DIY Extendable Curtain Rod Made From EMT Conduit

In this article, I share a project outline for creating a do-it-yourself (DIY) extendable curtain rod out of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) conduit! EMT conduit is an affordable metal tubing typically used for electrical wiring, which lends itself well to home projects due to its availability, low cost, and strength! This type of curtain rod is perfect for oversized or unique windows where a traditional curtain rod just won't do.

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1 x 3/4" to 1" EMT conduit telescoping coupling

2 x Universal curtain rod holder brackets

1 x 5-foot long section of 1" EMT conduit (cut to length)

1 x 5-foot long section of 3/4" EMT conduit (cut to length)

1 x Drapes of choice

2 x Finials of choice (M6 thread)

2 x M10 to M6 female-female threaded adapters

1 x Black semi-gloss spray paint + primer

1 x Roll of electrical tape

1 x Phillips head screwdriver

1 x Rotary tube cutter

1 x Rotary deburring tool

1 x Metal file

1 x 25-foot tape measure

1 x Cordless drill

Measure the width of your window, and cut 2 x pieces of EMT conduit (the larger is 1" standard EMT size, and the smaller is 3/4" standard EMT size) in equal lengths. For example, for a 6 foot wide window, the 2 x conduit lengths could each be 4 feet. Measure 4 feet on each conduit using the tape measure, and mark it. Wearing appropriate safety gear (e.g. safety glasses), cut your conduit pieces at the marked points using a rotary tube cutter. Remove any sharp edges or burrs using a rotary deburring tool, metal file, or Dremel tool where needed.

Add paint and primer to the EMT conduit pieces - I chose this spray paint to match these black finials (end caps). Allow the paint to fully dry before proceeding with assembly.

These injection-molded, UV-resistant EMT conduit telescoping couplings/clamps make it easy to create a telescoping pole out of EMT conduit with no drilling required! Assemble the telescoping coupling and sleeve on the 2 x conduit pieces as shown below.

The finials I used for this project have an M6 size male thread, which assembly nicely with these female threaded adapters. Wrap the threaded adapter with electrical tape so it fits snugly inside the 2 x ends of the curtain rod. As shown in the photos, the finials assembly nicely with the female thread adapters, so you can remove/replace them as desired!

Mount the universal curtain rod holders on both sides of the window at your desired height. This set of curtain rod holders comes with 3 x different mounting methods - adhesive, wood screws, or anchor screws. Choose the method that works best for your wall material!

With your curtain rod prepared and with detachable finials installed and checked, you can now add your drapes of choice and enjoy your homemade curtain rod! Enjoy!

This article shared an easy way to build your own homemade adjustable curtain rod from EMT conduit! The telescoping couplings used for this project are available for purchase from Elation Sports Technologies!

Check out our other Instructables articles, and our blog! We have a free newsletter with project ideas if you'd like to sign up!

• DIY Fruit Picker Pole Made From EMT Conduit
• Height-Adjustable Sun Shade Made From EMT Conduit
• Backyard EMT Conduit Flagpole
• Homemade Adjustable Poles for Backyard String Lights
• Extendable EMT Conduit Painter's Pole

Elation Sports Technologies LLC offers mechanical and electrical engineering design consulting. I'd be happy to discuss your project's needs to see how we may assist you - simply reach out to schedule a chat.

Thanks for reading!

Austin Allen

Founder and Owner

Elation Sports Technologies LLC