Fit a curtain pole inside a window recess in a solid brick or block wall

Fit a curtain pole securely inside a brick or block window recess, checking for pipes, cables and hidden wall finishes first.

CP-01Gather tools and check the pole fitsHold the pole (or the box) up to the recess and check it's at least 20-30mm shorter than the recess width so the brackets have room to sit flush. Lay out your drill, masonry bit, spirit level, pencil, tape measure, detector and screwdriver before you start.

1 each · Curtain pole kit with brackets

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1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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CP-02Find your stopcock and sweep the wall before drillingBefore you drill anywhere near this window, find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns, so you can shut the water off fast if you ever hit a pipe. Run your detector over the recess walls and ceiling, but don't trust it completely — cables can run deep, in conduit, or outside the usual safe zones, especially near a window where wiring for blinds or alarms is common. If you have any doubt, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

CP-03Check what's actually behind the recess plasterA window recess is usually solid brick or block, but it may be finished with dot-and-dab plasterboard or, in an older house, lath and plaster. Tap the wall: a dull solid knock means direct plaster on masonry; a hollow, slightly bouncy sound means dot-and-dab or lath and plaster over a gap. Drill a small 3mm pilot hole at one fixing point — solid red brick dust means masonry, a sudden hollow drop after 10-15mm means dot-and-dab, and old crumbly wood splinters mean lath and plaster.

CP-04Mark and level the bracket positionsDecide your bracket height — usually 50-100mm above the window frame or top of the recess, and at least 50mm in from each side wall. Mark both bracket positions and check them with a spirit level, not just by eye, since even a few millimetres of tilt will show once the curtains hang.

CP-05Drill and fix into solid brick or blockIf your pilot hole showed solid masonry, drill with a 6mm or 8mm masonry bit (check the plug packet) to a depth of at least 40mm, going slightly deeper than the plug length to clear dust. Push in a matching wall plug, then drive in the bracket screw until it's snug — don't overtighten, as this can crack the plug or the brick face.

4 each · Red plastic wall plugs (6mm x 40mm)

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4 each · Screws (5mm x 50mm)

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CP-06Drill and fix through dot-and-dab plasterboardIf your pilot hole showed a hollow gap behind plasterboard, you must fix into the masonry behind, not just the board. Use a fixing long enough to pass through the plasterboard, the adhesive dab gap (often 10-30mm), and still get at least 30mm into the brick or block — typically a 60-75mm screw with a matching plug. Drill through in one go at a steady angle, fit the plug into the masonry, then fix the bracket firmly.

4 each · Long wall plugs for dot-and-dab (6mm x 60mm)

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4 each · Screws (5mm x 75mm)

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CP-07Drill and fix through lath and plasterIf your pilot hole brought out old wood splinters, you have lath and plaster over the masonry, common in older houses. Don't rely on the thin lath strips to hold weight — drill through them into the solid masonry behind, using the same masonry plug and screw sizing as solid brick but adding 15-20mm extra length to clear the lath and plaster thickness. Go gently near the surface, as old plaster can crumble and crack around the hole.

4 each · Wall plugs (6mm x 60mm)

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4 each · Screws (5mm x 70mm)

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CP-08Fit the brackets and check they're solidOnce both brackets are screwed in, pull down on each one firmly to check it doesn't move or crack the plaster around it. If either bracket feels loose, remove it, fill the hole, and refix slightly to one side into fresh masonry.

CP-09Fit the pole and hang the curtainsThread the curtain rings or eyelets onto the pole before lifting it into the brackets, as it's much harder afterwards. Lift the pole into place, clip or screw it into the bracket cups as per your kit's instructions, then fit the finials on each end.

CP-10Test and tidy upSlide the curtains along the full length of the pole to check it runs smoothly and the brackets stay firm under movement. Vacuum up drilling dust, wipe down the windowsill, and touch up any small plaster chips with a dab of filler if needed.

1 each · Multi-purpose filler (small tub)

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