How to Hang Curtains on Plaster Walls

Do you find it difficult to hang curtains on walls made of plaster? Have no fear, you're not the only one! 

When it comes to installing curtains, plaster walls can be a difficulty; nevertheless, if you use the appropriate methods and tools, you can create a beautiful and secure curtain installation. In this detailed guide, we will lead you through the process of hanging curtains on plaster walls using step-by-step instructions. 

We've got you covered in every aspect, from prepping the wall to selecting the appropriate hardware. Let's get started on transforming your plain windows into beautiful focus points, shall we?

What are Plasterboard and Drywall?

Some of the earliest methods of masonry include the use of plasterboard (in Australia) and drywall (in the United States). They are also known as gyp board, wallboard, and sheetrock, among other names.

Plasterboard and drywall are both viable options for use in the construction of the walls and ceilings of residential properties in Australia. It's possible that you're confused about the differences between the two of them. 

The primary response is that they are, in essence, interchangeable, but, the phrases used may vary depending on where you are located.

Plasterboard and drywall are two names for the same substance, which is a white material that becomes more rigid as it dries and is used as a covering for walls and ceilings. 

Gypsum, a sandy white mineral frequently utilised in producing drywall boards, lawn fertilisers, and sidewalk chalks, is the traditional material from which they are made. 

Despite this, they have a high water content, which makes them resistant to fire and more useful as building materials for residential construction. In addition, they are quite simple to install due to the fact that they are lightweight. 

Furthermore, installing them does not require as much time or labour as having frames for your windows.

Plasterboard and drywall are two types of building materials that may be found in the majority of residential and commercial buildings, yet, relatively few people are aware of how these materials are manufactured or how beneficial they can be.

Why Tape Is Better Than Glue?

Plasterboard is lightweight; thus, you need to verify that it is capable of supporting the weight of your curtain rod or rail in addition to the weight of your curtain fabric. 

Because of this, it is recommended that you make use of a stud detector in order to be able to know that there will be a firm grip on the section that you want to drill into. This is because it acts as a foundation to keep your curtain rod in place while preventing the board from breaking off owing to the weight. 

Most of the time, curtain rods are supported by brackets affixed to walls using either nails or screws. However, if you have a lightweight wall, it is advised that you use longer screws. 

This will ensure that the weight is spread equally when adding your curtain pole and textiles to the mix. Because the studs and screws work together to secure the poles and rails, the installation is much more sturdy than the conventional window installation method.

Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the number of screws placed is not in proportion to the number of studs behind the walls. 

Because studs are often found every 40 to 60 cm, there will be some screws that are not strong enough to support your curtain rods and curtains. Wall anchors are designed to save you in the event that something like this happens to you.

When you go to acquire anchors, make sure you select wall anchors rather than ceiling anchors so that you may use them. Then, while connecting the curtain rail to the plasterboard, ensure that the anchors are aligned along with one another. 

Realigning them twice generates a deeper hole in your plasterboard, which results in less strength and a looser fit to support your poles and rails.

When you have finished installing the anchors and screws, the next step is to install extra brackets in the spaces between where your poles will be positioned. 

The purpose of brackets is to provide additional support for your pole in order to avoid the rail from drooping due to the weight of the curtain. However, keep in mind that curtain poles require an extra bracket every 70–90 centimetres of length. 

Therefore, if you have a curtain pole that is 2 metres in length, adding a pair or three brackets to the hold will make the hold firmer and more level.

The next step is to position your curtain rods or rails and hang your curtains so that they look as lovely as they should. You do no need to be concerned about destroying your plasterboard because the studs, anchors, and brackets have you covered.

Use longer screws or nails

No matter which technique you decide to go with, the first step when hanging curtains or blinds on drywall is use a stud detector to ensure there is a stud behind the part of the wall you want to drill into, otherwise, the weight of the curtains could tear the plaster.

Typically, curtain rods are held up by brackets which are installed into the wall using nails and screws. However, when it comes to hanging heavy curtains on plasterboard, these brackets may need more support to stay secure. 

