How to Install Curtain Rods

Before you dress up your windows with curtains or draperies, make sure that you properly install rods and brackets for your window coverings. Installing curtain rods is actually quite straight forward but if it's your first time doing it you might benefit from having somebody help you out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Curtains
• Pencils
• Pencils
• Brackets
• Levels
• Screwdriver Sets
• Variable-speed Drills
• Pencils
• Brackets

1. Determine if you want to mount your curtain rods on the window casing or on the wall. If you're not attaching the curtain rod brackets to the wooden casing, a stud or a nailing block behind the wallboard, you'll need to use hollow-wall anchors (see 'How to Install Screws and Anchors in Walls').

2. Hold up the rod to the wall or casing to determine the proper height. Place the brackets anywhere from 3 to 6 inches beyond the edge of the window, based on your personal preference.. Place a carpenter's level over the rod to make sure the rod is level.

3. Mark the placement for the top of the brackets and the position of the bracket holes on the wall or casing in light pencil.

4. Drill pilot holes (shallow holes that will help you start the screws or anchors) into the pencil marks on the wall or casing.

5. Insert screws (usually provided by the manufacturer) or anchors through the bracket and attach them to the wall.

6. Position the curtain rod into the brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• If your curtain rod is longer than 48 inches, consider installing a center bracket to support the weight of the rod and curtains.
• Curtains can be quite heavy. Be sure to use wall fasteners that are strong enough to properly support the weight of your rod and curtains.

Resources

• How to Install Screws and Anchors in Walls

[backyardbargain]

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[Gflowers5]

on 11/5/2008 In new home the board appears to be so flimsy or hollow; how do you install curtain rods then. I find it hard also to drill a hole in the center of the window for the support bracket.

Any suggestions?

on 11/22/2005 Use big 3, 4, 5 inch PVC pipe. You will have to adjust the sleeve of your curtain to fit. Use elbows at either end. Purchase 2 caps (one for each end of the rod) to fit the ends of the elbows for both ends. Drill a hole in the center of the cap and with a screw mount, it to the wall (this will take the place of your bracket. Put the elbow on each end of the PVC pipe (rod) after your curtains. Now slip the rod (elbows) into the cap that you secured into the wall. This is a great look for valances too. Special looking for a girly girls bedroom when done up in eyelet or ruffles that swag down. Or drape them with something elegant. It costs a little more for the elbows, but the look and the style are worth it.

on 11/22/2005 Being in the military, we move a lot. Curtain rods are so expensive, and I hate buying them because I will have to throw them away if they don't fit the windows in the next house. I have discovered that PVC pipe and wooden blocks work great. If the window is really long, you will want to cut the PVC pipe in sections. If there is an area of the pipe that will show, I buy some spray paint and paint it to match. I have even done faux finishes on them. To install them, you just mount your wooden blocks where you would normally hang the rod brackets. Drill a hole through the PVC pipe. Use wood screws that are long enough to go through both the PVC pipe and screw into the wooden block. To wash the curtains, just get your reversible drill out and take them down. You can also attach knobs in the ends of the PVC pipe for a more decorative look. The best thing about using PVC pipe for curtain rods is the little ones won't bend them if they get to pulling on the curtains.