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Custom Ceiling: Cloister Vault Arched Ceiling

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Whether your building a new home or remodeling it is always important to examine all the possibilities to help you finish your project on time, under budget and to maintain the highest level of quality. Here at Archways & Ceilings we have modeled our business around these key points and proudly offer our customers an opportunity to take there business to the next level by offering them our product line of arched ceilings. We prefabricate custom arched ceilings like groin vaults, dome ceilings, barrel vaults and cove ceilings. But that’s not all! We listen to our customers needs and make custom ceilings per the builders / remodelers request. Just because we don’t have it listed on our website, doesn’t mean we don’t make it.

For example, we recently had an opportunity to design and fabricate a cloister vault ceiling for a home in Oklahoma. The builder and home owner wanted to make a statement and also wanted a unique custom ceiling for the foyer of the home. So after several different design ideas, the home owner made his choice, a cloister vault. From here, we supplied them with detailed 2d & 3d cads of what the ceiling would look like in the home. This way they were able to visualize the ceiling and begin thinking about how they wanted to finish it out.

Behind the scenes, we are working diligently by manufacturing the arched ceiling (3-5 days) and by putting together detailed custom instructions to illustrate how the ceiling will piece together once it reaches the jobsite. We make every step of our process super simple, super easy.

Take a look at the cloister vault below! Imagine trying to frame that from scratch!

cloister vault ceiling custom ceiling design Custom Ceiling: Cloister Vault Arched Ceiling

Foyer Design Idea: Groin Vault Ceiling

Monday, April 9th, 2012

A groin vault ceiling is a great design idea for any foyer or entry way. The groin ceiling  brings a custom warm feel along with added architectural detail to the space. Not to mention building these ceilings has never been so easy! Archways & Ceilings offers groin vault kits that allows anyone the opportunity to add a groin ceiling to there living space. Take a look below on how this entry way was transformed into a beautiful grand foyer. Click here to get an instant quote on  a groin vault.

Groin Vault Foyer Foyer Design Idea: Groin Vault Ceiling

A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & Remodeling

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Master Bedroom Dome Ceiling A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & RemodelingWe recently had the opportunity to work with a team of professionals from Almar Building & Remodeling located in Hanover, MA. Their client wanted to incorporate a dome ceiling in the master bedroom and that’s when we teamed up with www.Almarbuilding.com. Take a look:

“When our client came to us with the idea of wanting to install a flat ceiling with a Dome in their Master Bedroom ceiling that was already vaulted 15′ we were not sure what was the best way to frame the structure.  I had talked with people who had used a ‘hanging plaster’ system, but were very unhappy with it and as the home settled the plaster cracked.  After doing some research on the internet, we found Archways and Ceilings.  The online videos and instructions were a great help and we decided to use them for this project.  We sized up and ordered the kit with the help of their sales staff.  They helped us design and make sure that everything would fit into the room perfectly.

Our carpenters thought that the kit was great and easy to use.  And the Dome Kit was very affordable and got our homeowner the awesome Master Bedroom ceiling they wanted without breaking the bank.  The ceiling Dome kit with a light ring was great and with the LED lighting and Flexible crown molding it was a great looking finished ceiling!”

~CraigGuido Almar Building and Remodeling

Photo Gallery For Guido Custom Homes A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & Remodeling
Dome Ceiling Remodel1 A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & RemodelingRemodel Dome Ceiling1 A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & RemodelingRemodel Domed Ceiling1 A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & RemodelingDomed Ceiling Remodel1 A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & RemodelingFor more information about Almar Building & Remodeling click on
the logo below!
Logo8 24 300x157 A Dome Ceiling Remodel with Almar Building & Remodeling

Building A Barrel Vault Ceiling

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Building a barrel vault ceiling Building A Barrel Vault CeilingBuilding a barrel vault ceiling on the job site is time consuming, expensive and not always perfect. Archways And Ceilings solved this problem by creating a prefabricated arched ceiling kit to minimize cost, time and to make sure you have a perfect arched ceiling every time. We have been making arched ceilings like barrel vaults, cove ceilings, groin vaults and dome ceilings since 1988 and have perfected our craft!
Gives us a shot on your next project and we guarantee we will change the way you build homes from here on out.
See for your self!

