Put up a bay window curtain pole on a solid brick or block wall

Fit brackets, corner joints and a pole or track around a bay window so curtains hang straight and glide freely.

BWC-01Plan the bracket layout for the bayMeasure each straight run of the bay separately — most bays have three: two angled sides and a centre section. Decide how many support brackets each run needs, roughly every 400-600mm for a heavy pole or 600-900mm for a light track, plus one bracket near each end and one either side of every corner. Sketch the layout on paper with rough measurements so you don't lose track once you're up the ladder.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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BWC-02Choose the right pole, track or corner kitFor a bay you need either a flexible pole that bends around the corners, or a track made of straight lengths joined by corner connectors set to match your bay's angle. Buy end brackets, centre brackets, corner brackets and finials or runners as a matching set. Check the packaging for the maximum gap between brackets for the weight of your curtains — don't guess this.

1 each · Bay window curtain pole or track kit (with corner connectors)

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1 pack · Curtain rings or track runners

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BWC-03Mark the fixing pointsHold a bracket at your chosen height — usually 100-150mm above the window frame, or as the kit instructs — and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level to keep each straight run level before marking the next bracket along. Mark corner brackets close to the corner post but leave enough clearance for the pole or track to turn the corner without fouling the frame.

1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Bradawl or pencil

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BWC-04Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere, including up near a window head. Run a cable and pipe detector over every mark, but still treat each spot as if something could be there — detectors miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns before you start, 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 drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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BWC-05Drill and plug each fixing point in solid brick or blockUse a 6mm masonry bit for standard red wall plugs and No.8 screws, drilling to about 45mm deep — a little deeper than the plug length so it seats fully. Blow or vacuum the dust out of each hole before pushing the plug in flush with the wall. If a fixing point lands on the lintel above the window, use the same masonry bit for a concrete lintel; if you strike a steel flange and the drill won't progress, move the fixing 20-30mm sideways rather than forcing it.

1 each · Masonry drill bit 6mm

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12 each · Red wall plugs (masonry)

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12 each · No.8 x 50mm screws

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BWC-06Fit the brackets and corner connectorsScrew each bracket into its plugged hole with a No.8 x 50mm screw, tightened firmly but not overtightened — you don't want to crack the plug or crush the plaster. Connect the corner pieces to link the straight sections into one continuous run. Fit end brackets last so you can adjust their position slightly for a neat finish at each end of the bay.

1 each · Screwdriver or drill/driver

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BWC-07Fit the pole or track and check it's levelLay the pole into the brackets or feed the track into its runners, then secure any retaining clips or screws. Check the level along each straight run again before final tightening — small errors are easier to fix now than once curtains are hanging. Make sure the corner joints sit square and the pole or track turns smoothly.

BWC-08Hang the curtains and test the glideFit the curtain hooks, rings or eyelets, then hang the curtains. Pull them across each corner to check they glide smoothly without snagging on a bracket or corner joint. Adjust bracket tension or the corner connector angle slightly if the curtains catch anywhere.

BWC-09Tidy upFill any misplaced or unused pilot holes with a small amount of filler and leave to dry, then sand smooth once cured. Vacuum up brick and plaster dust from the sill and floor, and dispose of packaging and offcuts. Put your tools away and give the pole or track a final wipe down.

1 each · Multi-purpose filler (small tub)

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1 sheet · Fine sandpaper

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