Need a new curtain rod for your bathroom? Then you’ll need to learn how to put up a shower curtain rod — and before you get started on that, you’ll need to learn about the different types of rods available. There are several varieties, each with unique benefits. Read below to learn how to choose a new shower rod and how to install it.
Types of Shower Curtain Rods
Before you learn how to put up a shower rod, get started by choosing the right type of rod for your bathroom. There are several types, including:
- Fixed Shower Rods: These are the most popular shower rods because, once in place, they stay put even if you use a heavy curtain or tug on the curtain occasionally. Fixed rods come in a variety of styles, and what makes them fixed is the fact that they are permanently fastened to the wall.
- Tension Rods: As opposed to fixed shower rods, tension rods are not permanently fastened to shower walls. Instead, the rod is wedged between the shower walls. While they are prone to dislodging or occasionally damaging drywall, they are easy to install quickly.
- Curved Shower Rods: These rods have a horizontal arch to them — and they’re nearly always a fixed rod. Curved rods are useful for the rare cases in which tubs or showers have a curve, but more often, curved rods are installed on rectangular tubs or showers that feel cramped. The outward curve provides a little more room in the shower, especially if you find that you’re always bumping your elbow or shoulder on the curtain.
- Multi-Positional Shower Rods: This is a type of curved rod that rotates, so you can flip it if a regular curved rod sticks out into the bathroom too much. These are ideal for small bathrooms. When showering, flip the rod outward to give yourself more room in the shower, and, when you’ve finished, flip the rod inward to make more space in the bathroom.
The types of rods above are the most common available, though you may find specialty rods or custom-designed rods on occasion. Below, you’ll learn how to install each shower rod.
How to Install a Curved Shower Curtain Rod or Fixed Rod
The instructions for how to install a curved shower rod are the same as installing a straight rod. You’ll need a drill to make holes, a tape measure and a screwdriver. A level could also be helpful to make sure that the rod is installed straight.
Start by measuring the height from the floor and marking the places where you’ll need to install the rod’s mounting brackets. Once you have the areas marked, hold up the shower rod and use the level to ensure that your installation will be level.
Next, use the drill to make pilot holes for the mounting brackets. From here, you’ll need to follow the rod’s manufacturer instructions to install the mounting brackets and then position the rod on those brackets. Many shower rod kits come with decorative flanges to cover the mounting brackets, so once the rod is in place, make sure those flanges are secure. When you’ve finished, hang up your shower curtain and you’ll be ready to use the new shower rod.
Installing Tension Shower Rods
Installing a tension shower rod is a quick and easy process that should take you only a few minutes — and you likely won’t need any tools. However, you will need to take care to work carefully if you’re installing this type of rod with drywall walls, since these rods can potentially damage drywall.
To install a tension rod, you’ll need to twist one section of the rod while holding the other section in place. This should lengthen or shorten the rod, as needed. Hold the rod where it needs to be installed, and twist to lengthen it until it is firmly in place between the shower walls. If need be, use a level to ensure that you have installed it horizontally. Once the rod is snug, twist it another quarter turn to ensure that it is tightly in place.
After you’ve installed it, you can hang up your shower curtain. Tug on the curtain slightly to make sure that it isn’t too heavy for the rod and to ensure that the rod doesn’t slip. If the rod does slip, you’ll need to tighten it again to keep it in place. The same holds true if these rods slip during day-to-day use of the shower — just tighten the rod a bit more to keep it from moving.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you’ll probably want new shower curtains — and maybe a new tub or shower, too. Be sure to shop Modern Bathroom’s selection of tubs and showers. Among our collection, you’re sure to find a piece perfect for your home.