Fixing a curtain rail above the front door

[donnymad]

DIY newbie!

I want to fix a curtain rail above my front door using standard fixings. Is it likely that I will have to drill into the lintel? What precautions should I take?

Thanks!

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

would depend on the age and build of your house.
Some builds will have different types of lintels fitted, so you could be dealing with any of these types.
Concrete, stone, timber, steel.
So you may need to pilot hole to find out what you have.

 

[XtraRaptor]

Hi,

You would find it better in the long run to fit one of these

http://www.tracksandpoles.com/rods-wire-tracks/rods/portiere-door-rods.html

unless the door is only used occasionally.

 

[donnymad]

Many thanks for your swift replies!

PBD - My house is relatively new, built in 1998. Cotswold Stone brickwork. So when/if I drill into the lintel what should I be aware of?

XTRA'R - Excellent suggestion. I'll bear these in mind.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

There is a strong possibility that you will have a concrete lintel, what you must be aware of this lintels will have steel reinforcement bars cast inside them.

The is unlikely that you hit them but possible, it will jar and knacker any masonry bits used to drill.

But you must take in to consideration of the weight of the track/rail and the curtain and make good judgement on the type fixing to use to secure this.
I would use a medium to heavy duty fitting, even if not required.

 

[donnymad]

Great advice PBD; just what I was looking for!

 

[pinenot]

Best check say with a neighbour, it's not a pre stressed lintel, as they can be weaken by drilling...pinenot

 

[JohnD]

surely you've got a wooden doorframe?

A portiere rod is attached to the door, not the lintel.

 

[donnymad]

surely you've got a wooden doorframe?

A portiere rod is attached to the door, not the lintel.

Thanks, JohnD. In the end I chose a standard pole and the fitting was quite straight forward, using a medium fittingn as suggested by PBD.

Thanks everyone!