Curtain Poles – How To Install Them
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Any well thought off and planned activity saves you from a lot embarrassment and waste of time and materials. The same is true for fitting of curtains. Don’t be in a rush and take your time to read the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. Gather all the tools that you are going to need in the process. The tips mentioned here would prove to be of great help in your plan. So, go ahead with the planned activities to get a good and desired output.
Pole Length
This may vary, being influenced by obstructions around the window area. But the thumb rule is that the curtain pole should extend by about 15-20cm (6-8in) beyond the window recess on both the sides and it should sit symmetrically with respect to the window opening. In exceptional cases one should seek help from a professional. Double check the position that the end brackets are going to occupy and be cautious of electric sockets or light switches that may be within 30cm (1 foot) of the window.
Positioning
Usually poles are fitted about 15cm(6″) above the aperture of a window, but at times you need to compromise because of insufficient space or if coving gets in the way. The pole has to be placed at the correct height above the floor to allow the drapes to hang appropriately. Take your time for accurate measurements and using a pencil mark positions on the wall. Keep in mind that there is no way to adjust the height of a drape except by moving the pole up or down. So you will have to be extra careful with you measurements and markings if the curtains are eyelet headed. Making use of a spirit level you should level the position of the drape pole even if the top of the window or the ceiling is not truly horizontal.
Walls and Fixings
As curtain poles need to be fixed into walls, window frames or doors, you will be required to drill holes, many a time into unknown materials. That calls for a good drill, preferably with hammer action for concrete, along with the drill bits of suitable size. Most of the modern houses have plasterboard. While drilling through that you may come across a steel lintel (particularly for the center support over a wide window). You might come across stone, wood or concrete, or any mix!. As bathrooms are generally provided with ceramic tiles, you’ll have to be very careful while drilling thru these to reach the wall, lest the tile should crack. The process may require special dill bits, depending on the material of the tiles. You should be extra careful and avoid drilling into electric wiring or pipe work.
Poles in two halves
Of course it is understood that if a pole comes in two pieces, the joint should remain in the middle to maintain uniformity, unless you have a good reason for putting the join in another place to accommodate a bespoke solution. Generally a pole comprising of two pieces would need a support bracket at the center. This will automatically conceal the joint. Using a doubled-ended screw joins the two halves of a wooden pole. At times metal poles require a wooden dowel for joining the two halves.
When working on a long pole with a central support, fit it first and then take levels of the left and right for the end brackets. This will give you a better level of the finished pole than if you start at one end and work across.
How to cut a curtain pole down to size
For wooden curtain poles we use a mitre box and a pull saw. But any wood saw would do and if you get stuck you may use a straight block of wood as a guide. A miter box gives a straight finish and you will notice that the pull saw gives a cleaner and smoother finish with less chances of chipping than a conventional wood saw.
For rods of small diameter we use a pipe cutter whereas large poles will need a high quality metal saw with 28 teeth per inch. You can use a junior hacksaw, but it tends to go offline. Stainless steel poles will require a sharp saw.
Remember that with poles in two pieces, you will need to shorten both parts by equal amounts so that the joint remains at the center of the finished pole.
Tools
Power drill with hammer capability; drill bits; masonry for brick etc; titanium for steel lintels; wall plugs and screws; spirit level; screwdrivers; pencil for marking up; spirit level; saw, pipe cutter & mitre block and a vacuum cleaner for final clean up.
Finally – safety first
Fitting a curtain rod is not such an arduous task, but if you are not confident please don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional to get the job done. It is difficult to install heavier draperies or those, which are going to have a drop length of three meters or more.
Similarly, a hindrance in approaching the fitting space makes the job a bit difficult. If you are not aware a good curtain fitter your local curtain shop or interior design shop should generally be able to help.
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