How to fit curtain tracks & rails? Do you need a wooden batten?

In this video I’m showing you how to fit curtain rails. I’m also answering the question, do you need to install a wooden batten first? This is a terrible video, really sorry.
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Curtain Rail Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:38 - An apology
1:42 - Back to it
2:25 - Bay window, ceiling fitting
10:35 - Standard window with batten
14:40 - Bay window, wall fitting
16:10 - Ceiling fitting with lath and plaster
21:00 - All finished
#DIY #Curtains

[@grandpalarry7776]

Sir. There is no need for apologies regarding the video quality. To you, it might not be up to your standard (which speaks volumes as to your integrity and craftmanship), but to those of us with minimal DIY skills it is very informative and enjoyable, Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@GosforthHandyman]

You're very welcome - glad it was useful. 👍

[@vivienarnold7950]

Thanks for that. I’ve been two years without curtains as I’m scared to attempt putting up curtain rail so this was very interesting for me.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Glad it was useful! You are my target audience for this one. 👍😁

[@mikebernard4762]

I've seen much worse videos than this so not sure what you were worried about!! Useful information. Keep them coming.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Mike! That's very kind of you to say so. 😁

[@carlyonbay45]

@@GosforthHandyman the rest of your home renovation includes a lot of modern tech - the cables and fixtures etc - and the contemporary neutral decorating - So I’m really surprised you went for cheap plastic curtain track and vintage pleated curtains 🤷🏻‍♂️ bit odd 😳

[@k.hussain360]

Even in a video you state is "not very good", I still managed to learn something about how to fit curtains in a bay window and a technique which potentially solves a specific problem we're having. So thank you :).

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you and no worries at all!

[@AcheForWake]

I’m not going to lie, this is the first of any of your videos I have jogged / scrubbed through - but still there were nuggets of great info (as always). I’ve never considered rails, always poles.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! It's a bad reference video. 😁

[@sarahchambers909]

For someone who’s looking to buy their first house with no DIY experience this was really useful for me.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Glad it was useful Sarah! 👍👍

[@gerwynrees4970]

Unreal!! Just been having a chat with the wife about this very subject as I've just finished redoing our daughters bedroom. What great timing. I've always grown up with timber to fix curtain pole/Raul but didn't know if it was an actual thing. Will be doing it straight away. Loving the renovation video. Can't wait for the extension

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha glad it was useful! Extension vids start soon. 👍

[@andrewrobinson7797]

The tip about hand tightening with a screwdriver is spot on. There are lots of scenarios when this is the best course of action. Drill-drivers and impact drivers have their place and applications but they don't give you the feedback you sometimes need when using a pozi ratchet screwdriver.

[@benm6159]

Been watching your videos for a few weeks now and they have helped me so much doing my own home renovations - never apologise there’s no need to fella. Thanks for all your guides regarding wall plugs and fittings. They have made such a difference.

[@janefrodsham8821]

I love the look of Battens above windows. I had my dad fit them in every room. I always thought they were decorative rather than functional though. Now I know their actual use. Brilliant video 😊

[@steventomlin4845]

I understand why you may consider this episode flawed. As a recent US (Northern Illinois) subscriber who has finally caught up to everyone else, I found it one of your more entertaining. Your thoughtful, non judgmental insights and self deprecating nature make your content so much better than many others. There are too many creators that just talk about style and how they're "over" this or that as if we all have the means to completely renovate every couple of years. Thank you for a dose of realism.

[@katherineb.3140]

Andy, New subscriber here from rural North Texas. Your channel came up as a “suggested” one to watch. Your 1920’s home, it’s so nice to see it receiving some TLC! I admire and respect the hard work you have put into making her shine and meet your modern day needs. Blessings to you and your family!

[@tlangdon12]

A really timely video. I've got a friend I'm refitting a metal curtain rail for next week. Great use of your Fugi box as a square.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Tony! Yes, that Fugi box was perfect for the job. You can probably tell I was in the middle of doing the bathroom. 🤣

[@BRI535D]

Be thankful we're not living back in the 80's when lined velvet curtains at 5kgs per square metre were "de rigeur".I remember the hassle I had with a suitable fixing method into unknown territory that nearly ended a beautiful relationship!!!! Ah those Catnic lintels.I ended up removing all plaster and insetting a decent length of 18mm timber then fine skimming to conceal.Worked perfectly just like your pre plastered version.

