The default for clinical work is ceiling-fix. Wall-fix exists for the minority of cases where ceiling fix is impossible or undesirable. Here’s how to choose.

Ceiling-fix (default)

Track is suspended from the ceiling on hangers at 1.5 m centres. Loads pass straight up into structure. Floor is clear, walls are clear, curtain hangs cleanly.

• Best for: 95% of clinical work.
• Needs: ceiling that can take 20 kg per fixing — concrete, timber joist, or a properly supported suspended grid.

Wall-fix

Track is bracketed off the wall on horizontal arms. Used where ceiling fix isn’t available — for example, exposed services, listed buildings, or temporary installations.

• Best for: refurbs with congested ceilings, modular wards, temporary screening.
• Needs: solid wall (block, stud with backing) and a stand-off of at least 250 mm so curtains clear the wall.

Mixed

Plenty of installs mix both — ceiling fix along the main run, wall fix at returns where a ceiling drop bulkhead intervenes. Tell us in advance and we’ll spec the brackets correctly.

Related guides

• Installing to suspended (false) ceilings
• Installing to plasterboard
• Choosing the right cubicle curtain track