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Installing Curtain rods

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Installing a curtain rod is much simpler than most people think, however, if you do not have basic knowledge of tools it may be advantageous to call an installer or finished carpenter. In most cases, your decorative curtain pole should be centered upon your window opening and extend a minimum of 2-4 inches beyond the window frame. While there is no hard and fast rule for positioning the rod above your window, most decorators will want a minimum of 2-4 inches above the opening. Mounting the curtain rods higher may be desired to elongate the appearance of your windows. Always refer to the specific mounting instructions that may be included with your drapery hardware.

Professionals' Tip: While many hardware companies will include screws and or plastic anchors, these are suitable for only the lightest applications. Consider purchasing stronger screws and anchors for your hardware. This $3 or 4 dollar investment will pay dividends in the lifetime of your curtain rods.

Tools Needed for Installation:
• Tape Measure (use a metal tape measure whenever possible)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pencil
• Electric Drill with 3/16” drill bit to pre-drill for anchors or toggles
• Level (recommended)

Typical Suggested support brackets (will vary according to rod & manufacturer)
Rod              # of
Width         Brackets         Description
4 ft.               2             Two end brackets
6 ft.               3             One center support, two end brackets
8 ft.               4             Two center supports, two end brackets
12 ft.             4             Two center supports, two end brackets

· Begin with the two outside ends. Determine the desired height and width based on the curtain measurements. Hold one curtain rod mount up to visibly make sure it is high enough so that the curtains will at least be higher than the top of the window by a few inches. While positioning the rod higher may in theory look better and block out more light, it is always best to visibly double check the aesthetic with the actual bracket before drilling a hole. Using a pencil, mark the location of the bottom screw hole.

· If using expansion anchors, pre-drill holes using 3/16” drill bit. If drilling directly into a stud or wood trim, pre-drill holes with 3/32” drill bit. Holding the curtain rod mount in one hand, and the screw gun or drill in the other, drive the bottom screw into the wall. Level the curtain rod mounting bracket (IMPORTANT: this will hold your curtain rod perfectly level), and drive in the remaining screw.

· Attach the finials to the curtain rod (this assures the rod cannot slip through the mounting bracket for this next step), Place one end of the rod into the bracket that you just installed. Hold the curtain rod and the remaining end bracket together and raise them up so the curtain rod is completely level. Using a pencil, mark the location of the bottom screw hole.

· If using expansion anchors, pre-drill holes using 3/16” drill bit. If drilling directly into a stud or wood trim, pre-drill holes with 3/32” drill bit. Holding the curtain rod mount in one hand, and the screw gun or drill in the other, drive the bottom screw into the wall. Level the curtain rod mounting bracket (IMPORTANT: this will hold your curtain rod perfectly level), and drive in the remaining screw.

·Re-check that the rod is level.

·When center supports are required, determine where the center brackets are needed. When using one center support, place it at the center of the window between the two end brackets. When using two center supports, install them an equal distance apart between the two end brackets. For longer "spliced" rods a center bracket should always be positioned directly under the splice. Remember: If using two center supports, the draperies will not be functional. Roung Rings or grommets cannot pass through or over support brackets.

·Finally, to add curtain rings or draperies, remove one finial, lift the rod out of the bracket and slide the rings onto the curtain rod, drop the curtain rod into place.