How Do I Install a Ceiling-Mounted Shower Curtain?
Customers often contact us in the midst of a bathroom remodel project with questions on how to hang a shower curtain from the ceiling. We are always happy to help. Hanging a shower curtain from the ceiling starts with the addition of a Ceiling Mount Curtain Track. A traditional shower curtain rod won’t get the job done but a ceiling mount track will. These curtain tracks may seem daunting, but it offers more flexibility with functionality and design.
DON’T PANIC!
Making the switch to a ceiling mount track may also mean you need a new shower curtain that is a different size than the traditional 72x72 inch curtain. This is especially true when using drop chains to help bridge the gap between the curtain and the track system if it is mounted higher than the height of the curtain. Whatever the size that is needed for your shower, Curtain-Tracks can make custom shower curtains in a variety of materials including commercial grade vinyl to fabrics. We are proud to say we are the best source to supply the curtain you need in the size that you specify, all at an affordable price.
NOW WHAT?
Now that you have all the materials needed for your shower design you might ask, “How to install a ceiling-mounted shower curtain?” This is when our friendly customer service team really shines. Our team is here to support you from selecting the best products for your project to assistance when ordering to installation guidance. Also, we have great resources on our website including our Installation Guides. For example, if you are installing the 84001 curtain track, you would follow the steps as outlined below:
1. Purchase appropriate mounting screws and anchors as needed (not provided). Hardware required varies depending on ceiling construction. Verify screw head fits through track slot before proceeding.
2. Cut track to length. Any miter saw or hack saw will easily cut the track. When splicing tracks together, be sure each cut is a clean perpendicular cut and remove any burrs.
3. Add end caps to track where needed. Slip the top of the cap over the top of the track so that the open part of the end cap is facing down in the same direction as the slot in the track. Drive a metal screw through the hole in the end cap through the top of the track or pre-drill and use a small nut and bolt to lock the end cap in place. Be sure your screw is not too long to interfere with the path of the carriers. If the end cap has a removable gate, verify that it can easily be removed before proceeding.
4. Identify an optimal location to screw track into the ceiling. It is preferred to drive mounting screws into ceiling joists or solid supports. Anchors may be required if mounting directly to drywall ceiling. If mounting to drop ceiling grid, select drilling location off-center of T-bar grid hardware.
5. Mark screw locations on the track to identify where to drill mounting holes.
6. Using a small drill bit, drill holes through the top of the track. Be sure to center these holes through the slot in the track. Adjust the location of the hole if it is not centered. Be careful not to damage the slot with a drill bit or screw.
7. Re-drill each hole with a larger bit sized to accommodate your mounting screws.
8. Position the track onto the ceiling and mark the location of the holes in the track on the ceiling.
9. Drill pilot holes into the ceiling at the locations marked in step #7.
10. Feed all carriers into the end of the track with the body of the carrier hanging through the slot below the track.
11. Mount the track to the ceiling by driving screws up through the track so that the slot in the track is facing the floor. The head of the screws should be hidden inside the track. Take care not to leave screw heads in a position where they may interfere with the path of the carriers. If your application requires wall-to-wall installation, insert the carriers prior to mounting the track to the ceiling.
12. If splicing track sections together for wider spans, position the splicer halfway into one end of the track, leaving the other half of the splicer extended to accept the second section of track. Drive a screw through the splicer and each section of track being joined. Minimize any gap between the tracks.
Once you have your track mounted, installing the curtains is really very easy. Beginning at one end of the track, slide in your carriers (88102 two-wheel carriers with ball chains and hooks work well). These carriers have a white plastic body and are compatible with most other similar tracks. Follow up by adding your new shower curtains to the carriers. If you run into issues, please contact us at 888-434-7444.
Viola! The end result of your ceiling mounted shower curtains will be sleek and sophisticated.
