The nails are usually driven through shims. Typically, the doorframe or jamb is nailed into the framing at several points. A pry bar or hammer will pull them out, but again, I use the wide putty knife to keep from damaging the wall. It's not unusual for the casing to pull off the nails, leaving them still embedded. Once I've opened up a gap, I switch to this type of pry bar, which gives me more leverage and movement. To keep from crushing or breaking through the wallboard, I drive a wide putty knife behind the casing, tap in this flat spoon-shaped bar and pry the trim gently away. For this job, no question about it: sharp is better. I like this style knife for the job because I can simply break away a dull blade, exposing the fresh cutting edge. To keep from damaging the surrounding wall, I first cut through the caulk with a utility knife. The first step is removing the existing casings and jamb. In a few weeks, I get the word that it's on its way, so I go to work preparing the opening. A Google search under Curved Archway Kit leads me to After a little bit of exploration around their website, I find what I'm looking for, so I place my order. So, I'm gonna go online and see if I can find it.
Now, when I was at the International Builders Show last year, I saw something that caught my eye.
Here, inside the foyer, I've got a second chance to make a first impression and what I want to do is install a decorative archway so that I can frame this opening into the living room. They can be inviting, welcoming, in effect say, hey, come on in. You know, when it comes to first impressions, entryways communicate a lot.