How to Fit a Curtain Pole - Into A Plasterboard Wall, by Justin Bailly JBTV on YouTube. 21 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Measure the window and decide where the pole will sit. Mark a height about 10 to 15 cm above the window frame and extend the pole 15 to 20 cm past each side.
Use a spirit level or laser level to draw a level line across the wall. If the window sill is level, use it as a reference so the pole looks straight.
Hold each bracket on the line and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Check the bracket spacing recommended for your pole, usually near the ends and no more than about 1 m apart.
Check the wall for hidden cables and pipes before drilling. Drill pilot holes through the plasterboard with a bit slightly smaller than the screw-in fixings.
Push a screw-in plasterboard fixing into each hole and turn it clockwise until it sits flush with the wall. Do not overtighten it or you may crush the plasterboard.
Screw each bracket to the fixings with the screws supplied. Check the brackets are level and that the pole will clip or slide into them.
Fit the pole into the brackets, add the finials, then hang the curtains. Pull gently on the pole to check it is secure before hanging the full weight.
Tips and common mistakes
Use screw-in plasterboard fixings rated for the weight of your pole and curtains, and add more brackets for a long or heavy pole.
For heavy curtains, fix the brackets into wooden studs or use cavity toggle fixings instead of plain plasterboard fixings.
Drill slowly and stop when you feel the drill break through the plasterboard so you do not hit cables behind it.
Check the window sill with a level and line the pole up with it if the window reveal is uneven.
Questions
Can I fit a curtain pole to plasterboard without a stud?
Yes, if you use screw-in plasterboard fixings or cavity toggles rated for the load. For a heavy pole or heavy curtains, fix into a stud where possible.
What drill bit size do I need for screw-in plasterboard fixings?
Use the size printed on the fixing pack, which is usually slightly smaller than the fixing. Drill a test hole in a scrap piece if you are unsure.
How high should a curtain pole be above a window?
A common height is 10 to 15 cm above the window frame, with the pole 15 to 20 cm wider than the window on each side. Adjust it to suit your curtains and ceiling.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