“Created by a framer for framers!”

A Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

A Modern Twist 300x279 A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsA Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

When you think of a modern home design, you begin to think of crisp, straight lines and often do not think about archways or arched ceilings. Guido Custom Homes thought out side of the box and incorporated archways, coved ceilings, barrel vaults and groin vaults in their modern home design. They were successful in bringing the traditional mediterranean style and making it modern. The overall secret to keeping arched ceilings modern is by keeping the ceiling detail subtle.
Tip: Keep each ceiling detail unique and think of it like a piece of art work on the wall.

Photo Gallery For Guido Custom Homes A Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

Cove Ceiling Great Room Finished arched ceiling A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsCove Ceiling Great Room A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsBarrel Vault Master arched ceiling A Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

Barrel Ceiling Master Bedroom framed A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsBarrel Ceiling Master Bathroom A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsBarrel Vault Master Bathroom arched ceiling A Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

Groin Ceiling Hallway A Modern Twist with Arched CeilingsGroin Vault Hallway framed A Modern Twist with Arched Ceilings

Master Bedroom Arched Ceiling Designs

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Are you tired of boring flat ceilings or boxed up tray ceilings for your master bedrooms? Well it is time to think outside the box. If you are looking to dress up your master bedroom and bring in an architectural element then take a look at some of these arched ceiling designs.

Groin vault Ceilings

Groin vaults are a customer favorite and look good in any part of a house but they especially look great in the master bedroom. Implementing a groin vault into your design of a master bedroom is quite simple. A groin vault can either drop down below your ceiling or pop up into your attic space. It all depends on what design works best for your needs. This particular ceiling will have your home owners saying “Wow!”

Groin Vault Ceiling Design Master Bedroom Arched Ceiling Designs

 Barrel Vault ceilings

Barrel vaults are one of the easiest details to add to a master bedroom because they allow for the most adjustability. Meaning, you are not  limited on ceiling height. If you don’t  have room to pop up into the attic then the barrel can be adjusted to have a softer rise that will allow it to fit your living space but if you have the room you can increase the rise of the barrel to get a more curved arched ceiling. These particular ceilings look great going from one wall to another and running the length of the room or by adding them to your tray ceiling to give you some extra height in your room.

Barrel Vault Ceiling Design Master Bedroom Arched Ceiling Designs

Cove Ceilings

Coved ceilings are a subtle approach to add that extra kick of detail to a master bedroom. Usually this particular ceiling will help create a softer overall appearance and bring that custom feel to your bedroom. Cove ceilings can also be grand if you implement the right design to feature this particular ceiling too. For example, if you have a tray ceiling you can create a cove ceiling design that will bring a grand architectural element to the room.

Cove Ceiling Design Master Bedroom Arched Ceiling Designs

American Airlines Playhouse Built for Charity

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Recently we were asked to help out on a charity for Dallas Casa. The event was called, “The Parade of Playhouses.” People from all over DFW metroplex volunteer and donate materials to construct beautiful playhouses that eventually get raffled off in the name of charity. The money raised from this event goes to help abused and neglected children.
Our role was to design/build the ceiling and roof for the American Airlines Center playhouse.
This was an awesome project and we are thankful we had the opportunity to be involved.
Take a look at the video to see the before and after pictures.
For more information about Dallas Casa Click Here
For more information about Groin Vault Ceilings Click Here

How to install a barrel vault ceiling- Instructions

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Step by step instructions illustrating how to properly install a barrel vault ceiling from Archways & Ceilings Made Easy or simply watch the “How to” video here!

Barrel Vault Install Step 1 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 1- Using traditional framing construction to meet code requirements, frame a brace centered down the length of your barrel vault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 2 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 2- Snap a center line to the underside of the center brace. Note: The center line must be centered down the length of the barrel vault within ¼”.

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 3 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 3- Measure and mark down from the bottom of the center brace along each wall and at each end ______ inches (rise). Note: The rise does not include the thickness of the center brace.

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 4 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 4- Snap a horizontal line at the rise mark on each wall down the length of your barrel vault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 5 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 5- Starting at one end of your barrel vault, align the pre-cut mitered half of the arch to the rise mark on the stud. Using a nail gun (or screw gun), attach the half to the stud. Tip: if using screws predrill pilot holes.