The best way to do this is to install the brackets with longer screws or longer nails. The extra length helps distribute the weight of the curtains further into the plasterboard, making it the joint sturdier than the screws used in traditional window installation. 

However, be sure to choose your screws or nails carefully, as you don’t want to keep drilling (and causing more wall damage) to find the right fit.

How-to Hang Curtains

Decide on curtain placement

It is recommended that you hang them as far above the window frame as you possibly can. As long as they are at least a few inches below the ceiling, you shouldn't have any problems with them. 

When you hang things higher, you create more visible space below them. The second piece of advice is to hang them in a wide spacing. It is recommended that the outside edge of the curtain be approximately 10 to 12 inches from the outside border of the window frame. 

This makes it appear to the eye as though the window is far larger than it actually is. Just make sure that there is sufficient fabric so that when your curtains are closed, they hang naturally rather than appearing as though they have been squeezed tight.

After you’ve decided where the curtains should go, you can determine where the brackets should be placed

After you have done so, you should then hold the pieces against the wall while using a pencil to mark the holes. 

Check the brackets with a torpedo level to ensure that they are plumb or positioned so that they are vertically aligned. When mounting the brackets, make sure you use the correct anchors.

Note on plaster walls versus drywall: The walls in our home are made of plaster, which may be difficult to work with. Plaster walls have a number of challenges that are not shared by drywall, particularly when it comes to drilling into studs to secure a screw or nail. 

To begin, stud finders are typically ineffective on them due to their structure. Lath, which consists of horizontal strips of wood, is stapled across the studs, and then successive coats of plaster are placed to it. 

The accuracy of a stud finder is compromised since it identifies the individual strips of lath in addition to the stud. We have discovered that a powerful magnet attached to a thread (dental floss, to be exact) is an effective tool for locating the nail heads that were used to fasten the lath to the studs, which in turn reveals the location of the studs.

Older homes with plaster walls frequently include studs that do not have the same regular proportions as in more contemporary structures. Therefore, you won't be able to get accurate measurements of 16 or 24 inches from the first stud you encounter. 

Plaster is far more fragile than drywall, and as a result, it is much more likely to break. In addition, you cannot drive nails into it because the nail will strike the lath, which will cause it to retract and break the link it has with the plaster (this is a recipe for further cracks!). 

Even when we hang pictures, we drill a little hole for the nail, which turns out is the best method. As a preventative step against cracks, some individuals cover the area where they are drilling with a piece of blue painter's tape. This is an excellent safety measure.

For these brackets, we used 1/8th x 2 toggle bolts. 

When used for plaster, we find that after the toggle is positioned below the lath, the product is far more secure than a single screw would be. They come in very handy for anything that is weighty. On the other hand, we utilise them for virtually anything that we hang. 

He inserted A toggle bolt into the top hole of each bracket by him. To begin, a hole a quarter of an inch in diameter should be drilled, and then a toggle bolt should be inserted with its wings compressed so that it may expand and become secure once it has passed through the aperture. 

Before mounting the bracket to the wall, you must first ensure that the bolt has been threaded through the bracket. When a toggle bolt is installed, it is quite challenging to remove it again.

Add Wall Anchors

The easiest approach to guarantee that heavy curtains are secure is to attach the brackets to a stud underneath the plasterboard, but this isn't always practicable. Another option is to use wall anchors. 

Because studs are only installed every 40 to 60 cm, it is quite improbable that there will be one in the exact location where you wish to install a bracket. This is where wall anchors come into play.

Anchors for the walls are sold at practically any hardware shop and may be found in a wide range of forms and materials. Be careful to confirm that the anchors are rated for the amount of weight that will be placed on the fixture before you make a purchase. 

Additionally, be sure that the anchors are appropriate for the location where the fixture will be installed (for example, wall anchors rather than ceiling anchors).

