Fit a roller blind inside the window recess in a lath and plaster wall

Fit a roller blind inside a window recess in a lath and plaster wall, from measuring to a smooth-running finish.

RB-01Measure the recess and check the blind fitsMeasure the width of the recess at the top, middle and bottom, and note the depth from the window to the front of the reveal. Use the narrowest width measurement when ordering or trimming a recess-fit blind so it doesn't jam. Hold a spirit level across the top of the recess — if it's out of level, note this so you can pack out one bracket later.

1 each · Roller blind kit (recess fit)

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Spirit level (250mm)

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RB-02Set up and protect the areaClear the windowsill and lay a dust sheet below the recess to catch plaster dust and dropped screws. Put on safety glasses — old lime plaster can crumble unpredictably when drilled. Lay your tools and fixings out within reach before you start.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Safety glasses

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RB-03Work out what's behind the lath and plasterLath and plaster is always fixed onto timber — either studs in a partition wall, or timber grounds (battens) fixed to solid masonry behind an external wall, which is the usual case around a window recess. Tap along the top of the recess: a dead, solid sound usually means masonry sits close behind; a hollow sound with slight give means there's a void behind timber. Drill a small test hole where a bracket will sit — fine pale dust all the way through means timber; a shallow gap followed by sudden hard resistance means you've broken through into brick or stone. Lath and plaster was never built on metal stud framing, so you won't need a metal-stud fixing for this job.

1 each · Small pilot drill bit (2-3mm)

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RB-04Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over each fixing point, but don't trust it completely — detectors miss cables that are deep, run in metal conduit, or sit outside the usual safe zones, and old metal lath can throw a cheap detector off further. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can cut the water fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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RB-05Mark and drill the bracket fixing pointsHold each bracket in place, check it against a spirit level, and mark the screw holes through it. If you found a timber ground or stud, drill a 2-3mm pilot hole into its centre. If the fixing point is over masonry behind a void, drill through the lath and plaster with a 7mm masonry bit, going deep enough to reach at least 30mm into solid brick or stone beyond the void — often 50-70mm deep in total.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (7mm)

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1 each · Small pilot drill bit (2-3mm)

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RB-06Fit the correct fixings and bracketsInto a timber ground or stud, drive a 40mm No.8 woodscrew straight into the centre of the timber — no plug needed. Into masonry behind a void, push in a wall plug rated for the full hole depth, then drive a screw at least 60mm long so it engages solidly in the brick or stone, not just the lath and plaster. Fit each bracket fully and check it doesn't rock.

1 pack · Wood screws 40mm No.8 (pack)

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1 pack · Wall plugs, matching drill size (pack)

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1 pack · Screws 60mm (pack)

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1 each · Screwdriver bit set

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RB-07Fit the blind onto the bracketsClip or slot the roller tube into the brackets following the kit's instructions. Make sure the control chain or spring mechanism is on the correct side and lines up properly. Push firmly until it clicks or seats fully into each bracket.

RB-08Level and adjust before final tighteningHold a spirit level along the blind tube and check it's horizontal. If one end sits low, loosen that bracket, pack behind it if the recess isn't square, then retighten. Recheck level once both brackets are firm.

RB-09Test the blind runs smoothlyPull the blind fully down and back up a few times. Check the fabric doesn't catch on the sides of the recess and the chain or spring moves freely. Loosen and adjust a bracket slightly if it sticks.

RB-10Tidy upVacuum plaster dust from the sill and floor — lime plaster dust is fine and travels further than you'd expect. Wipe down the windowsill, fold away the dust sheet, and dispose of packaging and offcuts.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush

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