Building Curved Walls The author used plywood top and bottom plates for this non-load-bearing curved wall. Arches, vaults, and other curved surfaces are now standard fare in many residential designs. These may add flair to the building, but for the builder, curved walls can end up being the most costly and difficult part of a project. Many approaches rely on techniques such as steam bending, or require unusual tools such as trammel routers. This is fine for projects where money is no object. But it is also possible to build large-radius curved walls on a tight budget. Below are a few curved-construction techniques adapted from conventional building practices. Accurate Framing Curved partitions can be tricky to lay out. But accurate layout