes sell's it.

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TheVampire

Great! Thanks for the tip on the 1/4" being better.

bjbatlanta

Cut your pieces to the size you need, sponge them down until nice and damp, stand against the wall (with the bottom out a foot or so from the wall) overnight and they'll take on a nice bend for you to start with. Dampen again and EASE them into the radius to prevent breaking (hopefully). Use two layers. Often, even if the first layer cracks or breaks between the framing members, the second will bow around without breakage. Best of luck.

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TheVampire

I was planning on cutting a few layers of 3/4" plywood in the appropriate radius and using that between my studs to frame a base for the drywall to sit against. Does that sound like a good approach?
Also, what's the name on the curved bead. I looked in Lowes and could not find it. Thanks for the tips.

bjbatlanta

I don't know if you'll get 3/4" plywood to bend around a radius. I've seen 1/4" masonite used on curves. Home Depot sells Strait Flex (at least in this area) and there is a type made for arches. Try them.

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Termite

3/4" plywood pieces are often used in curves to provide support. As bjbatlanta said, don't try to bend it. Just cut small pieces and attach with small nails or some trim screws.

bjbatlanta

I'm thinking I misinterpreted your use of the 3/4" plywood after thinking about it. If you meant use it for the faces of your radius, like a door header, then yes, that will form your opening between your studs. Just use one piece on either side. Add 2"x4" blocking every few inches (almost solid) to form the inside to fasten your 1/4" drywall to. Use glue to stick the drywall to the radius; as few nails/screws as possible. They will tend to break the drywall in a tight radius. If you can, just nail the ends and let the glue hold in the middle. The Strait Flex (Arch Flex) comes in a roll and will be mudded on like tape. I'd use a setting type compound for extra holding power.

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TheVampire

Slight misunderstanding here. I'm not planning on bending the plywood. What I am going to do is cut the plywood out in the shape of my portal arch, although slightly bigger. I would cut 2 or 3 pieces like this and sandwich them together, then place them inbetween the vertical studs and on top of the stud used for the bottom of the portal. Then that gives me a solid perfect curve on the inside to form my drywall up against. Without drawing out a picture I really can't explain it better.

EDIT: After posting this I saw BJ's new reply. Yes, that's the kind of idea I was having, but minus the 2x4's to block it out. I understand that the glue would be better but will it hold when the drywall is damp / wet from me bending it?

bjbatlanta

I thought I was misunderstanding you. Yes, that will work, as will the 2"x blocking nailed/screwed in between.
Once the drywall itself dries, the glue will also dry. The nails/screws on the ends will hold the rock in place until everything is dry. You may get away putting a tack or two in the outside edge as you go. Fastening the middle tends to break easier. You don't want the drywall TOO wet when you're working with it or it will fall apart (paper will turn loose from the core of the board). You just have to take it slow and if it feels like it's about to pop, stop and dampen it some more. Good luck.

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