How To Make Your Own Curtain Poles

Curtain poles can be store bought or homemade. Though prefabricated poles come in many shapes, lengths and diameters, finding the right curtain rod might prove difficult. With a bit of creativity and a few materials, you can make your own curtain poles, right in the comfort of your home.

Advantages:

The advantages to making your own curtain poles are cost, customization and pride. Making these poles is inexpensive compared to the cost of buying them new. It also allows you to make them to your specifications. You can make them of wood, plastic, metal or whatever you'd like. It is up to you entirely. Making your own poles also gives your ego a boost. When company asks about them, you can tell them with a smile they're your creation.

Materials and Tools:

* Wood, vinyl or other material
* Tape measure
* Saw
* Brackets/hangers
* Marker or pencil
* Drill
* Sandpaper
* Tack cloth
* Paint
* Paintbrush
* Polyurethane
* Screws
* Screwdriver

Select a material you would like to use. Most commonly, poles are made of wood. You can use bamboo, cherry, oak, pine or any other type of wood. The wood you choose should be durable.

Next, measure the width of your window. Decide if you want to the curtains to overlap the sides of the window or just cover the pane. Use a tape measure to find the right width.

Cut your poles to the right length using a saw. Then, place two brackets or hangers at the ends of your pole. Space them about 30.5 cm from the ends.

Mark the holes in the brackets or hangers onto your poles with a marker or pencil. This will be where you will attach the brackets to the poles in order to hang your curtains.

Drill holes into each pole where you made the marks. Use a bit that is the same diameter as the screws you will use to attach the brackets or hangers.

Sand your poles smooth with sandpaper. Leave no splinters on the poles or the curtains may catch and tear.

Wipe each pole thoroughly with a tack cloth, removing all sawdust from sanding.

Paint your poles any colour you like. Choose a colour that either blends with the curtains or contrasts them. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint, going in the same direction as the wood grain. Let the paint dry between three and four hours.

Apply a second coat of paint, if necessary. Paint can dry lighter in colour. Brush on a second coat if the paint is not dark enough.

Apply a coat of polyurethane over the dried paint. Use a clean paintbrush and go in the direction of the wood grain for best results. Let the polyurethane dry about four hours or as long as directed by the manufacturer.

Place your curtains on the poles and attach the brackets. Use screws and a screwdriver to affix the bracket or hangers to the poles.

That's it! You now have custom made poles to hang your curtains over the window

By Jamie Simpson