Short answer: Yes, in many cases you can drill into a lintel – but only for light-duty, non-structural fixings, and only when you understand what type of lintel you’re dealing with. Lintels are load-bearing structural elements, so drilling should always be approached with care.
This article focuses on the practical risks and safe methods involved. For a broader overview of lintel types, regulations, and installation guidance, see The Complete Guide to Lintels in the UK.
Drilling holes in lintels isn’t an easy job, but it can be done. Steel and concrete lintels will both accept fixings if you use the right tools and methods. However, understanding what sits behind the finished surface is essential.
What This Guidance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
The guidance below applies only to light-duty fixings, such as:
- Blinds
- Curtain tracks or poles
- Light window dressings
This guidance does not apply to:
- Structural fixings
- Load-bearing brackets or supports
- Any alteration that could affect the structural performance of the lintel
If there is any doubt over the lintel type, condition, or loading, professional advice should be sought before drilling.
Can You Drill into Concrete Lintels?
In most situations, yes. When fixing blinds or curtain tracks, a shallow hole (for example, around 30 mm deep using an 8 mm masonry bit) is generally acceptable for light-duty fixings.
Concrete lintels are common in UK housing from the 1930s onwards. They are typically reinforced with steel rebar to provide tensile strength.
Rebar will blunt a masonry bit quickly and cause excessive heat build-up. To reduce the likelihood of striking reinforcement, it is generally better to drill into the upper third of the lintel, as reinforcement is usually concentrated in the lower portion of pre-stressed concrete lintels.
Can You Drill into Steel Lintels?
Drilling into steel lintels is possible but often more challenging, particularly where the lintel is concealed behind plaster.
In finished buildings, a layer of plaster or plasterboard may need to be drilled through first. Once the steel is reached, an HSS (High Speed Steel) drill bit should be used, applying steady pressure and moderate speed to avoid overheating.
If you are unsure whether you are drilling into steel or surrounding masonry, stop and reassess before proceeding.
What You Need to Know About Steel Lintels
Steel lintels typically have a bearing length of around 150 mm at each end. If your fixing point is positioned further away from the opening, it is often the case that you are drilling into masonry rather than the lintel itself.
In cavity wall construction, many lintels are designed to support the inner leaf only. As a result, drilling above a window may not involve the steel lintel at all, depending on wall construction.
Drilling into RSJ Steel Lintels
RSJ (rolled steel joist) lintels are used for larger spans and are commonly found where load-bearing walls have been removed, such as in open-plan layouts or large glazed openings.
These lintels are usually boxed in with timber and plasterboard. Making small exploratory holes can help establish whether there is a void, timber noggin, or steel web behind the surface.
In some cases, exposing the steel and fitting a timber packing piece tightly within the web provides a safer and more reliable fixing point than drilling directly into the steel.
Drilling into Box Steel Lintels
Box steel lintels are most often found in internal partition walls. They are commonly pre-drilled to provide a mechanical key for plaster finishes.
If your fixing point coincides with one of these holes, you may need to adjust the position slightly to achieve a secure fixing.
Can You Drill into Timber Lintels?
Timber lintels are most often found in older properties. Victorian bay windows, for example, may be constructed entirely from softwood.
Older fixings, such as iron nails, are common and can easily snap a wood drill bit. Proceed carefully and stop if resistance changes unexpectedly.
In buildings dating from before the 19th century, oak lintels were commonly used. Aged oak can be extremely dense and will require sharp drill bits and patience.
Can You Drill into Stone Lintels?
Natural stone lintels can be prone to cracking or flaking. If drilling is unavoidable, begin with a small pilot hole (around 3 mm) and gradually increase the size.
However, stone lintels are often decorative or historically significant. Drilling into original natural stone should be avoided wherever possible.
Modern stone lintels are usually composite products, often incorporating concrete and steel reinforcement. In these cases, drilling methods are similar to those used for concrete lintels.
When You Should Avoid Drilling into a Lintel
Do not drill into a lintel if:
- The fixing is structural or load-bearing
- The lintel type cannot be confidently identified
- The property is listed or of historic significance
- There are visible cracks, deflection, or signs of failure
In these situations, drilling may compromise structural integrity and professional assessment is required.
Working at Height
Whether working professionally or on your own property, safe access is essential when drilling above openings.
Ensure ladders or access equipment are stable and correctly positioned. Avoid improvised platforms such as chairs or stacked materials, and make sure equipment cannot tilt away from the wall when pressure is applied.
Further Reading
This article forms part of a wider lintel knowledgebase. For a complete overview of lintel types, regulations, installation, and common issues, see The Complete Guide to Lintels in the UK.
