Put up a door curtain pole on a solid brick or block wall

Fit a curtain pole above a door safely, level and secure, in one afternoon.

CP-01Check your wall and gather your kitThis guide is for solid brick or block walls only. Tap the wall above the door — a solid, dull thud means brick or block; a hollow sound means it's a stud partition, and you'll need a different fixing method for that. Lay everything out: pole kit, drill, masonry bit, spirit level, pencil, tape measure and a dust sheet.

1 each · Curtain pole kit (pole, brackets, screws, finials)

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1 each · Dust sheet

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CP-02Measure and mark bracket positionsDecide your pole height — usually 100-150mm above the door frame, and wide enough that the curtain clears the frame when open. Mark one bracket position first, then use a spirit level to mark the second at the same height. Hold the bracket against the wall and mark through the fixing holes with a pencil.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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CP-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the marked 'safe zones'. Use a detector on each mark, but still treat the wall as if something could be there — detectors miss cables that are deep or run at odd angles. 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, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

RULES

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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KNOW THE RULES

No specific regulation applies to hanging a curtain pole, but always check for hidden services before drilling near a doorway.

CP-04Drill and plug the wallFit a masonry bit matching your wall plug size — usually 6mm or 7mm for a standard curtain pole bracket. Drill to the depth of the plug plus 5mm, holding the drill level and square to the wall. Push a wall plug into each hole, tapping gently with a hammer until it sits flush.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (6mm)

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4 each · Wall plugs (Rawlplug, red or brown)

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1 each · Hammer

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CP-05Fix the bracketsDrive a screw into each plug through the bracket, using a screwdriver or drill on a low torque setting so you don't overtighten and crack the plaster. Check each bracket is tight and doesn't wobble. Recheck level across both brackets before moving on.

4 each · Screws (supplied with bracket, typically 40-50mm)

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1 each · Screwdriver or drill/driver

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CP-06Fit the pole, finials and curtainsSlide the curtain rings onto the pole before fitting it, so you don't have to unfit it later. Rest the pole in the brackets and clip or screw it into place, following the kit instructions. Fit the decorative finials to each end to stop the rings sliding off, then hang the curtains.

CP-07Tidy upSweep or hoover up masonry dust from the floor and windowsill. Wipe down the wall below the fixing points. Fold and store the dust sheet, and check the pole one more time for level and grip.

1 each · Hoover or brush

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