Have saved a big amount by purchasing affordable window treatments – woven wood shades – and now want to save more by installing them yourself? Just muster up your confidence and you can do all you want with a few step-by-step DIY installation tips. Here is a comprehensive beginner’s guide about how to install woven wood shades yourself.
If you use your bamboo or woven wood shades effectively, you can easily maximize their curb appeal and functionality. And the first step towards effective usage is proper installation. A perfect, seamless fit will not only provide your interior decor with a sleek look but also boost the functional potential of your window treatment, like privacy, light control, and light filtration. For better energy efficiency and to create a blackout effect, you’ll need to be even more careful, i.e., ensure edge-to-edge alignment of your blind with the window frame, without leaving any light gaps.
A Beginner’s Guide About How to Install Woven Wood Shades Yourself
Installing natural woven fiber shades yourself can be a cost-effective, rewarding, and entertaining home improvement project. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can successfully install your woven wood shades and transform the look and functionality of your windows. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the step-by-step DIY procedure for the installation of woven wood shades.
Step 1: Gather the Tools And Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin fixing your blinds to the windows, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- A steel measuring tape (to measure window size)
- Pencil (to record measurements)
- Drill (to make holes)
- Screws (to fix brackets to walls)
- Level tool (to balance shades)
- Mounting brackets (usually included with the blinds set)
- Headrail (included in the package)
- The right type of woven wood shades
- Motorized lift system, if needed (usually included in the package of motorized blinds)
- Cord cleats (optional, for cord management)
Step 2: Decide Mounting Type: There are two mounting options available for woven wood shades, i.e., inside mount and outside mount. An inside mount shade is fixed inside the window frame. For this, you’ll need to make sure that there is enough window frame depth to accommodate your blinds. On the other hand, an outside mount blind is installed on the wall around the window frame.
Step 3: Measure Your Window Frame
Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure the perfect fit of your woven wood shades. Start by measuring the width and height (w x h) of each window frame. Depending on your mounting choice, you can measure the inside of the window frame or the outside of the window trim. Take three measurements each along the length and width. For an inside mount, record the narrowest measurement as your actual width, and for an outside mount record the largest value as the actual width. Add three inches to each width and height for an outside mount.
Step 4: Select the Right Woven Wood Shades
Consider factors such as privacy, light control, insulation, energy efficiency, blackout effect, cordless or motorized operation, and aesthetics when choosing the right woven wood shades for your home. Look for natural blinds that perfectly complement your interior décor and meet your functional needs. Take into account the measurements of the window frame you recorded earlier to ensure you purchase bamboo shades that properly fit your windows.
Step 3: Prepare for Installation: Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions provided with your woven wood shades package. Clear the workspace around the window opening, removing any obstructions. Ensure you have easy access to your required materials and tools. It’s also a good idea to protect your flooring, furniture, and other furnishings by placing a drop cloth or tarp beneath the windows.
Step 4: Mount the Brackets: Start by marking the placement of mounting brackets on the window frame or wall around it. Use a level tool to ensure the brackets are horizontally aligned and balanced. Mark the holes for screws with a pencil. Pre-drill the screw holes to make the installation of your woven wood shades easier and prevent the wood from splitting. Securely attach the mounting brackets using screws and a drill.
Step 5: Attach the Headrail: Take the headrail and slide it into the mounting brackets until it clicks into place. Ensure that the headrail is securely attached to the mounting brackets.
Step 6: Hang Your Shades: Position the woven wood shades on a flat surface. Unroll them and ensure they are facing the right direction. Attach the shades to the headrail according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most shades come with clips or hooks that allow you to secure them to the headrail. Ensure the shades are centered and evenly distributed.
Step 7: Install & Adjust Motorized Lift: Once the shades are properly installed, install and adjust your motorized lift for automatic operation. A motorized lift is a safe option for homes with children and pets.
Step 8: Cord Management (Optional): If you choose to install a corded lift mechanism, install cord cleats to keep the lift cords neatly organized and out of the way. Cord cleats are usually fixed on the side of the window frame or wall.
Step 9: Test Operation: Test the operation of your woven wood shades by raising, lowing, and adjusting the slats or fabric vanes. If there is any issue, you can make adjustments.
Step 10: Clean your Shades
After the installation is complete, you should remove any dust, dirt, or grime on the slats of your shades.
Summing up, you can easily install your woven wood shades yourself if you follow the above DIY installation tips. With some extra care, you can give your installation a professional look and feel.