When to Install Recessed Curtain Tracks During Construction

If you are in the process of building or renovating your home and considering recessed curtain tracks, you’re making a great design choice. These sleek, integrated systems create a clean, minimalist look by hiding all visible hardware within your ceiling. But one of the most common questions we hear is:

“When should I install recessed tracks—before or after plastering?”

 

With so many trades coming and going, it might seem easier to get tracks installed early, before the ceilings are finished. But the short answer is:

Always Install Recessed Tracks After Plastering

This might seem counterintuitive, especially if you are thinking ahead and want everything hidden from the start. But plastering before installation is the correct and most reliable approach. Here's why:

 

Why the Timing Matters

1. Protecting the Track’s Functionality

Recessed tracks, are designed with precision in mind. Tracks like the Silent Gliss 6243 (single recessed) and the Bradbury Double Track feature slim, delicate channels that house curtain gliders. These gliders need a clean, smooth surface to move effortlessly.

If you install the track before plastering, those tiny channels can easily become clogged with dust, debris, and plaster residue. This contamination can severely affect the performance of your track—curtains may snag, glide unevenly, or stop working entirely.

As one of our team members explained to a customer in a recent call:

“Plaster the ceiling first and then channel it out to put the track in. If you do it before, you risk plaster getting in there, and that affects the performance.”

In short: plaster dust and curtain tracks are not friends.

 

2. Better Aesthetic Results

Another reason to wait is the finish. By plastering first, you’re ensuring that the ceiling surface is flat, clean, and ready to work with. When it’s time to cut the channel, your installer will be cutting into a clean, finished board, which allows for more accurate placement and alignment.

You avoid the risk of movement or warping that sometimes happens during the plasterboard stage. This ensures that the recessed track sits flush and symmetrical—exactly as intended.

 

3. Avoiding Extra Work and Cost

Some customers assume that fitting tracks early will save time, but in practice, it often does the opposite. If the track is installed before plastering and gets dirty, it may need to be cleaned out—or worse, replaced. Plus, your plasterers will need to work around the track, which increases the chance of mistakes or damage.

By waiting, you streamline the process: plaster, then channel, then install. No interruptions, no damage control.

 

Working with Sloped Ceilings

Another common question is whether recessed tracks can be installed on vaulted or sloped ceilings. The answer depends on how you want to position the track.

Running Along a Slope? 

If you're planning to run a track up or down a sloped ceiling, this can be problematic. Gravity will cause the gliders to slide downward and collect at one end. In these cases, you may need to use static solutions—like twist eyes to keep gliders spaced—or consider tie-back methods.

As our advisor explained in a recent customer conversation:

“If you were to have it on a sloped ceiling, it would mean the curtain isn’t going to move properly. You’d need to keep the curtain static, maybe use twist eyes between each glider and holdbacks on the wall.”

Running Across a Sloped Ceiling? 

If you want the track to run horizontally across a sloped ceiling—so the slope is behind the track rather than along its length. But it's a case-by-case scenario, depending on the slope angle, ceiling structure, and the track type.

Our advice? Send in a photo with your room layout and mark where you want the track to go. We’ll review it and let you know if it can be done, and how best to do it.

 

Recommended Products: Recessed Tracks

If you're looking for reliable, premium recessed curtain tracks, Silent Gliss is a top choice. Known for their Swiss precision and smooth operation, their systems are used in high-end residential and commercial interiors alike.

 

Silent Gliss 6243

• Type: Single recessed track
• Best for: Minimalist, single curtain setups
• Why we like it: Compact, clean design that disappears into the ceiling. Great for bedrooms, media rooms, or anywhere you want a subtle finish.

 

Bradbury Double Track

• Type: Double recessed track
• Best for: Sheer + blackout combinations or layered looks
• Why we like it: Allows two sets of curtains to glide independently within a neat recessed profile. Ideal for modern living spaces or master bedrooms where both privacy and blackout are needed.

 

Both models are designed to be post-plaster install—meaning they should be fitted after your ceiling is plastered, with a clean channel routed out for the track body to slot into.

 

Final Installation Tips

• Work with a professional installer who understands recessed systems—channel cutting requires precision.
• Double check ceiling joist locations before cutting channels—especially on sloped or vaulted ceilings.
• Use dust extraction when routing channels to avoid contaminating the rest of the room.
• Plan your curtains ahead of time—track length, curtain drop, and overlap all need to be decided early, even if the track itself goes in later.

 

So, here is a quick step by step guide on how toinstall your recessed track:

 

✅ Plaster first, install tracks after

✅ Protect the delicate internal channels from dust and debris

✅ Avoid extra cleaning or repairs

✅ Get a better, cleaner aesthetic finish

✅ For sloped ceilings—check with us first

✅ Consider Silent Gliss 6243 (single) or Bradbury Double track for sleek, reliable recessed performance

 

Recessed tracks are an amazing design feature—but like most good things, timing is everything. Waiting just a little longer until the plastering is complete ensures your tracks not only look great, but work perfectly for years to come.

Have questions or building plans to discuss? Feel free to get in touch or send us a photo of your space—we’re here to help you get it right.