How to Hang a Curtain Rod on Brick Walls

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • White marker

  • Level

  • Power drill with hammer setting

  • Masonry bit

  • Cement screws

  • Safety glasses

  • Ear plugs

  • Vacuum

Use cement screws to mount curtain rods on brick walls.

Exposed brick walls can lend enormous character to a room, but they also pose a problem every time you want to hang art, decorator items or curtain rods. If your window is located on a brick wall, you'll be facing that problem. Fortunately, modern screws designed for masonry make it possible to hang curtain rods without having to hire a carpenter or mason.

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Step 1

Replace the screws that came with the curtain rods with concrete screws of the same diameter. The length should be 1 to 1 3/4 inches longer than the plate on the curtain rod's bracket. The plate is the part that you will screw to the brick.

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Step 2

Mark the spots where you want to place the first bracket's anchor screws. Hold the bracket to the wall and mark through the holes with a white marker, a bit of white paint or chalk. Position the bracket so the screw holes will land on brick, not the mortar between the bricks.

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Step 3

Measure from the floor to the marks from Step 2, then measure the opposite side of the window from the floor to the same height and mark the spot for the second bracket. Use a level to be sure that the marks form a straight, level line.

Step 4

Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw size you are using. Use a 5/32-inch bit for a 3/16-inch screw or a 3/16-inch bit for a 1/4-inch screw. Insert the bit into the drill, and set the drill on "hammer."

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Step 5

Drill the holes for the concrete screws to a depth of 1/4-inch longer than the screws you're using. You can wrap a bit of tape around the drill bit to mark the depth. Wear safety glasses and ear plugs. You may have to exert more pressure on the drill than if you were screwing into wood.

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Step 6

Vacuum the dust from the screw holes; the screws won't hold if you don't.

Step 7

Position the bracket, then drill the screws through the bracket's holes, into the holes in the brick wall. Because the holes in the wall are smaller than the screws, the screws will secure themselves snugly. You can now hang the rod on the brackets.

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