How to repair and install a curtain rail

EricL

Difficulty: Beginner

Installing a curtain rail on plasterboard can be difficult as the wall doesn’t offer the same holding strength as solid brick or timber. It’s important to use a strong wall anchor.

This step-by-step guide shows how to repair damage from a previous installation and how to use the right fittings to ensure your curtain rails remain securely in place.

Steps

Step 1

Repair the wall.

If your curtain rail has already pulled loose, start by removing the old brackets and screws. Support the bracket as you unscrew it to avoid tearing the plasterboard further.

Check the condition of the wall. If the plasterboard is cracked, crumbling or the holes are badly enlarged, you may need to repair the area with filler. Sand the filler smooth once dry before undercoating and painting.

1.1 Observe and assess.png 1.2 Plaster holes.png

Step 2

Mark the position of your fixing holes.

If replacing fixings, it is best to shift the bracket to a new spot to avoid fixing to repaired plaster.

The position of the curtain rod holders depends on your available space and the rod's length. It is recommended to leave a 50mm gap from the window frame’s corner, both vertically and horizontally. Once you have decided on the position, use a tape measure and pencil to mark the spot. Double-check your marks before proceeding. Repeat this for additional brackets, spacing them evenly.

Hold the brackets and mark the screw holes. Use a spirit level to ensure they’re straight, then mark each hole with a pencil. Repeat for the remaining brackets.

2.1 Measure position.png 2.2 Mark drill position.png

Step 3

Select a hollow wall anchor.

When using hollow wall anchors, remember to use wall anchors that are designed to resist being pulled out and provide a solid fixture to the wall. The Ramset M5 x 9mm Plasterboard Hollow Wall Anchor is versatile and provides a folding steel fixing inside the plasterboard wall that locks the wall anchor into place.

Another excellent hollow wall anchor is the Ramset 3 / 16" x 50mm Round Head Toggle Spring. It spreads the load inside the cavity and resists the constant pulling force of curtains being opened and closed. It is ideal for heavier weighted curtains.

3.1 Ramset M5 x 9mm plasterboard anchor.png 3.2 Ramset 3 16 x 50mm plasterboard spring anchor.png

Step 4

Drill screw holes and install wall anchors.

Drill screw holes where you’ve marked. For the Ramset M5 x 9mm Plasterboard Hollow Wall Anchor we used a 5mm drill bit.

Hold the drill steady and go straight into the wall to avoid crooked holes. Make sure that the holes are all level and evenly spaced. Clean away any dust after drilling.

Insert and install the wall anchors into the drilled holes. Place the screws through the holes in the brackets and tighten them with a screwdriver or drill. Check that each bracket is firmly attached and does not wobble. Tighten if necessary.

4.1 Drill holes.png 4.2 Insert wall anchor.png 4.3 Screw curtain arm to wall.png

Step 5

Attach curtain rods.

Slide curtains onto the rod, place the rod into the brackets, and adjust until level. Rest the rod securely inside brackets.

Step back to check if the rod looks straight and centred. Adjust if needed before finishing.

Once properly fixed, the rail should feel stable and resist the pulling force of everyday use.

5.1 Adjust distance of curtain arm.png 5.2 Adjust screw for firm fit.png 5.3 Lock curtain arm into place.png 5.4 Insert curtain into rod.png 5.5 Install curtain rod.png 5.6 Check for fitting.png