How much does blind and curtain rod installation cost in Calgary?

A single blind installation (customer supplies blind) starts at $35. A single curtain rod installation starts at $45. When installing multiple windows in the same room or same visit, pricing per unit drops — 5 blinds in the same visit typically runs $140 to $170. A full main floor with 8 to 10 windows is typically booked as a half-day visit.

What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount for blinds?

Inside mount means the blind is installed inside the window frame opening — the blind sits recessed within the frame and shows the full window trim. This requires the window frame to be deep enough to accommodate the blind hardware (usually at least 1.5 inches of clear frame depth). Outside mount means the blind or rod bracket is mounted on the wall above the window frame. Outside mount works for any window, covers more of the frame and can make a window appear larger. We confirm your window has adequate depth for inside mount before drilling.

How many blinds can be installed in one visit?

A standard 3 to 4 hour visit can handle 8 to 12 standard blinds or 5 to 8 curtain rods. Mixed orders — some blinds, some rods — are common and quoted by total window count. When you have a large order (whole house, 15+ windows), we usually book a full day visit.

Do I need to measure and order the blinds before booking?

Yes — blinds must be ordered to the correct size before installation can happen. We do not supply blinds; we install customer-supplied blinds. For inside mount, measure the exact width of the window opening at the top, middle and bottom (use the narrowest measurement) and the height from the top of the opening to the sill. For outside mount, you decide how wide and how tall you want the blind — typically 4 to 6 inches wider than the window opening on each side. Most blind retailers in Calgary (Home Depot, Blinds.ca, Budget Blinds) will guide you through measurement on their website.

Can you install curtain rods on concrete or brick walls in older Calgary homes?

Yes — concrete and brick require masonry drill bits and appropriate anchors rather than standard drywall installation. Older Calgary homes (1950s–1970s) sometimes have poured concrete window headers or solid masonry walls around windows. We bring masonry bits and hammer drill capability to handle these installations. Masonry installations take longer per window than standard drywall and are priced accordingly.

Blinds & Curtain Rods Calgary

Inside mount vs. outside mount — choosing before you buy

The mount style determines how the blind or rod is positioned relative to the window frame. This needs to be decided before buying the blinds because it affects the measurements:

Inside mount

The blind bracket is installed inside the window frame opening. The blind sits recessed within the frame, and the window trim is fully visible. This gives a clean, built-in look. Requirements:

The window frame must have at least 1.5 inches of clear, flat depth inside the frame to accommodate the bracket (many windows have 2 to 3 inches)
The window opening must be square — an out-of-square opening will leave visible gaps at the sides of the blind
Inside mount blinds are ordered to the exact window opening width; the blind mechanism takes up a small amount of space so the manufacturer deducts a small amount from the ordered size

Outside mount

The bracket or rod is mounted on the wall above or beside the window frame. Advantages:

Works for any window regardless of frame depth
Can cover more of the window including the frame — useful if the frame is in poor condition
Curtain rods are almost always outside mount; they typically extend 4 to 6 inches past each side of the window frame so curtains can be drawn fully clear of the glass
Makes windows appear larger by positioning the rod close to the ceiling

For outside mount blinds, you measure and order to the size you want to cover — typically 4 inches wider than the window opening on each side and 4 to 6 inches above the frame top.

Types of window treatments and installation notes

Roller blinds and zebra shades

The most common installation request. One bracket on each side of the window, the roller slots in between. Roller blinds are available as inside or outside mount; most come with hardware included. Installation is 10 to 15 minutes per window for a standard drywall wall.

Roman shades

Similar to roller blinds but fabric-based. The hardware is slightly more involved — a headrail that must be level and securely anchored since the fabric weight and cord tension put more stress on the brackets than a roller. Most Roman shades are inside mount.

Venetian and aluminium slat blinds

Standard horizontal slat blinds with a tilt rod and lift cord. Installation is similar to roller blinds. These are heavier than roller blinds and the brackets must be rated for the weight — included hardware on most name-brand blinds is sufficient for drywall mounting into studs or with appropriate anchors.

Cellular and honeycomb shades

Popular for Calgary homes because the cellular structure provides additional insulation — relevant given Calgary's -25°C winter temperatures. Single-cell, double-cell and triple-cell options are available; triple-cell provides the best insulation. Top-down/bottom-up cellular shades have two headrails and require slightly more time to install correctly.

Curtain rods and drapery panels

A curtain rod requires two or three brackets (two ends, sometimes a centre support for long spans) mounted on the wall above the window. Key considerations:

Bracket height — typically 4 to 6 inches above the window frame top, or closer to the ceiling for a dramatic look. Decide this before installation.
Rod extension — brackets should extend far enough past the window frame that curtains, when open, clear the glass completely (typically 6 to 12 inches on each side)
Centre support — rods over 180 cm wide need a centre bracket to prevent sagging
Wall anchors — curtain rod brackets hit drywall between studs in many positions; appropriate drywall anchors are essential for heavier drapery

Vertical blinds

Used on sliding doors and larger windows. The headrail is mounted above the door or window opening (outside mount) with one bracket at each end. Installation is quick but the headrail must be precisely level — a slight tilt causes the vertical slats to hang unevenly and not align properly when closed.

Calgary-specific installation notes

Concrete window headers: Older Calgary homes — particularly those built between 1950 and 1975 — often have poured concrete lintels above window openings. Drilling into concrete requires a hammer drill with masonry bits; standard drywall bits will not penetrate. We bring hammer drill capability to every job. Concrete installations add 10 to 15 minutes per window versus drywall.

Vinyl windows with plastic frames: Many Calgary homes have vinyl window replacement units installed in the 2000s and 2010s. Inside-mount brackets on vinyl frames use small screws into the vinyl — the frame is strong enough for light-to-medium blinds but we confirm the frame construction before installing heavy blinds on vinyl mounts.

Window trim profiles: Older Calgary homes often have thick wood casing around windows. Outside mount rods and brackets need to clear the trim profile; we check that bracket arms are long enough to hold the rod away from the wall at the right distance for the curtain rings to slide freely.

Blind and curtain rod installation pricing in Calgary

Scope	Starting price (customer supplies blinds/rods)
Single blind (any type)	From $35
Single curtain rod	From $45
3 blinds, same room	From $90
3 curtain rods, same room	From $110
5 blinds, same visit	From $140
Whole-house blinds (8–12 windows)	From $280 (half day)
Whole-house curtain rods (8–10 windows)	From $320 (half day)
Vertical blind on sliding door	From $65
Top-down/bottom-up cellular shade	From $55 each

What to have ready before the visit

All blinds and rods out of packaging, with included hardware (brackets, screws, covers) accessible
The mount style decided (inside or outside mount) — write it on the packaging if you ordered online
Approximate height and position for each rod or blind marked on the wall with a pencil or Post-it
For curtain rods: know the desired height above the window and how far each side should extend past the frame
Furniture moved away from the window to allow ladder access

Blinds and curtain rods to install in Calgary?

Tell us the window count and type of treatment — we quote and book within 1–2 days. A full-house window treatment install is a morning job.

View blinds & rod installation service →Request a blinds & rod installation quote

Steve serves all Calgary areas