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MDF board cut in an arched shape

Published on April 2, 2024

Do it yourself

How to Create and Cut an Arch Design

The highly trendy arch design adds softness, personality, and a vintage vibe to any room in the house. Discover how to trace and cut an organic and harmonious arched shape in just a few easy steps, as seen on the TV series Le Grand chantier RONA.

Integrate Arches into Your Decor

It’s impossible to ignore the arch trend, which invites itself into any room in a multitude of ways, including wallpaper patterns, mirrors, painted accent walls, wall niches, doors, furniture, and more. Once you know how to cut a panel to create an arched shape, a world of possibilities opens up.
Sketch of an arch design

1
Plan Out Your Design

Determine the desired height and width of the arch as well as the space above and beside it. To obtain a perfect arch (also called a half-circle or half-moon arch), the height must be exactly half the width. For example, an arch with a width of 4’ will have a height of 2’.
Person using a tape measure

2
Add Markers

  • 2.1Draw the reference lines (top edge and side edges) using a ruler and square.
  • 2.2Mark both sides of the arch near the bottom edge, measuring to make sure the design will be centred.
  • 2.3Finally, mark the centre of the arch near the bottom edge.
Person measuring a piece of stringPerson tracing the curve of an arch design

3
Trace the Curve

  • 3.1Tie a piece of string to a thumbtack, then push the thumbtack into the centre mark as close to the bottom edge as possible.
  • 3.2Stretch the string towards one side of the arch, then tie a pencil at this exact spot.
  • 3.3Before you go on, take the pencil and gently pull the string; the tip of the pencil should be aligned with the side of the arch. If not, untie the pencil and try again until the length is correct.
  • 3.4Keeping the string taut, slowly move the pencil from side to side to trace the curve.
Person cutting an MDF boardPerson cutting an arch shape with a jigsaw

4
Make the Cuts

  • 4.1Remove the thumbtack.
  • 4.2Clamp the board to a workbench.
  • 4.3Using a jigsaw (or a circular or table saw), cut the board to the desired size.
  • 4.4Carefully cut along the arch line using a jigsaw.
Person sanding an MDF board

5
Add the Finishing Touches

  • 5.1Using a sander and fine-grain sandpaper, lightly sand all cuts until soft to the touch. Hand sanding is also possible.
  • 5.2Apply 2 coats of paint (or more if needed).
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Pro Tip

When adding a shape such as an arch into interior design, it can be interesting to recall this shape elsewhere in the room or house. You can do this by adding home decor elements in this shape, painting arches on a wall, or keeping the cut arch shape for another project, such as a bulletin board or chalkboard.

Disclaimer

These DIY projects are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in RONA’s DIYs is intended to provide general guidelines to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations are continually changing, RONA inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. RONA inc. makes no representation on the feasibility of any project and the viewer bears all risks coming with the realization of the projects. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any doubt in regard to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional. 

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