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FAQ Curtain Rods

How many curtain rings do I need?
The general rule is to place a ring every four to eight inches. Well, that's still pretty vague. If your curtain fabric is heavy you need more rings so measure every 4 inches. If you have light weight curtains, every 8 inches will be sufficient. For more details check out this how-to article: https://www.interiordecorating.com/help/how-many-curtain-rings-do-i-need.html
How do I order a drapery rod for an extra wide window?
Most custom made drapery rods can be ordered with a splice. For wood poles, this is a double-ended screw that joins the two poles together. For metal poles, a small piece fits inside both rods to allow them to be connected. It is a good idea to use a bracket at the splice to hide the seam and add support. We have many other options so feel free to give us a call and we will help you find just the right option for your needs.
I need a 200" heavy duty two way pull traverse rod and I need a 265" heavy duty right hand pull traverse rod.
You can use a two way rod to make a one way right rod, as a one way right rod does not come in that size. A rod this size will come all strung up, but will be in sections so that it can be put in a reasonable sized box. To make the one way right rod just take off the left hand side master carrier and then put the smaller carriers that were on the left hand side all over on the right hand side. This will make a right draw. The other split draw you asked for is available in the size you requested without any modifications.
I was wondering if or where I can get a tension rod for the front window of my motorhome. It need to span 96 inches.
I am not aware of any manufacturer who makes a spring tension rod that wide. What I have personally done in the past to achieve longer lengths is to take two rods sets and take the smaller end from one rod set and put it into the larger sized rod of the other rod set, on the end that doesn't have the smaller rod in it. I have drilled a hole through both rods and put a small screw so the rod did not move. Leave the other end alone and it will still move and work as the tension rod. Because of the extra long length I would suggest using a shower curtain rod to accomplish this as a standard sized rod will not be heavy duty enough and as a result sag and the springs are not strong enough on the smaller rods to work with that large a span.
I am interested in purchasing curtain rods for house. What are components, I want to make sure I order correctly. Example, Pole, 2 end caps, 15 rings. what do you mount this (what is it called). Are their special nails used to mount rod. And do the rings have hooks on them or do I purchase that separately.
Typically a rod set consists of the rod, brackets, rings, finials, and hardware to install the rod. There are several different types of rods. There are wooden rods, metal rods, and rods that are made of a hard substance called resin. There are different types of brackets as well, that will match whichever rod you choose, they can be metal, or wood. The rings also come in different styles, or some rods don't have rings. You put rod-pocket curtains on these. Some rods have slides that you put hooks into. These are called traversing rods. They are used for pinch pleated draperies, the ones you can slide or pull open with a cord. There is also a baton option. It hooks onto the track and you can use it to slide open the curtains, like the ones that are common in hotel rooms. There are also rings that slide onto the rod and have alligator clips that grab onto the material and you can pull the draperies open with your hands. The finials are the decorative end pieces that screw onto both ends of the rod. You can find these in all styles, shapes and colors. Some of them you can mix and match with different rods. The hardware,(nails)are actually screws that you use. Screws are stronger and can be used with anchors to hang your rod on the wall. It is best to find a stud in the wall to put the screws into. The rod will have a better grip on the wall, and that way you won't have problems with sagging or the rod falling off the wall.As I have explained, there are many different options for you. Another thing to be wary of when installing brackets, especially wood or resin is thay you can get your screw started with a drill, but you should always hand finish the tightening. I can tell you by personal experience having split out brackets by using the drill only. I now hand tighten the final 3 to 4 turns to keep from splitting the bracket. When you go on the website, click on curtain rods in the blue top section of the page. Then, click on either decorative rods, wooden rods, or metal rods. Just go trough them and fiind a style that you like, and give us a call, and we will walk you through the ordering process. We can also answer any more questions that you may have. We look forward to talking with you. If you need anything else, just give us a call. We are here for you and your decorating needs!
Can SuperFlex Flexible Curtain Track be used in an outdoor installation and can it be painted? I am trying to make a solar shade and it would work perfect.
