Fit blinds to bi-fold or patio doors

Fit a bi-fold or patio door blind by measuring, choosing the right fixings for your wall, and hanging it securely.

BB-01Measure the opening and mark your fixing lineMeasure the full width and height of the door opening, including any architrave. Decide whether the blind fixes to the wall or ceiling above the door, or straight onto the door frame itself — check the blind's instructions, as this changes the bracket spacing. Mark a level line for the top of the headrail with a spirit level and pencil, at least 20mm above the top of the door opening so the blind clears the frame when it moves.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Pencil

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BB-02Work out what's behind your fixing lineRun a stud detector or a strong magnet slowly along the line. A magnet that grabs in a regular pattern is picking up screw heads fixed into studs behind plasterboard — that spacing tells you where the studs are. Tap along the wall: a dull, solid sound is masonry or a stud, a hollow sound is plasterboard over a void. If you're still unsure, drill a small pilot hole in an inconspicuous spot on the line — fine, pale dust means timber, and shiny metal filings (swarf) mean a metal stud. Metal studs are common in flats, new-build houses, and any wall built or refitted since the 1990s.

1 each · Stud detector or strong magnet

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BB-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall or ceiling, not just in the 'safe zones' — a detector can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, behind metal-backed plasterboard, or fixed inside a metal stud frame, which also confuses cheap detectors. Sweep the line with a cable and pipe detector, but still drill cautiously and stop immediately if you feel any resistance, smell burning, or see moisture. Find your stopcock now (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns freely, so you can shut off 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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BB-04Mark and drill the bracket holes for your wall typeHold the brackets on the line and mark each hole, spacing them every 400-600mm along wide bi-fold openings so the headrail doesn't sag. Solid brick or block: drill 6mm holes 35-40mm deep with a masonry bit, blow out the dust, and insert a matching wall plug. Plasterboard on timber studs: drill a 3mm pilot hole into the centre of the stud and use a wood screw — no plug needed. Plasterboard on metal studs: never use a plain wall plug or a wood screw, as it strips straight through 0.5mm steel — use a self-drilling metal-stud fixing or hollow-wall toggle rated for the fixing weight. Fixing into plasterboard between studs (no timber or metal behind it): use a toggle or hollow-wall anchor rated for the blind's weight, not a plasterboard plug alone. Dot-and-dab plasterboard over masonry: use a long fixing (typically 60-75mm) that passes through the plasterboard and dab adhesive to grip the solid masonry behind, not just the board. Lath and plaster: locate the timber laths or the studs behind them with a detector, as plaster alone will crack and pull out — fix into solid timber where you can find it.

1 each · Masonry drill bit 6mm

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1 each · Wood/HSS drill bit 3mm

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1 pack · Wall plugs (assorted)

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6 each · Metal-stud self-drilling fixings

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6 each · Hollow-wall toggle fixings

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BB-05Fit the bracketsScrew each bracket firmly into place, checking it's tight and doesn't wobble before moving to the next. If a bracket lands over a void with nothing solid behind it — common on wide bi-fold spans with a stud gap — shift it a little along the line to land on a stud or masonry, or add a timber noggin or pattress between the studs if the blind is heavy or a headrail motor pulls hard on the fixing. Check every bracket is level with the others using your spirit level before fitting the headrail.

1 length · Timber noggin (if needed)

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1 pack · Screws (mixed sizes)

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BB-06Hang the headrail and attach the blindClip or slide the headrail into the fitted brackets, following the blind manufacturer's instructions for that model. Secure any retaining clips or screws that lock the headrail into the brackets so it can't be knocked loose. If the blind has separate end brackets or a bottom rail chain (common on vertical blinds for bi-folds), fit and tension these now.

1 each · Bi-fold/patio door blind kit

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BB-07Test the operation and adjustOpen and close the door fully with the blind fitted, checking it doesn't snag, drag, or catch on the door handle or hinges. Run the blind up and down or across its full range a few times to check it moves smoothly and the brackets stay tight. Retighten any fixing that has worked loose during testing.

BB-08Tidy upVacuum up drilling dust and offcuts, especially masonry dust that settles on windowsills and door tracks. Wipe down the frame and glass with a damp cloth to remove handling marks. Store any leftover fixings and offcuts in a labelled bag in case you need to adjust the blind later.

1 each · Dust sheet

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