Squaring interior arch

[iamiamiam]

Hopefully, this is simple. I want to square off the arch that separates my living and dining rooms. I have highlighted the area below that I want to remove. Being very new to DIY I planned to just chip away at the brick/concrete (which I'm assuming it's constructed of) and then put plasterboard over it. My concern is that it will cause structural damage. I am being overly cautious?

 

[Notch7]

the brick/concrete (which I'm assuming it's constructed of)

unlikely

it may just be a plaster arch former -in which case it will be hollow

try drilling into the deepest part of the arch with a smallish drill -say 6mm and see how easily it goes in

its almost certainly not structural


your biggest problem is plasterboard as you really need to put in some thin coat edge beads and skim -possible but tricky if youve never attempted plastering before

 

[robinbanks]

Because you need the height or because you don't like the look?

 

[iamiamiam]

Because you need the height or because you don't like the look?

Just for aesthetics.

 

[iamiamiam]

unlikely

it may just be a plaster arch former -in which case it will be hollow

try drilling into the deepest part of the arch with a smallish drill -say 6mm and see how easily it goes in

its almost certainly not structural


your biggest problem is plasterboard as you really need to put in some thin coat edge beads and skim -possible but tricky if youve never attempted plastering before

Thanks, I’ll try drilling it today. The plastering aspect I’m happy to pay someone to do well. Also we need the fireplace and area around the new windows plastered so we’ll do it all at once.

 

[robinbanks]

Would squaring it off at the lower level also work for you or does the height at centre form part of the required aesthetic?

 

[iamiamiam]

Would squaring it off at the lower level also work for you or does the height at centre form part of the required aesthetic?

I want the height. For aesthetic reasons and I’m tall

 

[^woody^]

Tap it. If it's hollow above, it's a mesh or plaster arch with a lintel higher up, so can be easily squared.

If solid, it will likely need support and new lintel.

 

[iamiamiam]

There is a wooden support going across the room and adjacent hallway.