Curtain rails and shelving

Fitting curtain rails or putting up shelving can often be done as a DIY project or by a local handyman. A handyman is someone who can offer DIY-type skills for those who either aren't confident carrying out DIY themselves or simply haven't got the time or inclination. The types of jobs handymen can do include straightforward tasks such as putting up curtain rails or fitting shelving. Hiring a handyman can save you time and may also cost less than hiring a carpenter or builder for smaller jobs, as handymen are often paid by the hour.

There are many variations of curtains and poles available from DIY superstores such as B&Q, with options to suit different tastes and styles. The difference between curtain poles and tracks (rails) is that curtain tracks are generally designed for curtains that use compatible hooks or gliders, whereas curtain poles can be used with a wider variety of curtain styles. Curtain rails are made from either plastic or metal. They mount close to the wall and the curtains are hung using curtain hooks on gliders which move along the rails. Curtain tracks are usually less visible compared with poles as they have a smaller profile, so they can be a suitable choice for a more minimalist, clutter-free look. Curtain rails can be painted to match the wall and can also be fitted to bay windows. Curtain poles can be used with a wider range of curtain materials and styles, making them a more versatile choice.

If fitting curtain tracks yourself, ensure you choose the right weight of track for your curtains, whether corded or uncorded. Corded tracks or rails can make it easier to draw your curtains. When you buy curtain rails, they usually come in packs which include brackets and gliders, but check that they also contain the hooks required to hang your curtains. A handyman should be able to install a curtain rail or pole in a typical window and hang your curtains in an hour or two. Building timber shelves from scratch will usually take longer and cost more, as a carpenter or joiner may be required. Allow around 4-8 hours or longer for a particularly unusual shape.

Another popular handyman job is fitting shelving. Space is often at a premium in UK homes and, with some basic woodworking skills, shelves can be tailor-made to maximise the space available. However, much shelving is bought in ready-made packs of different sizes to fit a range of spaces. These flat-packed shelves are relatively straightforward for a handyman or DIY enthusiast to fit, whereas custom-made shelving can be more complex and may require a carpenter. When choosing shelves, remember to consider the load they will have to bear when selecting materials. When deciding where to place the shelves, consider the type of wall structure to determine the most suitable type of fixings to use. Shelving for particularly heavy items is generally fixed into masonry walls or the timber studs in stud walls.