After you have attached the first anchor, it is a good idea to double-check the location of the second anchor to ensure that they are aligned correctly and to prevent the need to install them again. 

This will save you from having to install them twice. Put one end of the rod in the bracket, and as you hold the other end of the rod against the mark, verify the level with a spirit level.

Install additional brackets

Adding a central support bracket is an additional method for stabilising heavy window treatments and preventing them from drooping if you are able to attach your curtain rod to a wall. Are you sure that you don't need an additional bracket?

Keep in mind that curtain rods usually need a support bracket every 70-90 cm, which means that if your window is longer than 1.5 metres, you will need at least two support brackets.

As soon as both brackets are in their proper places, you can hang the curtain rod by placing it on top of the brackets and adjusting the length of the rod so that its ends are flush with the outside of the brackets. 

Find the centre of the rod using a measuring tape, then hook the third bracket onto the rod, position it so that it is flush against the wall, and screw it into place. Way too simple!

How to Attach Curtain Rail to the Wall

Plasterboard is lightweight; thus, you need to verify that it is capable of supporting the weight of your curtain rod or rail in addition to the weight of your curtain fabric. 

Because of this, it is recommended that you make use of a stud detector in order to be able to know that there will be a firm grip on the section that you want to drill into. 

This is because it acts as a foundation to keep your curtain rod in place while preventing the board from breaking off owing to the weight. The majority of the time, curtain rods are supported by brackets that are affixed to walls using either nails or screws. 

However, if you have a lightweight wall, it is advised that you use longer screws. This will ensure that the weight is spread equally when adding your curtain pole and textiles to the mix. 

Because the studs and screws work together to secure the poles and rails, the installation is much more sturdy than the conventional window installation method.

Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the number of screws placed is not in proportion to the number of studs behind the walls. 

Because studs are often found every 40 to 60 cm, some of the screws that you use to hold your curtain rods and curtains won't be strong enough. Wall anchors are designed to save you in the event that something like this happens to you.

When you go to acquire anchors, make sure you select wall anchors rather than ceiling anchors so that you may use them. 

Then, while connecting the curtain rail to the plasterboard, ensure that the anchors are aligned along with one another. Realigning them twice generates a deeper hole in your plasterboard, which results in less strength and a looser fit to support your poles and rails.

When you have finished installing the anchors and screws, the next step is to install extra brackets in the spaces between where your poles will be positioned. 

The purpose of brackets is to provide additional support for your pole in order to avoid the rail from drooping due to the weight of the curtain. However, keep in mind that curtain poles require an extra bracket every 70–90 centimetres of length. 

Therefore, if you have a curtain pole that is 2 metres in length, adding a pair or three brackets to the hold will make the hold firmer and more level.

The next step is to position your curtain rods or rails and hang your curtains so that they look as lovely as they should. You do no need to be concerned about destroying your plasterboard because the studs, anchors, and brackets have you covered.

Preventing Curtain Rods From Sagging in the Middle

If you have thick curtains, the pole alone will not be sufficient to maintain their integrity and keep them straight at all times. If this is the case in your home, you should schedule some time to install extra brackets in the middle of the poles as soon as possible. 

A curtain rod that does not have a middle support might cause the pole to bow, giving the appearance that both the pole and the drapes are sagging and untidy. 

Because of this, you should constantly keep in mind that the brackets need to be properly installed in order to prevent any undesirable drooping that may occur because the poles may hold a significant amount of weight.

Always remember to stick to the 70-90 cm guideline, buddy!

How to Drill Into Plasterboard

Drilling holes into plasterboard might not be as difficult as it seems. If you do it carelessly, on the other hand, you may wind up breaking a massive hole in the plasterboard or, even worse, you could crack the plasterboard itself, which would require replacement in the future.

In order to drill safely, you must first mark the spot where you will drill and then secure it before you can really make a hole. 

When doing this, make a mark on the wall with a pencil, and when installing the screw, be sure to use one slightly smaller in diameter than the screws used to install the curtain rods. 

