Curtain Rails, Blinds and Shelving
The jobs that need a level line and the right fixing.
Curtain rails, blinds, shelves and mirrors all come down to the same two things: a level line, and fixings that suit the wall. Get either wrong and the rail sags in the middle within a month.
Long rails are the ones that fail most, because the bracket spacing is wrong for the weight of the curtains. Heavy blockout curtains on a wide window need more brackets than the packet suggests.
Sample photoTypical price
R250 to R600labour
Send the width and what is going on the wall, and you get a price per rail, blind or shelf. Heavy blockout curtains price differently to a light rail, so say which it is.
Every job is quoted at a fixed price before work starts, so there is no hourly rate and no meter running. Labour only. Materials and fittings are quoted separately and approved by you before anything is bought.
How pricing worksTypical jobs
What this usually turns into
- Curtain rail fitted, standard window1 to 1.5 hrs
- Long or double rail fitted1.5 to 2 hrs
- Blinds fitted, including drilling into lintels1 to 1.5 hrs per blind
- Floating or bracket shelf fitted1 to 1.5 hrs
- Mirror or picture hung on the correct fixing45 min
- Coat rail, towel rail or bathroom fittings1 hr
Times are on site, not including travel, and they are a guide rather than a promise: a job that reveals something once it is open takes longer, and you hear about it before it carries on. Every job is quoted at a fixed price before work starts, so adding to the list changes the quote rather than running up a meter.
What is covered
Included in the visit
- Curtain rails and tracks, single and double
- Blinds, including into lintels and concrete
- Floating shelves, bracket shelves and display shelving
- Mirrors, artworks and heavy wall decor
- Coat rails, towel rails and bathroom accessories
- Correct fixings chosen for brick, concrete, drywall or tile
Rails and shelves questions
How many brackets does a curtain rail need?
More than the box tells you, if the curtains are heavy. As a working rule, a bracket within about 150mm of each end and then no more than 800mm apart in between. For blockout or lined curtains on a wide window, closer than that.
Can you drill into tiles without cracking them?
Yes. The right bit, no hammer action, and tape over the mark. Hammer mode on a tile is what breaks it, and it is the single most common mistake made on bathroom jobs.
The rail I already have is pulling out of the wall. Can it be saved?
Usually. The existing holes get filled properly and the new fixings go into sound material, often with a longer or heavier anchor. If the plaster is hollow right across the window, the rail gets moved slightly and rehung.
Do you bring the rails and shelves or do I buy them?
Most people buy what they want and I fit it. If you would rather not shop around, tell me the window width and the curtain weight and I will source rails or shelving and bring them with me.
While you are at it
Book rails and shelves in Gqeberha
Send the job with a photo or two and you get an honest price and a sensible slot. Add anything else from your list while you are at it.