How to Make Bamboo Curtain Rods

If you're really looking for a cheap, decorative solution for a room, bamboo curtain rods are the way to go. A durable yet fast-growing plant, bamboo is used for all kinds of building in the far East. As homeowners consider their carbon footprints, bamboo is catching on in the West as well. You can import bamboo curtain rods, but that can get expensive. Another solution is to find a free-growing stand of bamboo in your community and buy from the owners. Then, with a few simple steps, you can have your own bamboo curtain rods.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Find thick-walled bamboo varieties, as thinner types will not be as durable for home projects. Look for solid bamboo, large stands of green bamboo with prominent joints that will function as sturdy poles for any home improvement project.

2. Dry the bamboo first. This step is essential. If you're working with green bamboo to build anything, you may see it split due to pressure. Make sure your bamboo poles are unencumbered during their aging and drying process.

3. Find sections of appropriate lengths. You'll get a nicer result by sawing your bamboo pole at the joints, so find segment lengths that fit your curtain rod measurements. Then saw the ends off and you have your curtain rod.

4. Pre-drill any holes for screws. If you'll be adding any attachments to the bamboo poles, you'll need to be careful not to crack the grain, as this encourages splitting.

5. Fit the bamboo curtain rod onto your holders or fixtures. If the pole does not fit, you may need to add more attachments like wooden clasps to secure the curtain rods above the window.