Jeff Doubet shares an exclusive look at Spanish arch construction, and how expert drywall specialists apply drywall mud to it. See first hand, the techniques and skills this team use to handcraft interior design elements within an estate home being built in Montecito, California.
Framing the shot: For context, this is the large entry foyer during the framing stage of the project. Large archways were designed to define different wings of the home. A graceful staircase with subtle arch is another interesting focal point. The gentle stairway enhances the entry experience, and adds to the charm of the space leading up to second story bedroom suites.
Non-structural, thick decorative archways such as this one are typically double framed with 2 x 4’s. Structural plywood is installed as an effective way to define the shape and geometry of the arch. Short lengths of 2 x 4 lumber are used to block the thickness of the arch. Your architect and structural engineer will provide construction details for your own specific project requirements.
A few weeks after the framing was completed I checked in to see the progress. The drywall had been installed, and the mudding of the decorative Spanish arches had begun.
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Spanish Arch Drywall Mudding Tips
One technique the drywall experts use when developing specialty design elements such as arches is to mud wall and ceiling areas in sections. Allowing small sections of the component(s) to dry enables the team to “fill” in between the sections the next day. This is because wet drywall mud is easier to control when applying it up to a cured section of a wall, ceiling or both.
I have done a lot of drywall work in my life and can say it is both an artistic craft, as well as a physical sport. It requires excellent hand eye coordination, balance, strength and stamina. It is a skilled trade for real go-getters. Lazy folk need not apply.
High Quality Spanish homes with Arches
Glossy magazine articles showcasing high-end Spanish home interiors often feature photos shot through arched passageways- framing beautiful interiors.
Indeed, shapes and curves within a well crafted archway are works of art within a Spanish home interior. Drywall teams on large projects such as this often work in coordination with one another when building them.
The cadence and choreography of the moves the drywall teams make is mesmerizing to watch. And there is a practical side to all of this. Once the material sets up, it will no longer be workable.
More Process Photos for How a Spanish Arch Can Be Handcrafted
Here the drywall expert works with a spritzer tool to apply thin mist of water on the drywall mud as it quickly cures. This technique helps him manage and control the mud, troweling it into the decorative finish the homeowner has requested.
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These successful techniques and processes for applying drywall mud have been honed over time. Many of these tricks of the trade have been handed down from one generation to the next.
More interesting photos inside a Spanish house Under Construction
I wanted to share a couple more images of the Spanish Colonial Revival interior as it nears completion. From the framing photos at the beginning of my post, to these final drywall finishing touches- I hope you feel that you have learned insightful tips on how your own project can benefit from these types of architectural details.
This is a view through another archway at the end of the entry foyer. When designing your own project, consider how you might incorporate a thick arch (or two). If strategically planned, they can frame special views within your home, as well as to the outdoors.
As the expert drywall Artisans focus on applying the finishing details to this interior, you can see why the homeowners were so happy with their efforts. To grasp how talented and diverse this team really is, check out the exterior stucco they masterfully worked on, here.