DIY Oval Shower Curtain Rod
Oval shower curtain rods are ideal for enclosing claw foot bathtubs, which stand alone on the floor, independent of walls. While you could purchase an oval shower curtain rod, you can easily make your own from PVC pipe. PVC pipe becomes flexible when heated and you can form two lengths of it into a graceful oval shape.
The two lengths are joined with T-connectors with the bottom of the “T” facing up so that it spaces the rod down from the ceiling. PVC pipe makes an ideal shower curtain rod because it is durable, water resistant and easy to clean.
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Lay the two PVC pipes flat on a work surface. Fit a pipe cap on one end of each pipe. Fill each pipe with sand using a funnel to guide it into the open ends of the pipe.
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Hold a heat gun approximately 1 inch from the side of each pipe, one at a time, and bend each pipe to form half of the oval shape you need for the oval shower curtain rod as the pipe is heated. The sand allows the pipe to hold its shape and bend in flowing curves.
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Allow the pipes to cool and remove the pipe caps from the ends. Pour the sand out of each pipe so that they are empty.
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Apply PVC primer to the end of each pipe and to the inside of the horizontal parts of the T-connectors using the build-in applicator. Apply PVC cement over the primer on each part with the built-in applicator. Insert the ends of the pipes into the horizontal parts of the T-connectors to form an oval. The vertical parts of the T-connectors should be facing up. Press the parts together to form a solid bond.
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Drill a 1/4-inch-diameter hole through the center of the T-connectors where the horizontal and vertical parts of the “T” intersect with a drill and 1/4-inch drill bit. These are the mounting holes for the shower curtain rod.
Things You Will Need
- 2 PVC pipes, 1-inch diameter, 96 inches long
- 4 pipe caps, 1-inch
- Sand
- Funnel
- Heat gun
- PVC primer
- PVC cement
- 2 T-connectors, for 1-inch pipe
- Drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
Tip
Mount the curtain rod to a ceiling joist with 1/4-inch carriage bolts. Stain the rod using RIT dye for a more decorative treatment.
Warning
Wear eye protection when operating a drill to prevent eye injury.
References
Writer Bio
Jonah Morrissey has been writing for print and online publications since 2000. He began his career as a staff reporter/photographer for a weekly newspaper in upstate New York. Morrissey specializes in topics related to home-and-garden projects, green living and small business. He graduated from Saint Michael's College, earning a B.A. in political science with a minor in journalism and mass communications.
Photo Credits
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
- Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
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