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arched garage door trim?

RIPVW | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 21, 2003 05:13am

my problem is:   the best way to create an arched garage door opening like in old garages.   my door size is: 8’x8′   i think the rounded arch will start at about 6′ on each side and peak at the 8′ point in the middle.  how to bend the 1 1/2″ x 8″ trim wood is the main problem.  i have thought of steaming cedar or? but haven’t done that before.  also thought of building up layers of wood (cedar) with glue.  the finish will be painted.  my last idea was to use a menufactured plastic type “wood” product..   any ideas?

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  1. User avater
    artacoma | Jul 21, 2003 10:40pm | #1

    If you have clear cedar you should be able to bend 3/4" x 3/4" to that radius easily. Just glue and nail in place . If it snaps try 1/2" x 3 pieces. Shouldn't be a problem......................Rik

  2. Edgar76b | Jul 22, 2003 02:51am | #2

    you could try some of that composite Trim board "KOMA" I think thats it. If you will be painting. Never done it myself. You need to frame the opening to recieve that curve.  I was thinking you could cut a radius in plywood and build down your header. But you might get away with Angles, with specific nailing points, at all the right places . like when you are installing a paladian window.

    The real Problem is your casing. You will probably need to install it in 3 or four pieces. Cutting it Out of wider boards to get your radius. better yet send it to mill work and have them engineer it for you. Have it fingerjointed or let them build it up and cut it out. I would like to know what you did. I doubt that your arch starts at 6' maybe 7'. 6' would be steep i think.

    Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?

    1. RIPVW | Jul 22, 2003 06:19am | #4

      hi,   koma?  i think you are tracking with me on my problem...  normal g-door casings are 2x8's for 2x6 walls... so how i would like to keep the costs down if i can.

      koma.. all ask the lumberyard tomorrow.   thanks for your help

  3. RIPVW | Jul 22, 2003 03:28am | #3

    here are some more things i forgot to mention:

    1) header is a paralam as my second story rim joist. so no issue.

    2) i like the idea of framing points for the arch trim to hit.  5 should do it.

    3) i need a full 7 1/2" wide wrap in my door opening ... so i need a bendable   2x8!  the plan is for a real big arch.  6' to 8' at the peak.

    4) maybe the engineered cut piece mentioned would be my best option... only sounds pricey as it would be a chunk of wood 8" x 24" x 8'+

    1. User avater
      SamT | Jul 22, 2003 08:09am | #5

      Get 2 1x8x10's, wood of your choice (be reasonable,) lay 'em on the grass, cover with clear plastic.  Make sure the soil under the lawn is moist.

      Wait till late afternoon of the 2nd day and put them in the forming/drying rack and keep the concave side to the sun.

      In a couple of weeks, glue and screw your arched 2x8.

      Choose nice straight grain wood.

      SamT

      "Law reflects, but in no sense determines the moral worth of a society.... The better the society, the less law there will be. In Heaven, there will be no law, and the lion will lie down with the lamb.... The worse the society, the more law there will be. In Hell, there will be nothing but law, and due process will be meticulously observed."

      Grant Gilmore, The Ages of American Law (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1977), pp. 110-111.From 32866.117

      1. RIPVW | Jul 22, 2003 08:12am | #6

        good advice, i read about that method somewhere, but forgot about it.. thanks!

        ( i have no grass, but maybe friend will let me kill his!) 

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