Install panel track shades

When we decorated our home office we covered the large wide sliding glass door with panel track blinds because they have a neat appearance while providing an open view to the outside. The blinds (or shades, as they’re often called) are versatile, mix nicely with most any decor and come in a variety of fabrics and woven wood. Individual 27-inch wide panels glide on a wheeled carrier in a track concealed by a valance, and they open and close easily with a cord. Sewn-in weights at the bottom of each panel create a streamlined drape, giving the shades structure. We chose a solar material that blocks direct light through the weave of the material but maintains a view to the outside.

A retailer specializing in window treatments will charge $1,370 to install six-panel track shades with a valance in a 151-inch opening. You can buy the window covering for $1,155 and do it yourself, saving 16 percent. Compared to the cost of the shades, the savings is not impressive. We decided it was a job best left to the installer. If you do it yourself, you’ll need a ladder, tape measure, level, wrench, screwdriver, nutdriver, an electric drill with bits and wall anchors.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$1,370 -- $1,155 -- 1.2 -- 3.0 -- $215 -- 16 Percent

(c) 2018 GENE AND KATIE HAMILTON, DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.