[@mandyleeson1]

I have to confess, I did scroll forward a couple of times Andy. One thing this video did teach me is to prepare well, having as many types of fittings at hand as might be needed and not to be afraid to try them. I tend to get a bit flummoxed if my first method doesn’t work, so thank you. Not as bad as you thought🤓

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Yes, can never have too many fixings. 😁

[@Honest_Reviewer.]

All of your videos are top notch.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Too kind 👍😁

[@jansteingold2950]

Love your honesty, 😁looking forward to the next video 👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

The next one will be much better 😁

[@johnavery15]

I learn something from each of your videos Andy, and this was no exception. Thanks again!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers David!

[@rebeccachester8933]

I love this already just by the disclaimer at the beginning. I love the honesty. Gained a follower! Thanks for the tips

[@christopheradams7158]

Great video Andy i always prefer the glued & screwed batten method as more often than not the lintels that are used in older properties are concrete & the newer one's are metal catnic types & you don't really see the batten as it is obscured by the curtains

[@Sparda387]

I'm about to move out of a new build flat and into my very first house, which was built in the 1930's. Thanks very much for covering this subject!

[@Puremaintenances]

To be honest I did not really think it was that bad at the end of the day it’s a video and it was enjoyable I pick up tips for my day to day work it’s always great to watch your videos no matter what keep up the great work love the house I am planning to take on a Project like this in the future How is your temporary workshop holding up would like to see a video more about it now like how you been getting on with it what works and not work ect that I think be a interesting video Take care see you on the next one

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! The workshop is a disgraceful mess at them moment. 😁

[@haydenuk02]

Brilliant work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

[@dannyboy9817]

First of all, stop apologising for your videos. No need for Steven Spielberg competition. Your videos are always awesome. I've endured all the issues you've highlighted here in my last house (1926 with lath & plaster, wooden lintels) and my current house (2002 with steel lintels, dot and dab walls) and I have taken a lot of validation from this video that (ahh....I did it right then). Only thing I will chuck in the pot is that on my last house, I made battens from MDF, edges rounded over with a router, as it is more dimensionally stable than timber and takes emulsion well with less cracking of the paint. The batten allows for easy changes to curtain rails, poles etc. with simple making good with filler and paint as and when the mrs changes her mind (as they do). My current house has timber (pine) battens and in addition to bleeding knots, they move a lot more causing the paint to crack. Pain in the butt. Thanks for an excellent video. Stop pulling your videos down. They are all fab 😎. House is looking really nice 😊. As for your teenage son wanting black curtains......my teenage son at the time wanted black walls and carpet and black bedding..... You can imagine how that went down with his mum......😑😑

[@GosforthHandyman]

Teenage son - yes, I think 'black everything' was mentioned at one point. We had to step in. 👍🤣

[@rodp2310]

Always informative and useful Andy.👍. If I had a £ for every room I’ve decorated and then got to the curtain pole and ended up with rawlplug colanderitis trying to get it level and having to fill a 2 inch hole and start again 🤣

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha thank you!

[@CHIL2903]

I had the same problem in my son's house trying to fix into a lath and plaster bay window ceiling. Hitting a gap or edge was sorted by using plugs intended for plaster board. These have wings which are pulled up by the screw, preventing the plug from being removed again. Similar to the metal compression fixings but require a smaller hole.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff! Yeah, lath and plaster can be a challenge. 😁

[@TranquilityBaseDetailing]

This video was incredibly helpful and loads better than I was expecting given your early apology.

[@TonyAFC85]

I blew plaster 😩. Just finished my first renovation. As a ground worker it was a big shock how little I knew.

[@r.d.1991]

A timely vid. Thanks for that! 👍 Not a bad vid at all tbh. ☺

[@GosforthHandyman]

Very kind! 👍

[@dboyd462]

Best video I've watched all day....so far 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@GosforthHandyman]

First video you've watched today? 😉

[@cliveclapham6451]

@@GosforthHandyman lol only video 🤔🤭🤯🤣 Joking 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brassroot166]

It was a great video, Andy. I loved the music at the end, I almost went to strap on my lederhosen.😄

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha thank you Ian!

[@beena8510]

Thanks for the video, very helpful

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries at all!