It would work perfect outdoors as it is a heavy plastic/vinyl track that has a thin piece of metal inside it. I have never tried painting the track, but am sure it is paintable with the new plastic spray paints that are out. I have added a link to the flex track for your convenience:
Flexible Rodding
How long should my curtain rod be?
Measure your window width and add 4–8 inches on each side for proper coverage and stacking. Rods should extend beyond the window frame. Keep in mind that installation is key to operation so you should also determine where your studs are for bracket placement and adjust accordingly. If you are blessed with the opportunity in building, have the window blocked for curtain rod installation.
What’s the difference between inside mount and outside mount?
Inside mount fits within the window frame; outside mount installs above and outside the frame to make windows look larger or hide light gaps. A simple inside mount curtain rod would include rodding and a set of inside mount brackets.
How high should I mount my curtain rod?
Typically 4–6 inches above the window frame, or closer to the ceiling to make the room appear taller.
Do I need a stud to mount a curtain rod?
It’s best to mount into a stud for strength. If not possible, use wall anchors or toggle bolts.
Can I use a curtain rod with grommet or tab-top curtains?
Yes, just make sure the rod diameter fits through the grommets or tabs—and keep in mind that grommets cannot slide past the mounting brackets, so plan your curtain placement accordingly.
What’s the difference between finials and end caps?
Finials are decorative ends on rods; end caps are simpler and more minimalist.
What rod diameter should I choose?
Lighter curtains: 1" or less. Heavier drapes: 1"–1.5" or more for support and proportion. We also offer 2" and 3" wood poles. When it comes to wood curtain rods, diameter plays a big role in preventing sagging, especially on wider windows or when hanging heavier drapes. A thicker rod (1¾" to 2" or more) provides more strength and resistance to bowing over time. The greater the diameter, the more surface area the rod has to distribute the weight of the curtains—helping it stay straight and stable. On the other hand, thinner wood rods (1⅜" or less) may flex or sag in the middle, particularly on spans longer than 6 feet or with heavy, lined curtains. This is especially true if there's no center support bracket.
What kind of curtain rod is best for blackout curtains?
Sturdy rods with wraparound or return ends help block light. Consider double rods for layering. Be sure to include the wrap-around/return measurements in your curtain/drapery width calculations. Standard return is from 3.5 to 5 inches.
Can curtain rods be cut to size?
Yes! Most of our collections include custom cutting in the sale price. Some can be cut on site as well. Telescoping rods allow adjustment during installation.
I am interested in your SuperFlex Curtain Track. Before I order them, I want to be sure they are the correct rods for the custom drapery (I was told they are heavy Corona style drapes) I wish to hang, so I have the following questions:
  1. Q:
    What is the width of each rod (thickness)?
    A:
    .43 in wide by .71 in height
  2. Q:
    The drapes have a 4" header (the top of the curtain where we will hang them from); will this rod show (will it be visible once the drapes are hung on it or will the drapes cover the rod completely)?
    A:
    No matter whether you wall mount the rod or ceiling mount it, how high up your curtain hangs on the rod is dictated by your pin placement on the backside of your curtains. On a wall mount one normally sets their pins so that the drapes/curtains are about ¼" above the top of the rod. On a ceiling mount pin placement should be such that the drape is about ⅛" below the ceiling. This slight allowance on ceiling mounts, eliminates rubbing which would make it harder to traverse the curtain were it against the ceiling and would keep the top fabric from fraying. If you are going to be keeping the curtains in place and not move them, then the pin placement on the ceiling mount so that it was against the ceiling would be acceptable.
  3. Q:
    How much weight will each rod hold? We are interested in the 60" and the 66".
    A:
    The rods will hold as much weight as a drapery can throw at them. Its not the rod that is the issue, but the availability of a strong secure place to mount the brackets. If you can get your bracket screws into a stud you'll be fine.
  4. Q: Do the rods have a center support?
    A:
    If it is the rod I have linked above, the brackets are universal.