Put up a double curtain pole for curtains and nets on a solid brick or block wall

Fit a strong, level double curtain pole above your window, checking for cables and pipes before drilling.

CP-01Gather your tools and check the kitLay out the curtain pole kit and check it has two end brackets, a centre bracket if the pole is over 1800mm, screws, and rawlplugs. Get a drill with a masonry bit sized to match the plugs supplied (usually 6mm for a standard plug), a spirit level, tape measure, pencil, and a dust sheet for the floor. Check the pole length against your window - it should overlap the frame by 150-200mm on each side so curtains draw back fully.

1 each · Double curtain pole kit with brackets

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6 each · Wall plugs (red or brown, size to match bracket screws)

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1 each · Masonry drill bit (matched to plug size)

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1 each · Dust sheet

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CP-02Measure and mark bracket positionsMeasure the width of the window frame and mark where each end bracket will go, keeping the 150-200mm overlap on both sides. Hold a spirit level against the wall to draw a level horizontal line through both bracket points - do not just measure up from the windowsill, as sills are rarely level. Mark the screw holes for each bracket on this line with a pencil, and add a centre bracket mark if your pole needs one.

CP-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over every marked hole position. Cables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the zones you expect, and a detector can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or behind foil-backed plasterboard - so treat every hole as if something could be there. 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 drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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CP-04Drill the fixing holesDrill each marked hole to the depth stated on the plug packet, usually 45-55mm, holding the drill square to the wall. If a hole lands under a concrete or steel lintel above the window, drilling will feel much harder and slower - switch the drill to hammer mode if it has one, or shift the bracket slightly sideways onto solid brick or block if the lintel is too tough to drill cleanly. Blow or vacuum the dust out of each hole before fitting the plug.

CP-05Fix the brackets to the wallPush a wall plug into each hole until it sits flush with the wall surface, tapping gently with a hammer if needed. Hold each bracket against its marks and drive in the screws until tight, but do not overtighten and crack the plug. Check the brackets are level with the spirit level once both end brackets are fixed, before fitting any centre bracket.

CP-06Fit the pole and hang your curtains or netsThread the curtain rings or net wire onto the pole before resting it into the brackets, as it is far easier now than afterwards. Lower the pole into the bracket cradles and secure with the retaining screws or clips supplied. Hang your curtains or nets and slide them along the pole to check they run smoothly without catching.

CP-07Test the fixings and tidy upGive the pole a firm downward and outward tug at each bracket to check nothing moves or creaks. Vacuum up any drilling dust from the floor and windowsill, and wipe down the wall. Bin the packaging and check you have kept any spare screws or plugs in case a bracket ever needs refitting.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner (household)

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