arch columns[This is part of my ARCHWAY-101 series.]

Since this is the only surviving picture of this installation sequence, you’re going to have to use your imagination to fill in the sequences that have been lost to the digital sands of time.

But I think it’s safe to say, that if you have the temerity to attempt building this archway, in all of its glorious detail, then I’m confident you’ll figure out what I did.

Pilaster Cores

I made the pilaster cores in a U-shape and then slid them on the wall, glued and nailed them in place.

The rest of the material shown in the previous post gets wrapped around this core, so make sure you build your core square — perfectly square — or you will have to compensate for your mistake with every single piece of molding and flat-stock you layer on it.

Be patient, and above all, use a good table saw to make your 45 degree bevels with.

These Similar Projects Should Help

Constructing an mdf core, and then wrapping moldings and other mdf around the core, is a common technique of mine.

In the following posts I used the same basic technique. These posts have more step by step pictures. I hope they help.

Remember, I had no instructions of any kind when I built this. None. And I’m not terribly bright, just very persistent.

Good luck!

How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Series

1. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 1: Gallery

2. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 2: Materials Inventory

3. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 3: How to Make the Pilaster Core

4. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 4: Keystone Materials and Layout

5. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 5: Installing the Flex Trim Legs

6. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 6: Installing the Arched Casing

7. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 7: Flex Trim Backband & Keystone

8. How to Build ARCHWAY-101 Part 8: Prep & Paint