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FabricWorkRoom.com > Flat Valance Rod Mounted Measuring

Flat Valance Rod Mounted Measuring

Measuring for "Flat" Rod Pocket Window Treatments

A flat rod mounted valance is a window treatment with a pocket that extends the entire length of the valance on the top edge. This is where the mounting rod slips through pocket and is attached to the wall or window casing. Flat rod mounted valances do not gather on the rod. They are meant to stretch flat along the entire width of the rod including the returns on each side of the rod. The rod that you select is entirely up to you. In many cases it is a 2-1/2" continental rod and they come in several sizes that are adjustable to the exact width you need for your window. You can also mount a flat valance on a decorative rod. The choice is yours.

Outside Mount To measure for an outside mount, first measure the width from outside edge to outside edge of the casing. Then add a minimum of 2" to the width so the treatment extends past the window casing. If drapes are going to be used with this top treatment, you need to add a minimum of 10” to the width to accommodate for the drape hardware which is typically mounted 4” out from the casing on each side. The return measurement can vary depending on the window and if you plan to add any additional products to dress the window. If you are using a flat continental rod, a 3-1/2" return is recommended. Continental rods have an adjustable return up to 5", if you need additional space to clear a drape or blind. If you are using a decorative rod, then you won't need to factor in the return on both sides. Many valances in this department can be ordered to the inch to fit any window size.  There are also many valances in this department have fixed widths, for example 52", 78".  You can make these fixed sizes fit a variety of window sizes by adjusting the bracket placement on the wall and the return size. Example Casing-to-Casing Measurement 43" Add 2" for Wall Mount 45" Add 7" for Returns (3-1/2" each side) 52" width to order* *you can fine tune the width measurement by moving the brackets out further on each side or adjusting the returns to 5"

Inside Mount Inside mount flat valances will be on a tension rod. Take the inside-to-inside casing measurement. If that measurement is 46" then order a 46" valance. If your measurement is 46-1/2", then order 47". For inside mount flat valances, you will have to focus on styles that allow you to order to the inch for greater flexibility.

Installation Installing an outside mount continental rod is a very easy project. We recommend that you mount the brackets 1" to 2" on the outside of the window casing (we don't think mounting directly on the window casing looks as nice). We also recommend that you install the brackets at least 1" higher than the top of your window to entirely hide the top casing (some decorators will install the valance several inches above the casing to make the window look taller). Generally, within a few inches of your window casing there will be wood under the dry wall supporting the window frame. If that is the case, you will just need the screws that came with the hardware to secure it to the wall. The best way to check for wood under the dry wall is to first mark the holes where you plan to position the brackets. Then take a small nail and tap it through the mark. If the nail doesn't hit anything, then you will need a dry wall anchor to secure the bracket in place. If you hit solid wood, then the screws supplied with the hardware will do the trick.