[@highpath4776]

Given the internals of current flat which are mr breezes blocks (or what passes for) trying to get anything screwed to them is a pain, due to get a new flat where the internals are precast concrete with a plasterboard finish , I think I will glue first the battening, and I dont know if I want nets (fire hazard) or not, but I need a little additional air gap as the builders refuse to fit triple glazing to the new flat, and I want to protect any plants etc.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good luck! 👍

[@RandomShart]

I recently did a bay with a ceiling mounted rail that had rollers, it's very smooth running and so easy to fit and I feel much better that this more traditional rail type for bay windows. I think it's called a ceiling mounted curtain track, rather than a rail.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yes! We might upgrade to the roller type at some point. They're nice. 👍

[@leona_devon]

Dont be so down on yourslef, all have bad days, but still interesting to watch. I always have batterns put up, else end up having lot of holes in plaster or plaster completely failing (esp in old houses)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Yeah, I think it gives more long-term flexibility to have the battens. 👍

[@cliveclapham6451]

Bays are very challenging, l got a rental with massive square bays. I think if you use a backer to screw into it's termed as a pattress. Enjoy the vid, 👍👍👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Clive!

[@brady4222]

I'm in a rental property and am using polyester shower curtains on my windows can't really tell, also keep up the good work no need to apologize it can tiresome when you are nearing the finish line.

[@Xaj33]

Thank you fantastic video.

[@topgazza]

It was fine. Got the message across. Well done

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍😁

[@hardworker8030]

I've got to try and fit curtains on a plasterboard wall so i'm going to use a batten but do you think fischer duo power plugs will work or could you recommend something better.

[@ponymoore6140]

The video is absolutely fine. What if you fined steel lintels, like in my house? Do you use self tapers to go into it?

[@HungryGhost999]

First time watcher and you did make me laugh 😂

[@lauriephilp]

An honest KZbinr rare? Love it….

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha thank you! There's a few of us around. 😁

[@jonathanbuzzard1376]

The *ONLY* reason for the wooden batten is in the past people didn't have hammer action drills to be able to simply drill a hole in the wall to attach a fixing. The batten would be nailed into wooden plugs inserted into the build as the house was built. In fact they where usually nailed into place at the time the wall was plastered so they stuck to the plaster too. Then you can simply use an ordinary screwdriver to attach a curtain rail to the wooden batten.

[@ntq1ty]

Very useful video! It's a job I've got to do in several rooms in my 1930s house soon for the first time, and seeing/reading about your experience is going to be a great help. I'm glad you still put out the video despite your clear dissatisfaction with it. Personally, I think it's superb, considering it was shot alongside doing the jobs under severe time pressure.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! Didn't want to waste the footage. 🤣

[@raylawson72]

well fitting curtain rails aint very interesting but every one needs em i am a joiner /builder in durham and i do like your honesty and ya video was ok,,,well done

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Ray!

[@heresyclub3653]

Dont beat yourself up it was still an informative video. Keep up the great work.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ianpearse4480]

Loved the man jokes at the end. Still a good video and worth watching. Off to hand more curtain rails and battens and or poles. Oh the joys of decorating! LOL. Cheers mate.

[@terryrobinson3016]

Great job Andy I've used the same curtain rail from screwfix before and I found they were a nightmare to straighten out as all they wanted to do is curl up. Just wondering if you had the same problem.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah, you just have to back-bend them a bit. The do straighten out on the clips over time. 👍

[@martinhammond4310]

I enjoy all of your videos, and take something away from them; I was here for "how to fill a skip" so will be a long term subscriber I'm sure. Also, you should not underestimate how useful this one is for my new "batten!" drinking game, where I took a shot every time you corrected yourself. Nearly didn't make it to the end of the video mind...

[@paulmorris3613]

Im interested that having UPVC double glazing the inside frame has gone to the bottom of the plaster relief, How do you attach curtain rail to the wall when all that's available is the UPVC and its lathe and plaster ceilings?

[@dallassukerkin6878]

I have the same problem :nods:

[@GosforthHandyman]

You can screw in to the uPVC but I don't like doing that as no-going-back after that. In that situation I'd attach in to the ceiling. 👍

[@davidedwards8552]

You been looking at my search history? Was only looking this up the other week!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff! I'll keep your search history private. 👍😉

[@AnjaniRanjan]

Sir, the video is very good and informative. I was just wondering where can I buy the type of curtain track and rails? Pointing me to right direction is highly appreciated.