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 6 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 6- Align the square cut half to the center line of the center brace and nail (screw) in place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 7 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 7- Repeat steps 5 and 6 to complete the whole strut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 8 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 8- While spacing the barrel vault struts 16” O.C., continue installing the struts down the length of the barrel vault until finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 9 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 9- If necessary and/or according to code requirements, install strongbacks atop the barrel vault struts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 10 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 10- If necessary and/or according to code requirements, fire block the barrel vault along the perimeter of the outer struts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Vault Install Step 11 How to install a barrel vault ceiling  InstructionsStep 11- That’s it! You are now ready for electric and drywall!

 

 

 

 

 

 

To download the full colored step by step instructions click here: Barrel Vault Instructions

To see a picture gallery and find out pricing on the barrel vault ceiling kits click here: Gallery & Pricing

How to Install a Barrel Vault Ceiling Video


 

We have the “Made Easy” button for Curved Framing Kits!

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Why are we EASY?

So how did we get the “Made Easy” in Archways & Ceilings Made Easy? Simple! We are Easy on your wallet, Easy to quote and order, Easy to Ship, and Easy to Install. Now that’s a lot of Easy!!

Dome Ceiling Kit Made Easy 236x300 We have the Made Easy button for Curved Framing Kits!

How are we easy on the wallet?

All of our products from groin vaults, dome ceilings, barrel vaults, cove ceilings and archways are priced competitively. We can manufacture a perfect archway or arched ceiling more affordably compared to you building it onsite. We are able to do this because of our technology and ability to bend wood. Don’t believe me? Here are a few examples. You can get a 3’ archway for less then $20, a 6’ dome for less then $330, a 6’ groin vault for less then $410 and your average size dining room with a cove ceiling for less then $220. Now you do the math! Building these archways or arched ceilings onsite would have cost considerably more (not to mention you may not get the perfect finished product we guarantee).

 

Why are we easy to quote and order?

Curved Ceiling Quote Order Made Easy 236x300 We have the Made Easy button for Curved Framing Kits!

We offer 4 methods to quote and order your project. 1st- Simply input the measurements online and receive an instant quote at your fingertips. 2nd- Fax your dimensions to us. 3rd Email us your dimensions. 4th – Call our customer service line (877-303-2263) to get a quote within a few minutes.

From there it is as easy as clicking your mouse or making a simple phone call to place your order. Not to mention, the best part about ordering is that our products are custom made to fit your exact measurements. That’s right, your measurements! No need to frame to specific standard size, simply measure your framing dimensions, get us the measurements and we will handle the rest.

 

 

Arched Framing Kits Shipping Made Easy 236x300 We have the Made Easy button for Curved Framing Kits!

How are we easy to ship?

All of our products on average are shipped within 5 business days from receiving your order. Our products are either shipped FedEx or LTL depending on the size of the order and customers can track their shipments online to see when there product will arrive. Yep! That’s it. We make shipping easy.

 

 

 

 

 

Arched Ceiling Installation Made Easy 236x300 We have the Made Easy button for Curved Framing Kits!

How easy are our products to install?

If you can hold a nail gun and use a measuring tape then you are experienced enough to install our framing kits. All of our products such as groin vaults, dome ceilings, barrel vaults, cove ceilings and archways have full colored step by step instructions enclosed with each product. Also, our “How To” videos can be watched on our website: (www.archwaysandceilings.com) Still don’t think it’s easy to install? Well, on average a 3’ archway can be installed in less then 2 minutes, a 6’ dome will install in less then 30 minutes, a 6’ groin will install in less the 45 minutes and your typical cove ceiling in a dining room installs in less then 45 minutes! Now that’s easy and fast! Usually installed in a tenth of the time compared to building onsite. For example, if you were to build a typical dome ceiling, not only would the materials be more expensive then our kit, but expect to give your average framer a day or two to frame. Not to mention, there is no guarantee that onsite framing will be anywhere near as perfect as our archway and ceiling kits!

All of our products are affordable and guaranteed to be perfect every time!

Now that’s why we got the MADE EASY in Archways & Ceilings Made Easy.

Archways Ceilings Made Easy We have the Made Easy button for Curved Framing Kits!

