How to Install an Iron Bed Canopy

Disclaimer:

Hardware should always be installed by a competent professional with a good understanding of interior wall types and mounting fasteners. Please do not attempt to install any hardware unless you know how to safely operate the necessary tools, and have a good understanding of what you are doing. The following instructions are basic guidelines for qualified installers, and should be read through completely before starting your job.

#8-2” wood screws are provided with all our mounting hardware. These typically work perfect if you are mounting the brackets into a stud. If anchors are required or a different screw (depending on the substrate) the customer is responsible for sourcing the additional hardware.

Basic tools include:

Safety glasses, ladder, laser level, measuring tape, pencil, battery powered screw gun or drill/driver with 4″ to 6″ screw holder extension tip (do not overlook the importance of this item, it is required installation equipment), hammer, 1/8 drill bit.

How to install / hang Canopy Rods:

1. Assemble the canopy rod on the floor, if possible, so you can clearly see where the mounting brackets will need to go. Don’t use the set screws now as you are going to be taking the rod apart again, but don’t forget them at the end of your job. If you put the mounting brackets on the ceiling or wall prior to assembling the rod, you will likely put the mounting brackets in the wrong place an have to move them. It is important that the mounting bracket goes where the rods join together to support the seam.
2. Begin with the headboard side of the rod and determine the correct position for the wall or ceiling mounts.
   • If using wall mounts, make certain they will align with the selected ceiling mount drop. To avoid marking up the wall, tape some paper up on the wall where the curtain rod mounts will go, You can pull these protective paper sheets out just before you tighten down the mount screws. Using a pencil, mark the location of the bottom screw hole on the wall and set the curtain rod mount down. Pre-drill a hole into the wall just deep enough to make it easy to drive the screw straight into the wall.
     • Holding the curtain rod mount in one hand at a slight angle so you can easily drive the screw in without interference from the arm of the mount, using your screw gun with extension screw holder tip, drive the bottom screw into the wall. Level the curtain rod mount as it begins to snug up against the wall, then drive in the top screw. If your screws do not tighten securely, you may not have hit a stud or adequate backing. When installing wrought iron curtain rods or any other hardware to your wall, you will need wall anchors (see below).
     • Disassemble the canopy rods you laid out on the floor and place one end of the rod in the mount you just installed. Lay the (magnetic) level on top of the canopy rod while holding the rod and the mount together and raise them up so that the curtain rod is level. When the rod is level, mark and install the final wall mounts. The idea is of course to hang all of the mounts level and in the right places.
     • Feed the curtain rings onto the curtain rod before joining the next section of rod.
   • If using all ceiling mounts, use a pencil to mark the areas on the ceiling where the ceiling mounts will be installed. Make sure the marks are symmetrical and spaced in a way that will support your canopy rod. Mounts must be placed where rods are joined together. Place the mounting brackets at the areas you’ve marked for hanging the rod from the ceiling.
     • Disassemble the canopy rods you laid out on the floor and place the headboard rod in the ceiling mounts you just installed.
     • Feed the curtain rings onto the curtain rod before joining the next section of rod.
3. Install the left and right sides of the canopy by following the previous steps using ceiling mounts.
4. Lastly join the footboard rods and install the last set of ceiling mounts or finish the ends with endcaps if a foot board rod was not specified.

How to join curtain rods together using internal connector:

Slide the connector halfway into one side of the rod (you might need to tap it in with a wooden block). Drive a self drilling set screw through the pilot hole and into the connector to lock it in place. Repeat for the other half of the rod to lock the rod together as one piece. We don’t predrill the connector sleeves as lining the holes up upon installation would be very difficult. The self drilling screws will penetrate the connector sleeve using slow speed or your drill driver, and some pressure, this is done best on the floor over a drop cloth or cardboard.

Take the corner window curtain rod apart and place one end of the rod in the mount you just installed. Lay the (magnetic) level on top of the curtain rod while holding the curtain rod and the curtain rod mount together and raise them up so that the curtain rod is level. When the rod is level, repeat step 4 and 5. The idea is of course to hang all of the mounts level and in the right places.

How to install wrought iron endcaps:

Slide the endcap into the end of the side rod (you might need to tap it in with a wooden block). Drive self drilling set screw through the pilot hole and into the endcap.

Tips: Plan ahead so any set screws you install can be turned to the backside of the rod where they will not show. Don’t worry if the rod does not have pilot holes everywhere you need them, the self drilling screws will go through the rod and connector, or finial.

The following are basic directions provided with most winged anchors:

1. Determine the thickness of your drywall (usually 1/2″ or 5/8″). You can remove a switch plate to measure the edge of your drywall or use a bent wire in one of the holes you have created for the mounting brackets. We recommend Toggler brand or comparable “nylon winged anchors” because they will work with the decorative screws we provide, and will not fall into the wall like moly bolts if you should take out the screws to repaint the wall. They are available at most hardware stores.
2. Drill the screw hole out to 3/8″, fold the anchor wings in and tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. Insert the provided tool into the anchor and push until the wings “pop” out behind the back surface of the drywall.
3. If no tool has been provided with the anchors, a 6d nail may do the trick, try it on an anchor before you put it in the wall. Reinstall your wrought iron mounting brackets. Do not over tighten the screws. If you over tighten the screws, you may be able to get slightly larger screws (#10 or 12) to work without replacing the anchors.