[@stevenc123]

Andy: Sorry folks, this video is mostly the camera looking at me bum Ends up being the video with the highest view count

[@a..d5518]

clickbait if ever was😁

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha 🤞

[@Flat-Five]

*batten 😂 I imagine that was bugging you every time in the edit. Thanks for all the great videos

[@stevebosun7410]

Hi Andy, don't beat yourself up, it wasn't as bad as you made out. Still plenty of useful hints and tips as usual.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! I don't normally struggle to watch my own videos but I found this one difficult. 👍🤣

[@richarddoe2474]

Hi Could you please send me the link for the wood burning stove. Thanks Richard

[@herjenderlally4795]

Very informative.🙏

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍😁

[@Matt-dr5et]

Hi, how high should curtain be to the ceiling I see you left a gap where the light goes through. Should there be a gap?

[@lynnew5619]

Next time we fit windows, I’m going for the ones with integral blinds! Curtain rails, poles etc. drive me nuts! But this info will help with my mums 1930s house!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha good plan! 👍

[@mda5003]

Square bay windows are a pain especially as I didn't want the curtains to drape in front of the radiator so had them close to the window with the bottom hem resting on top of the window sill.

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍👍

[@monabale8263]

dude. u worry too much. much enjoyed this. & u were quite visible against those immaculately clean walls...

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha you're too kind! Thank you. I over-think everything.

[@garvielloken3929]

There was nothing wrong with the vid. Thanks for the upload

[@GosforthHandyman]

You're very welcome!

[@normanboyes4983]

Andy I think the video matched the subject matter. Putting up curtain rails is as dull as f*** but there is no one way to do it. The only rules are get it level and make sure every fixing is absolutely rock solid, if you think well, that fixing is ‘sort of OK’ - then you can be sure it will last days.😀👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you Norman! Yes, not the most exciting subject matter. 😁

[@huwlewis1083]

Never mind the curtain track......stunning music track which I managed to Shazam, seems to be a band called Northside track is Flying Out which is on a EP called Second Wind, worth 3 quid of anyone's money MP3 Amazon download😊, keep up the good work Andy, any more great music let us know😊

[@GosforthHandyman]

Oh wow! Glad you found it. 👍👍

[@malcolmjames1866]

Ah, the old ones are the best, updated for kitchen wrap! 😁

[@nickbell8634]

Have to say, in our last house I put baton up first as easier to attach rail or pole to. In this house we decided against it, not a problem at the moment but as soon as the wife decides to change a rail or pole I'll wish a wooden baton was used.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah, you can always add one later so you should be fine. 😁👍

[@solidairs]

Silicon lubricant spray essential if using something like Screwfix simple track.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Defo!

[@highpath4776]

A batten above a kitchen window is useful for hanging hanging plants off , or ones pots or utensils

[@GosforthHandyman]

Potentially! 😁

[@joannbirdsong583]

Well I thought this video was quite interesting. I love curtains but I can’t hang the rods myself. That’s where the nightmare begins because nobody else wants to do it either. It looks like you did a great job there.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you!

[@fromthetoon1602]

Looking forward to coatings video

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Coatings??

[@fromthetoon1602]

@@GosforthHandyman costings (damn auto spell)

[@LostWhits]

I had to put blinds up at my bosses new house. Steel lintels, timber quad in the corners. Some didn't fit by 3mm. So I was scraping away plaster and making a huge mess. Of course it was all done AFTER he moved in. Trying to not get steel swarf in his son's beds (also carpeted room) was not fun.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Oh no - sounds like a challenge!

[@jonathanleonard1152]

This is a much better vid than you think.

[@christaylor751]

Well done on 350 episodes Andy....

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! 😁

[@wjb2]

only a fellow Geordie will admit to buggering up. Nice one Andy

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha thank you! I always own up to cock-ups - best approach. 😁

[@royrichards2466]

Hi Andy just wipe spray polish on the rails and the curtains will open and close like they were on ice skates

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup! Or silicone spray 👍

[@oldskoolfool141]

Awful video, nearly spat out my slice of Rail-berg cake! hehe thanks for the tip re. necessity of rai..ahem batten for pole, the mrs wants clean no batten and I had a concern in the back of my mind that there might be a good reason why a batten should always be used that I was unaware of, came upon this by chance right at that stage of our renovation too, she'll be happy to hear this, cheers GH

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha thank you!