How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome Ceiling

Sunday, June 19th, 2011

Dome Ceilings How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome CeilingA dome ceiling is simply an arch that spins around a central axis at its apex to create a hollow upper sphere. It is a beautiful addition to any home that can easily, affordably and with a little planning bring the “WOW” factor.  As we begin to discuss the dome ceiling, we will begin by considering where to locate it, lighting, how to build, how to drywall, how to finish, how to paint, and then close by discussing how to trim a dome ceiling.

Location

First thing to think about when planning for a dome ceiling is location. When thinking about the best location remember you will need adequate room above your ceiling to build your dome ceiling. A dome ceiling pops up in your attic space so keep an eye out for any interference with your roof and 2nd floor living areas.

Most Popular Areas For A Dome Ceiling:

  1. Foyer
  2. Master Bathroom
  3. Master Bedroom
  4. Kitchen

 Domed Ceilings foyer Master Bedroom Master Bathroom Kitchen How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome Ceiling

Dome Indirect Lighting Options How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome CeilingLighting

Before you begin to build your dome ceiling ask yourself about lighting. You can light your dome ceiling 2 ways. The traditional method is to simply add a chandelier from the center of the dome. But by adding a little extra step you can give your dome ceiling an architectural detail by adding a light ring.

What is a light ring? Inner light rings are an easy way to add indirect lighting to your dome ceiling. The inner light ring creates a 6” trough around the inside of your dome ceiling to add lighting too. 

Popular indirect lighting options:

Rope Lighting: Pro- More Affordable. Con- Not as bright

LED Lights: Pro- Very bright. Con- Expensive 

Build

Now that you figured out where your dome ceiling will be located and how you are going to light your dome ceiling you can now begin to build it. It’s simple! Get a dome ceiling kit from www.archwaysandceilings.com , follow simple instructions/videos on how to install and presto!! Your dome ceiling will be built perfectly and be ready to finish. Watch the “How To” video here: http://www.archwaysandceilings.com/blog/dome-ceiling

Finish

Now that you have your framed dome ceiling in place it is now time to think about what method you are going to apply to finish out your dome. Depending on what part of the country you are from may help you decide on which method works the best for you. We have learned that people in certain parts of the country are more used to using certain methods and these are the 3 most popular ways.

  1. Stucco
  2. Plaster
  3. Drywall

 

Here in Texas and by far the most popular is drywall. When you drywall a dome ceiling you leave yourself a multitude of options on where you want to take your dome ceiling next. So how do you drywall a dome ceiling? Watch here:

Once you have finished drywalling your dome ceiling it is time to think about the particular finish to add.

Dome Ceiling Textured Finish How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome CeilingPopular Finishes

  1. Venetian plaster
  2. Slick Finish
  3. Spray texture
  4. hand trowel textured finish

 

All of these will options will help create a custom finish giving your dome ceiling its own unique characteristic. Not to mention give you options on how much you want invest in finishing out your dome ceiling.

 

Dome Ceiling Painted Mural How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome CeilingPaint

Painting your dome ceiling is just as important as picking its location, lighting and finish.

Popular Painting Methods

  1. Solid Color
  2. Faux Finish
  3. Mural or Stenciled art

 

Trim

The last step in finishing your dome ceiling is deciding on whether or not you would like to add a custom feature like trim to your dome ceiling. Some of customers don’t add any trim at all to the dome ceiling because it looks great with out it but some do. So which is the best option for you? Thinking about your budget and the price level of your home will help decide the best solution. Adding custom features like trim can become expensive but there are several ways to add trim at different price levels.

3 ways:

  1. Add a bendable rubber mold to the inside radius of the dome ceiling is the fastest and most affordable way to add trim.
  2. Have access a good trim carpenter that can build it onsite for your dome ceiling
  3. Call your local millwork shop and have them fabricate the molding to match the radius of your dome.

Dome Ceiling Molding How to Design, Build And Finish a Dome Ceiling

 

If you can make it through all of these steps then you can safely say that you will have a beautiful dome ceiling that will be the topic of conversation when prospective homebuyers or guest visit your home.

…..So Remember! We are Archways & Ceilings Made Easy and we make it easy every step of the way.