Installation
Fitting Curtain Tracks Under Steel Lintels
Know when a steel lintel affects drilling, bracket position and mounting choice.
Illustrative design reference. View our inspiration gallery
Quick answer
A steel lintel can make normal drilling difficult and may require a different fixing position or specialist approach. Do not repeatedly drill without understanding what sits behind the plaster.
Visual planning
Start with the shape of your window.
A continuous run across the opening. Plan space at each end for the curtains to stack clear of the glass.
Illustrative top view. Not a scale drawing or a fitting specification.
SECTION 01
How to recognise a steel lintel
How to recognise a steel lintel should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
SECTION 02
Why normal fixings fail
Why normal fixings fail should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
- Check the fixing surface before ordering.
- Allow enough room for the curtains to move freely.
- Match the track and gliders to the curtain weight.
- Plan the finished appearance as well as the practical operation.
SECTION 03
Alternative positions
Alternative positions should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
SECTION 04
Wall versus ceiling mounting
Wall versus ceiling mounting should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
- Check the fixing surface before ordering.
- Allow enough room for the curtains to move freely.
- Match the track and gliders to the curtain weight.
- Plan the finished appearance as well as the practical operation.
SECTION 05
When to stop drilling
When to stop drilling should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than in isolation.
The correct choice depends on the window, curtain weight, available fixing surface and how the curtains need to operate each day.
TrackFit installer note
A reliable installation comes from matching the track, brackets, fixings and curtain load as one complete system.
Professional installation
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Send us your postcode, measurements and photos. We can assess the track type, fixing surface and access before providing a quotation.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Can you drill into a steel lintel?
Can you drill into a steel lintel depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Why does the drill suddenly stop?
Why does the drill suddenly stop depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Can brackets be moved higher?
Can brackets be moved higher depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
Is ceiling mounting easier?
Is ceiling mounting easier depends on the track system, curtain weight and fixing conditions. Check the manufacturer's guidance and assess the full installation rather than one component alone.
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