[@callump4302]

Nice berghaus at the end. Where’s the grey fleece gone?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha cheers! The grey one died ages ago, have a black one now... but was in civvies today. 😁

[@negotiableaffections]

Don't give up the day job, Andy! [I believe the Wheel-tappers & Shunters Working Mens' Club has closed its doors]

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Get some sleep bonny lad. 🙈🤣🤣🤣. PS. I still learned good stuff here. Thanks.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha thank you Moira! 😁👍

[@silkedavid8876]

Your apology made me even more curious to watch this, Granted, not the best video, but I think very useful for beginners. Especially the bay window in the bedroom, would stump a lot of people. My house is from 1640 or earlier, thankfully my curtain rails were already in.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! Hopefully it brightened up an otherwise dull video. 😁👍

[@NickBR57]

Andy the quality was fine. I could see all the marking out fixings etc. No problem. Give yourself a break man!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Aw thank you Nick!

[@stuartaharris]

Video wasn't bad at all although I think you overdid the rail/batten corrections and it got a bit annoying after the first half dozen.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Lol, there were a LOT of rail / batten corrections.

[@katabrontes]

Did you consider siting the radiators away from the windows. This would allow you to use full length curtains without blanking the radiators.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No, 'cause then you lose useful wall space. Under the window is generally the preferred route. 👍

[@katabrontes]

@@GosforthHandyman I don't agree. It's certainly the traditional site but the logic of this is flawed. It interferes with curtains which compromise the efficiency and increase wasted heat when they are closed.

[@anadin0612]

Sing crocodile shoes for us fella. Would be a great fit for us older subs. Thanks as always.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha ha good old Oz!

[@bitzbox]

After your disclaimer I was expecting this video to be worse than it was. Still very useful IMO

[@BB49.]

Rail-Batten-rail-batten-rail-batten on and on we go!

[@GosforthHandyman]

😁👍

[@GeoffSmith001]

Nowt wrong with video Andy. Some useful pointers and tips, and we got a “Tatty Bye” at the end. What’s not to like? 😉

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud!

[@ooojamaflip]

It's a good job you didn't wear white decorator's overalls that day! 😀

[@GosforthHandyman]

Too right!

[@35geordielad]

Bedroom one rail. There seems to be a gap between the curtain and side wall at each end allowing a lot of light into the room. Why didn't you bring the end of the rail nearer to the end of the bay to close the gap

[@dooovde]

If you listened you would have heard

[@GosforthHandyman]

Covered in the vid 👍

[@michaelford7469]

You are too hard on yourself, I enjoyed it as I do all your videos!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha thank you Michael!

[@workingonthehouse8038]

Well, I enjoyed it 😁 Liked the dialect and lisp explanations or even using the wrong word entirely! Think you need a break sir 🤔 “And black, cos his a teenager” was explanation enough!

[@robertgeiger2268]

i really would have enjoyed watching you refurbish your window frames (or at least brought them up to your standard, which ever phrase u prefer🙂).

[@GosforthHandyman]

Window frames? They're new windows. 👍

[@awantamta]

I thought it was a very informative video

[@GosforthHandyman]

Aw thank you - very kind! 😁

[@JC-om6vk]

22:52 "Black Curtains because my son is a teenager"....I pissed myself laughing at that one becuase I can relate.

[@njuham]

Bracket, rail...my neighbour calls supper tea and baps buns.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Exactly 🤣

[@glynprice3815]

As a viewer for a couple of years. So far you've made nothing I wouldn't watch.

[@GosforthHandyman]

You're far too kind! Thank you!

[@johnavery15]

Couldn’t agree more Glyn.

[@deendrewribaudo9365]

Don't the curtains, if floor length, cover the heating units? How does this work to heat the room at night when the curtains are closed and not be a fire hazard also?

[@mitchellwhittington9478]

We used to tuck them behind the radiator, they put out soo much heat with that

[@stuartaharris]

What makes you think they are floor length? Even if they were (which didn't seem to be the case) they're radiators, not "heating units" so there's no fire risk - they only have hot water running through them.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Water filled radiators 👍

[@grandn8646]

I thought the quality of the video was good enough.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Too kind - it was OK... just 🤣

[@Valerie_Dawn]

1:43 in. Thanks for the apologies. The next question is, can I stop laughing!

[@GosforthHandyman]

🤣🤣