Put up a curtain track on a solid brick or block wall

Measure, mark, drill and fix a curtain track securely above a window, then hang the curtains and test the glide.

CT-01Gather your tools and check the windowLay out your curtain track kit, a tape measure, pencil, spirit level, stepladder and a cable/pipe detector. Check the kit includes enough brackets for the track length — most tracks need a bracket every 400-600mm, plus one near each end. Open the packaging and check the wall plugs and screws supplied are actually meant for masonry; some flat-pack kits include lightweight plugs that are not strong enough for brick.

1 each · Curtain track kit (with brackets, gliders, end stops)

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Spirit level (600mm)

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1 each · Pencil

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CT-02Mark the height and bracket positionsDecide how high above the window frame you want the track — usually 100-150mm above the top of the frame, and at least 50mm wider than the window on each side so curtains clear the glass when open. Mark a level line with your spirit level, then mark each bracket position along it, checking against your track kit's spacing. Hold a bracket up and mark through its screw holes so you drill in exactly the right spots.

CT-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over every marked point. Detectors miss things — deep cables, cables in metal conduit, or anything outside the normal 'safe zones' near sockets and switches — so treat the detector as a first check, not proof the wall is clear. Find your stopcock now, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely, so you can shut the water off fast if you ever hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about a cable near your marks, switch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

CT-04Drill and plug the fixing pointsSolid brick and dense concrete block both need a masonry bit and a hammer or combi drill set to hammer action. Drill straight and steady, about 5mm deeper than your wall plug's length, then blow out the dust and push the plug in flush. Lightweight aircrete block is softer and drills faster — go gently so you do not blow out a bigger hole than you need, and use a slightly longer plug if the block feels crumbly. If a fixing point lands on a concrete lintel above the window, expect much harder, slower drilling and use a fresh, sharp masonry bit. If it lands on a steel lintel, stop — you cannot drill into steel with a normal masonry bit. Shift the bracket sideways onto the brick next to the lintel, or fix a short timber batten across the gap into brick on either side and screw the bracket to the batten instead.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (size to match wall plug)

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6 each · Wall plugs (Rawlplug, red or brown, sized to screws)

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1 length · Timber batten (25 x 50mm, cut to length, for steel lintel workaround)

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CT-05Screw the brackets to the wallDrive the screws supplied with the kit through each bracket and into the plugs. Do not overtighten — stop once the bracket sits flat and firm against the wall, as over-driving can crack the plug's grip in soft block. Check each bracket is still sitting on your level line as you go.

6 each · Screws (supplied with track kit, or 4 x 40mm if buying separately)

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CT-06Clip the track onto the bracketsSlot or clip the track into the brackets following your kit's fitting method — most snap into place, some need a small screw through the underside. Run your spirit level along the front of the track to check it is dead level end to end, and adjust a bracket if one side has crept down.

CT-07Fit the gliders and hang the curtainsThread the gliders onto the track before fitting the end stops, then clip on the end stops so the gliders cannot run off. Hang the curtains by their hooks or tape onto the gliders, then run them fully open and closed a few times to check they slide smoothly and clear the window sill and frame.

CT-08Tidy upVacuum any brick or block dust from the sill, floor and curtain fabric. Wipe down the wall below the fixing points, and check nothing has been left loose — give the track a firm tug along its length to confirm every bracket is solid.

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