Curtain Pole in New Build

nad1611

Hi. I want to put up a curtain pole in my daughter's Redrow new build property.
I'm mum and I've done a fair bit of diy over the years, my first job was fitting curtain poles about 30yrs ago, but I certainly didn't drill into the masonry, instead not knowing any better and winging it, drilled the plasterboard and along with wall plugs, adhesive and screws, up they went and they're still up there!! Since then I've gone on to do flooring, plumbing,woodwork and general decorating and diy, doing a better job than the curtain poles I hasten to add!


Anyway I tell you that so you know what I'm likely capable of, but also, I want to do a proper job as it's her home.

So, what I need to know is, do I have to drill into the masonry. I've seen these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B3VYHCG/ref=asc_df_B07B3VYHCG58403141/?!!!!!googshopuk-21&creative=22146&creativeASIN=B07B3VYHCG&linkCode=df0&hvadid=207961523712&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12971655641790974855&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045632&hvtargid=pla-439188457586
Will they suffice.

I've drilled a pilot hole which went through the plasterboard easily then hit whatever the wall is made of. Is there anway of knowing if the plasterboard is attached by dot and dab or has timbers to attach to the brick work? I've got a good bosch drill and wondered what specific drill bit I need for the job. will it differ depending on if it's brick or breeze block?



Last is there anything to keep in mind when drilling above a window, e.g. will the lintel be a problem, is there anyway of knowing what the lintel's made of.


Would really appreciate some advice and thanks in advance.

flashg67

My new(ish) build has steel lintels just where you want to attach poles. Elsewhere is dot & dab. Plasterboard plugs worked for light weight curtains, but for full length ones I screwed and glued (no-nails) full length battens first along the top of the window to spread the weight.. Been up for years with no problems.
A small lip of my lintels can be seen outside the house - I think the most common type is the 'catnic' one piece type lintels

Fire_Fox

If the lintel is problematic, one option is to attach the pole brackets or a curtain track to the ceiling. Whether that is practical and how it looks depends on various factors, including the curtain heading.

jakemillspaek

I've successfully put self tappers into the catnic lintel.I did know the position/size of the lintel.
The easiest way would be a timber batten (finished/painted/stained timber) with several plasterboard plugs screws along the length and the use of nonails.

kerri_gt

Have you considered using these if there is space between the plasterboard and masonry?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/gripit-yellow-plasterboard-fixings-15-x-14mm-8-pack/9380j

There are specific masonry drill bits though these have been recommended to me by someone who does a lot of DIY so you won't need to change the bit when drilling.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-set-4pcs/95958

Masonry isn't hard to drill wth a decent drill and drill bit, but if you hit a steel lintel then it could be a bit more tricky .... we had that and I capitulated getting a 'man with a drill' to come and do it for me in the end.

nad1611

Thanks for the replies. I did think about the wooden batton idea, but she's not too keen, as it would end up meaning the curtains would stick a little too far out from the window and because of the windows position for example in the main room, you'd see the gap when at one end of the room, which wouldn't look great.


I think I'll try and see if I can talk to one of the workmen if possible, but will take a look at the drill bit ideas too. What I don't want to do is ending up damaging anything.

Aleem

I think you're on the right track with those fixings, and as already suggested, the Bosch Multipurpose drill bits are great.

I havent come across those fixings in your post, but can see where they will come in handy for some of my jobs. I had to attach a very heavy radiator to a dot and dab wall with lightweight blocks behind recenty. I used frame fixings with 15mm copper tube to fill the gap between the finished wall surface and the concrete block, which is essentially what the fixings in your post do.