How to Measure, Buy and Install a 14 Foot Curtain Rod

Finding ready-made curtain rods longer than 12 feet can be a challenge. Most physical stores only carry standard sizes up to 144 inches with 3 brackets. Ordering custom extra long rods is expensive. But with a few supplies from the hardware store, you can easily DIY a budget-friendly 14 foot curtain rod for those tall windows or wide sliding doors.

With some galvanized steel pipes, end caps, and mounting brackets, you can build an extra long rod for a fraction of the cost of made-to-order options.

Measure Windows and Calculate Rod Length

The first step when going the DIY route is taking accurate measurements. This ensures you buy sufficient piping and hardware for your custom curtains without ending up with a lot of wasted material.

Use a steel tape measure to measure the full width of the window or door in three places - the top, middle and bottom. Note the different measurements, then use the longest one. You want your rod slightly wider than the window itself. Account for the additional length curtain finials will add.

Consider the ceiling height as well. Measure from the top of the window to the ceiling. Subtract at least 3 inches so the brackets have space to mount and the curtains have room to hang properly. Remember to buy brackets rated for the long 14 foot span.

For most standard 8 to 9 foot ceiling heights, a 14 foot rod allows curtains to just skim the floor for a luxe full-length look. Add even more length if you want exaggerated puddling at the bottom.

Calculating the Rod Length Formula

Once you have the minimum and maximum lengths based on your space, choose your ideal overall rod size within that range. Round up to the nearest 6 inches for easier cutting of the steel pipes. Many hardware stores will even do the simple cuts for you.

Purchase Galvanized Pipes and Hardware

For DIY super-sized curtain rods, galvanized steel pipes are the optimal choice. Galvanized steel has a protective zinc coating that makes it highly rust resistant when used indoors. This thin layer of zinc conducts very little heat, so galvanized pipes are cool to the touch.

Galvanized steel pipe is affordable, durable and widely available. For a 14 foot span, look for 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch nominal pipe size. Schedule 40 is a medium thickness that balances strength with light weight. Avoid PVC or plastic pipes - they can bend and sag under the weight of hefty curtains.

Many plumbing supply stores and home improvement centers sell galvanized steel pipes in 10 or 20 foot lengths. There is also a wide selection available for order online. For most oversize DIY curtain rod projects, two 10 foot pipes will suffice.

Hardware and Supplies

In addition to the galvanized pipes, you'll need the following hardware to complete your custom extra long rod:

• End caps - Threaded end caps give the rod a finished look and prevent sharp edges.
• Couplers - Threaded couplers join multiple pipes together.
• Mounting brackets - Buy heavy duty brackets rated for the rod length and weight.
• Finials - Decorative finials screw into the end caps for a polished look.

Other useful supplies include sandpaper to smooth cut edges, pipe sealant tape, and a hacksaw or pipe cutters for cutting the pipes.

The total cost for hardware and supplies will likely run less than $30. Combined with the 10 foot galvanized pipes, you can usually construct a custom 14 foot curtain rod for under $50 - far less than custom ordered extra long rods.

Cut and Prepare Rod Pieces

Measure and mark the cut lines on your galvanized pipes based on the total length calculated earlier. A hacksaw works well for cutting through the thin steel. Go slowly to ensure straight cuts. Pipe cutting tools also make the process fast and easy.

File or sand any rough burrs or edges. Wipe away metal dust before continuing. This helps the finials screw on cleanly and provides a smooth surface.

If joining multiple pipes, use couplers to connect them. Tighten the threaded couplers fully, but be careful not to strip the threads. Applying pipe sealant tape helps create a tighter fit.

Test fit the connected rod in your space before adding finials. Cut additional length if needed for a perfect custom fit.

Pre-cut Pipes

Many hardware stores can pre-cut galvanized pipes for you to your exact measurements. This saves time and equipment. Bring your measurements and they'll cut the pipes and deburr the edges for a small fee.

Install Mounting Brackets

Bracket placement is key for optimal support and functionality of extra long curtain rods. Add enough brackets so the weight can be distributed evenly across the entire rod. This prevents sagging.

For a 14 foot span, plan to install 4 to 6 brackets. Space them out every 32 to 48 inches along the rod. Align the edge brackets 4 to 6 inches in from the window or door frame.

Mark the mounting height and bracket locations on the wall with a pencil. Drill pilot holes then use wall anchors and screws to securely mount each bracket.

Check that the brackets are perfectly level using a small level tool. Adjust and shim the brackets as needed until level. Test fit the finished rod in the brackets before moving to the next steps.

Reinforced Anchors

For heavy drapes and sheers on an extra long rod, look for reinforced anchors rated to handle more weight. Toggle bolts are one secure option for firmly gripping the wall or ceiling.

Attach Finials and Stoppers

Screw the decorative finials onto the ends of the pipes for an elegant finish. If using an end cap without a finial, apply glue inside the cap and fit it over the pipe end.

For a complete polished look, you can add rubber stoppers or small cap pieces into the finials. This covers any uneven or rough pipe edges.

Check that the rod still spins and rotates freely in the mounting brackets after adding the finials and stoppers. The finials may take a bit of extra effort to thread through the brackets.

Finial Options

Finials come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and materials to match any style. Try crystal, wrought iron, ceramic or natural wood finials. Or go modern with sleek rectangular finials.

Hang Curtains and Trim

Before hanging your new extra long curtains, check that they are the optimal length for your new 14 foot rod. Add extension rods or clips for lightweight sheers.

Space the curtain rings evenly across the rod for the most professional look. Precisely aligning pleats and gathers also helps the long curtains hang beautifully.

For windows, add coordinating trim or valances to boost the visual appeal. Trim pieces in finishes matching the finials frame out the window area nicely.

That's it - you now have a fully customized, extra-long curtain rod spanning your large window or sliding glass door. For under $50, you avoided the weeks-long wait and high price tag of made-to-order rods. Now relax and admire how your DIY rod and floor-puddling curtains transform the room.

The Benefits of Oversized and Double Curtain Rods

Extremely tall windows and wide sliding glass doors often benefit from non-traditional window treatments. Oversized and double curtain rod configurations provide aesthetic and functional solutions in spaces requiring abundant height or width.

Setting ceiling height curtains wider than the window itself amplifies the appearance of height. The additional visual space makes even mundane rooms feel grand. Exaggerated floor-length curtains puddle elegantly and provide full coverage.

For wide expanses of glass, double rods allow you to layer sheers and curtains. Double rods give the option to draw back or open both. With extra clearance between the rods, the layers hover apart beautifully.

In spaces getting direct sun, a sheer inner layer helps insulate while still allowing light through. The layers soften and obscure views through glass walls. Open layouts gain privacy without sacrificing the airy, open feeling.

Oversize curtain rods shine in these unique applications:

• Covering large arched or angled windows
• Framing tall French doors
• Spanning multiple smaller windows as one unit
• Wrapping small rooms or alcoves in curtains
• Turning a rod into a four-poster bed canopy

For a custom look, experiment with extending your rod well past window edges. Skim just inches from the ceiling for a cocooning effect. Install high for Ripplefold style accordion pleats.

Let your design creativity run free with DIY extra long rods. And be sure to enjoy the process and final transformation they bring to your space!