Has anyone added lanai curtains (DIY)?

[MrChip72]

I have a lanai that I would like to add sheer curtains to for cool nights in Dec-Jan while I'm out there watching TV. This could help hold the heat in for my little space heater.

My current plan is to get the rods and brackets from Lowes and install them and then get some curtains from HomeGoods or somewhere else. Has anyone done anything like this?

Our plan is to extend our lanai in a few years so I'm not looking to get a professional install for something that will be removed in the not too distant future.

[asianthree]

Bought outdoor no rust rods from defunct BBB. Bought 4 sets because of the width. Outdoor curtains from Amazon made from materials that had backing to keep curtain from rain, and mold.

Worked great for keeping sun out and rain as long as no wind. However even with expensive outdoor curtains, did nothing to keep out cold. Next tried insulating curtain in one area. Didn’t help with the cold, and they molded in the end.

So outdoor curtains will help but once temp dipped below 45 you needed a jacket with the heater

[villagetinker]

I have a lanai that I would like to add sheer curtains to for cool nights in Dec-Jan while I'm out there watching TV. This could help hold the heat in for my little space heater.

My current plan is to get the rods and brackets from Lowes and install them and then get some curtains from HomeGoods or somewhere else. Has anyone done anything like this?

Our plan is to extend our lanai in a few years so I'm not looking to get a professional install for something that will be removed in the not too distant future.

There are steel lintel beams in the area where you will be installing the brackets for your curtains. You typically have about 1/2 to 5/8 inch of stucco before you hit the steel. I would try to use light weight curtains, and be very careful with the installation of the hangers. Specifically, I would do some test drill holes to confirm how thick the stucco is, then I would drill suitable holes for the plastic inserts, and I would use a good sealer in the hole, then insert the plastic insert, and the screw. The sealer will give added support to the plastic insert.
I have drilled the steel beam on 2 occasions, once with a hand drill and I needed 3 bits for each hole. First a concrete bits to get to the beam, then a cobalt bit to get through the beam, and then a slightly smaller concrete bit to finish the hole. Lots of work. The second time I used a SDS bit and a suitable hammer drill and was able to drill the holes with one bit in under 15 seconds.
Hope this helps with your project.

[MrChip72]

There are steel lintel beams in the area where you will be installing the brackets for your curtains. You typically have about 1/2 to 5/8 inch of stucco before you hit the steel. I would try to use light weight curtains, and be very careful with the installation of the hangers. Specifically, I would do some test drill holes to confirm how thick the stucco is, then I would drill suitable holes for the plastic inserts, and I would use a good sealer in the hole, then insert the plastic insert, and the screw. The sealer will give added support to the plastic insert.
I have drilled the steel beam on 2 occasions, once with a hand drill and I needed 3 bits for each hole. First a concrete bits to get to the beam, then a cobalt bit to get through the beam, and then a slightly smaller concrete bit to finish the hole. Lots of work. The second time I used a SDS bit and a suitable hammer drill and was able to drill the holes with one bit in under 15 seconds.
Hope this helps with your project.

Thank you for this information!