Proper Way Of Cutting Blinds That Are Too Wide
If you have a horizontal blind that is too wide and you want to cut it, you can do so easily. In order to cut down the blinds that are wide, the user needs to cut the headrail and the valance. The proper way to cut wide blinds is mentioned below:
Trimming The Headrail
- Measure: Measure down the width of the headrail as well as a window where the blinds will be installed. And then simply subtract the width of the window from the headrail measurement. This is the exact amount that needs to be trim.
- Divide: After the above step is done then divide the amount in half if in case it is more than 2 inches so the user can cut 1/2 of the extra width from each of the side. If it is smaller than cut it all from one side.
- Mark: Measure the headrail and then make a mark on one end or on each end where the cut will be done. Remove out the stiffener that sits at the end of the headrail. These are actually the pieces of metal which hold the headrail in the square position.
- Cut The Headrail: With a hacksaw cut the headrail exactly at the mark. If in case the metal bends as the user cut it, then bend it back into the right place once the cutting is finished. Put back the stiffeners into the ends.
Cutting The Blinds
- Line Up: To make the slats in even stack line them up. Make both the ends flush, including the bottom rail, even if it is thick than the slats.
- Rubber Band: With a rubber band wrap down the blinds tightly at each of the ends so that they will stay in an even position.
- Measure Again: As the user measured in the first section to determine how much there is a need to cut off the blinds. But unlike the cuts in the headrail, always make a cut 1/2 of the measurement off from both ends of the blinds. This will help to ensure that the strings which control the blinds are still spaced evenly from both sides once the cuts are completed. The blinds must not chip during the cutting process for that apply masking tape at the cut lines as in the first step.
- Cut Line: Keep the slats on a table saw and keep the blade at the cut line that is on the masking tape. With a fine-tooth blade that is best for finished wood. If in case there is any metal on the blinds, that time use a carbide blade to cut down the blinds. Also, include the bottom rail on making the cut. Even though it is thicker, it can also be cut down using the saw. Remove off the tape and also the rubber bands. For the rough edges, sand them with the help of a 150 fine-grit sandpaper.
Trimming The Valance
- Measure: To make a mark on each side where the user will cut measure the valance. The valance is actually the finished, decorative piece of wood that is on top of the headrail so that the bare metal of the headrail is not visible.
- Wrap: Wrap down the cut lines in the masking tape so that it will not chip during the cutting process, adding the cut line to the tape. Cut down the valance slowly as well as carefully with the saw.