These installation guidelines give the basic principals of installing curtain tracks and poles. There are too many types and variations of poles and tracks available to be specific to any one type.

Most poles and tracks are supplied with specific fitting instructions, giving detailed information on the relevant product and fitting procedure.

What You Will Need

• A metal tape measure
• Pencil (as it can be erased)
• Plumb line or alternatively string
• Two bradawls or two nails
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Dust sheet
• Hacksaw or pipe cutters
• Step ladder

The pole should be positioned on the wall about 10 - 15cm above the horizontal edge of the window recess.

This measurement may differ depending on the amount of space available above the window. As a general guide the pole or track should be positioned halfway between the horizontal edge of window recess and the coving or ceiling. Some situations may require the pole to be positioned so it looks proportionally correct for the space available. Note please ensure the brackets are not vertically aligned above light switches, power sockets and central heating pipes. If so move brackets to one side of the potential obstruction to avoid contact when drilling.

The next step is to measure for the brackets, which are positioned about 15cm either side of the window recess. Note make sure your pole or track is wide enough before marking out and drilling.

If working to specific curtain lengths, take time to work out the actual fixing height of the brackets so your curtains hang perfectly.
Now measure from the floor up to the point where the bracket is to be fixed, mark this point with a cross, repeating this procedure on the other side of the window. To ensure the pole or track will be level when fixed, run a string line from one height mark to the other, secured in place with two bradawls.

Stand back from the window and check if the string line is level to the eye and in proportion to the coving or ceiling and the window recess. If the string line is not level, then raise or lower one side. A spirit level would be ideal, but if not quickly measure.
If the pole is supplied with a center bracket, measure and mark the wall exactly between the two outer bracket marks, using the string line to ensure accurate bracket alignment. If fitting a curtain track with multiple brackets, space them equally for the width of your track, using the string line to make certain all the brackets are aligned perfectly.

Now remove the string line and bradawls. Offer up the track or pole brackets, making absolutely sure that the brackets are positioned in line and over the measured marks made in step 2 and step 3. The type of bracket being fixed in the illustration is a wooden bracket with a round back plate. For this type of back plate a template can be made up from a piece of card to ensure the backing plate aligns directly over your measured mark as shown.

Next align the bracket with the measured marks on the wall.

Using a pencil to mark the bracket holes onto the wall.

Bradawl a small pilot hole to aid drilling accuracy.

Use the appropriate fixings for your type of wall. Drill the marks for the brackets using the correct size drill bit for the rawplugs and screws.

Most tracks and poles are supplied with screws and rawplugs for solid walls only. Ensure the drilled holes are deep enough for the rawplugs to be hammered in flush with the wall surface. Note if your are fitting a pole or track to a tiled surface, make sure the rawplug is gently tapped about 2 mm below the tile surface to avoid the tile cracking when the track is fitted.

Next fix the brackets to the wall as per the manufacturers instructions. Note, do not over tighten screws with an electric screwdriver as this may damage the wall fixing.

Screw the bracket onto the threaded backing plate until firm.

Secure the pole to the brackets with provided screws.

The pole or track can be fitted to the brackets as instructed with the manufacturers fitting instructions. Pole lengths may need to be cut down with a hacksaw or pipe cutters. For poles leave at least 7cm projecting past the outer supporting brackets to enable the last ring and finial to be fitted. Tracks may also be cut down depending on the track type. Please refer to applicable fitting instructions. If the pole is supplied in two halves joint with the supplied center joiner and secure pole or track to brackets as instructions specify. If you require any advice on fitting your curtain track or pole please email us at enquiries@polesandblinds.com or call us on 0845 4650 0101.