Love that this has the option of mounting with the hardware provided, or using as a tension rod. I used this rod on my covered porch, which has wood framing on one end, and brick house on the other. Since the opening is 100", it came with a center support, so screwing in the bracket on one end, using the center support, and tension on the other end, this rod is very secure with 4 panels of 108" length curtain panels (Denton Solid Room Darkening Outdoor). I also strung some weights in the bottom of the curtain panels, and the rod is still secure. Love that we can now have a nice shady porch in the evening!