Fit a roman blind to a metal stud wall

Fit brackets and mount a roman blind safely, using the right stud fixing so it stays secure long term.

RB-01Clear the window and check the kitTake down any curtains or nets and clear the windowsill. Unpack the roman blind and check you have the headrail, brackets, screws, cords and a cleat. Check the width matches your recess or wall fixing points before you start. Lay a dust sheet on the floor below if you want to protect carpet or flooring.

1 each · Roman blind kit (made to measure)

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1 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Tape measure

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RB-02Mark the bracket positionsDecide whether the blind fits inside the window recess or on the wall face above it, following the kit's instructions. Use a spirit level to draw a level pencil line for the headrail brackets. Hold the headrail against the line to mark screw hole positions, checking it clears the window handle and opens fully.

1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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1 each · Pencil

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RB-03Work out what's behind the marksRun a stud detector or magnet along the fixing line to check for a timber stud, a metal stud, or nothing (plasterboard only). A dull, solid sound when you tap means brick, block or a lintel; a hollow sound means plasterboard. A small pilot hole tells you the rest: timber dust means a timber stud, fine grey swarf means metal, and powder means plasterboard or dot-and-dab. Above a window, be aware the wall may include a concrete or steel lintel — if your fixing line lands on it, move the brackets slightly to the side into the wall either side of the recess instead.

RB-04Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere, not just in the usual safe zones, and a metal stud frame can confuse a cheap detector. Sweep the area with a detector, but still treat every hole as if something could be behind it. Find your stopcock now, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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RB-05Fix the brackets for your wall typeSolid brick or block: drill with a 6mm masonry bit to 40mm depth, fit a red plastic wall plug, and use a 35-40mm No.8 screw. Plasterboard on timber studs: drill a small pilot hole and drive a 40mm wood screw straight into the centre of the stud, no plug needed. Plasterboard on metal studs: never use a wood screw or plastic plug, they strip or spin straight through 0.5mm steel — use a self-drilling metal-stud fixing or a wing-toggle rated for hollow walls, following the pack's load rating. Dot-and-dab plasterboard: use a long fixing, 55-75mm, that passes through the dab and bites into the solid masonry behind, or a hollow-wall toggle if you can't reach masonry. Lath and plaster: the lath is fragile and won't hold a screw alone, so find the timber stud behind it with a pilot hole test and fix into that, or fit a small timber noggin first if the brackets fall between studs.

1 each · 6mm masonry drill bit

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1 pack · Red plastic wall plugs (pack of 20)

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1 pack · 40mm No.8 screws (pack of 20)

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1 pack · 40mm wood screws (pack of 10)

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1 pack · Self-drilling metal stud fixings (pack of 10)

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1 pack · Hollow-wall toggle fixings (pack of 4)

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1 each · Cordless drill

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RB-06Fit the headrail to the bracketsClip or screw the headrail into the fitted brackets, following the kit's instructions. Check the blind sits level with a spirit level and that the fabric hangs square. Give the brackets a firm tug to check nothing moves before you let go.

RB-07Thread the cords and set the pleatsThread the pull cord through the cord guides on the back of the blind, following the kit's diagram. Pull the blind fully down, then raise it slowly and even out the pleats by hand as it lifts. Repeat a few times until the pleats fall evenly every time.

RB-08Fit the child safety cleatScrew the cord cleat to the wall or window frame at least 1500mm above floor level, well out of reach of children. Wind the cord around the cleat every time the blind is raised, and never leave a loop of loose cord hanging free. Corded blinds sold in the UK must include a working safety device like this to reduce the strangulation risk to young children.

RULES

1 each · Cord cleat and screws (usually supplied with kit)

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KNOW THE RULES

UK product safety rules require corded blinds to have a cord cleat, cleat hook or breakaway device fitted and used correctly, because of the strangulation risk to young children.

RB-09Test and tidy upRaise and lower the blind fully several times to check it runs smoothly and the brackets stay tight. Wipe away any plaster or masonry dust from the sill and floor, and vacuum up any debris. Bin the packaging and check the cleat is fitted and cords are wound safely before you finish.

1 each · Handheld vacuum or brush

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PART OF A BIGGER PROJECT

Dress every window in a room

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