Tape should be applied to the markings once they have been selected; tapes are the simplest solution to the problem of splitting the plasterboard during drilling since they may protect the plasterboard from damage of this kind. 

After the tapes have been fastened, drill carefully through the plasterboard, and then remove the tape when you are through.

It is important to keep in mind that drilling should only be done once, as repeating the process creates a larger hole. As a result, your screws can become a little bit less secure.

How Much Weight Can a Plasterboard Hold?

Despite their adaptability and low weight, plasterboards tend to become brittle and cracked when subjected to a significant amount of pressure. 

But don't fret. Plasterboard can support a surprising amount of weight if you aim for the appropriate part, and you will be shocked by how much of it it can support.

It is highly suggested that screws and anchors always be drilled into studs, as this will assist the plasterboard have a stronger base and reduce the likelihood of cracking. 

When driven in at an angle of 45 degrees to the top, a nail measuring 1 1/2 inches (4d) in length can support up to 20 pounds of force. However, screws provide you with even higher holding strength, and if multiple screws of a size 4 or bigger and longer lengths are pushed into a wall stud, they may support as much as one hundred pounds. 

Your curtain rods may be easily held in place by the studs and the screws or nails on their own; this will provide greater grip and ensure that they are precisely positioned.

Even yet, restrict the number of nails and screws you use relative to the number of studs behind your plasterboards. Using an excessive number of nails and screws might expose your plasterboards to premature cracking and damage.

Best Wall Anchor for Curtain Rods

The wall anchors that are best suitable for your needs should have a head that has a low profile. 

They can fully secure your curtain rods since they can avoid generating a large hole, which tends to shatter the plasterboard and get a loose hole to them. As a result, they are able to do so without causing any damage.

You should consider using the Ramset 24mm Hollow Wall Carded Fastens Anchor for your curtain rods since it is one of the better options available. 

In addition to having a low profile, the head may be prevented from dragging the anchor away from the substrate by the broad flange that surrounds it. In addition, it contains anti-rotation barbs attached to the flange, which helps reduce the likelihood of the anchor spinning in the hole.

In addition, you should consider using the Ramset M6 x 13mm Hollow Wall Anchor since it enables low-profile anchoring and has legs that may collapse. 

Because they offer a high level of strength and let the screw to be withdrawn without causing the anchor to get dislodged from the cavity, they are often an excellent choice for use as curtain rods.

You have the option of going with the Ramset Nylon WallMate Plasterboard Anchor in the event that you are not into steel anchors. 

They are constructed out of plastic and have an efficient drill tip that enables quick and simple penetration of plasterboard. In addition, it contains a drill point that may break away to accept lengthy screws.

Put the window frames to the side. The combination of your studs, anchors, and screws with your plasterboard and drywall may go a long way!

Conclusion

Plasterboard and drywall are two types of building materials that can be used to create a beautiful and secure curtain installation. Tape is better than glue for plasterboard, as it is lightweight and can support the weight of the curtain rod or rail. 

A stud detector is recommended to ensure a firm grip on the section to drill into. Longer screws are recommended for lightweight walls. Wall anchors are used to secure the poles and rails, and extra brackets are added to ensure the hold is firm and level.

Hang curtains on drywall using longer screws or nails to distribute the weight of the curtains further into the plasterboard. Decide on curtain placement and mark the holes with a pencil. Hang them as far above the window frame as possible and with wide spacing. 

Check brackets with torpedo level and use the correct anchors. Plaster walls are more fragile than drywall, so drill a hole for nails and cover the area with blue painter's tape for safety.

1/8th x 2 toggle bolts are more secure than a single screw. To ensure heavy curtains are secure, use wall anchors to attach the brackets to a wall. Double-check the location of the second anchor and verify the level with a spirit level. 

Add additional brackets if needed. The most important details are to use a stud detector to ensure the plasterboard is capable of supporting the weight of the curtain rod and fabric and to use longer screws to ensure the weight is spread equally.

Install extra brackets in the spaces between poles to prevent drooping, and drill holes into the plasterboard carefully to avoid breaking or cracking the plasterboard. 

Mark the spot where you will drill and secure it before making a hole. Make a mark on the wall with a pencil and apply tape to the markings. Drill carefully through the plasterboard and remove the tape when done. 

Use studs and nails to hold curtain rods in place, but limit the number of nails and screws. The Ramset 24mm Hollow Wall Carded Fastens Anchor, Ramset M6 x 13mm Hollow Wall Anchor, and Ramset Nylon WallMate Plasterboard Anchor are all suitable for use as curtain rods.

Content Summary

• Do you find it difficult to hang curtains on walls made of plaster?
• When it comes to installing curtains, plaster walls can be a difficulty; nevertheless, if you use the appropriate methods and tools, you can create a beautiful and secure curtain installation.
• In this detailed guide, we will lead you through the process of hanging curtains on plaster walls using step-by-step instructions.
• Plasterboard and drywall are both viable options for use in the construction of the walls and ceilings of residential properties in Australia.
• Because the studs and screws work together to secure the poles and rails, the installation is much more sturdy than the conventional window installation method.
• Then, while connecting the curtain rail to the plasterboard, ensure that the anchors are aligned along with one another.
• When you have finished installing the anchors and screws, the next step is to install extra brackets in the spaces between where your poles will be positioned.
• The next step is to position your curtain rods or rails and hang your curtains so that they look as lovely as they should.
• The best way to do this is to install the brackets with longer screws or longer nails.
• After you've decided where the curtains should go, you can determine where the brackets should be placed.
• Check the brackets with a torpedo level to ensure that they are plumb or positioned so that they are vertically aligned.
• When mounting the brackets, make sure you use the correct anchors.
• Plaster walls have a number of challenges that are not shared by drywall, particularly when it comes to drilling into studs to secure a screw or nail.
• For these brackets, we used 1/8th x 2 toggle bolts.
• He inserted A toggle bolt into the top hole of each bracket by him.
• Before mounting the bracket to the wall, you must first ensure that the bolt has been threaded through the bracket.
• The easiest approach to guarantee that heavy curtains are secure is to attach the brackets to a stud underneath the plasterboard, but this isn't always practicable.
• Another option is to use wall anchors.
• Put one end of the rod in the bracket, and as you hold the other end of the rod against the mark, verify the level with a spirit level and install additional brackets Adding a central support bracket is an additional method for stabilising heavy window treatments and preventing them from drooping if you are able to attach your curtain rod to a wall.
• How to Attach Curtain Rail to the Wall Plasterboard is lightweight; thus, you need to verify that it is capable of supporting the weight of your curtain rod or rail in addition to the weight of your curtain fabric.
• Then, while connecting the curtain rail to the plasterboard, ensure that the anchors are aligned along with one another.
• When you have finished installing the anchors and screws, the next step is to install extra brackets in the spaces between where your poles will be positioned.
• The purpose of brackets is to provide additional support for your pole in order to avoid the rail from drooping due to the weight of the curtain.
• The next step is to position your curtain rods or rails and hang your curtains so that they look as lovely as they should.
• If this is the case in your home, you should schedule some time to install extra brackets in the middle of the poles as soon as possible.
• Drilling holes into plasterboard might not be as difficult as it seems.
• When doing this, make a mark on the wall with a pencil, and when installing the screw, be sure to use one slightly smaller in diameter than the screws used to install the curtain rods.
• After the tapes have been fastened, drill carefully through the plasterboard, and then remove the tape when you are through.
• Even yet, restrict the number of nails and screws you use relative to the number of studs behind your plasterboards.
• Using an excessive number of nails and screws might expose your plasterboards to premature cracking and damage.
• Consider using the Ramset 24mm Hollow Wall Carded Fastens Anchor for your curtain rods since it is one of the better options available.
• Put the window frames to the side.
• The combination of your studs, anchors, and screws with your plasterboard and drywall may go a long way!