Radiator covers diy

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Originally, I wanted to build a radiator cover that would protect my daughters from our cast-iron, steam radiators. Steam radiators get much hotter than hot water radiators, and I was concerned that they would get burned. As I researched different designs, I found a lot of discussion about whether you are increasing or decreasing the energy efficiency of your radiators by covering them. Both sides made valid arguments, but I needed to cover my radiators to protect my children. I decided to incorporate all of the best ideas I had found and a few of my own into one design.

Radiator covers diy

Fresh off the factory floor, with ornate cast-iron fins ready to take their first hit of steam, the radiator was the darling of American plumbing. Better just cut your losses and cover it up. Add a fresh coat of paint and a gleaming metal screen, and the venerable radiator, a living legend, will once again look as hot as it feels. A radiator cover is basically a three-sided box with feet on the bottom and a lid on top. The one shown here is made from MDF medium-density fiberboard , an inexpensive and stable choice for a painted cover. Each side of the box allows heat to radiate outward through a large opening covered by a decorative metal screen. Behind the radiator, a piece of sheet metal helps reflect heat out into the room. You can also add a 1x strip across the open back for stability if it will fit between the radiator and the wall. In these circumstances, two feet in the front will hold the cover as it leans on the wall and baseboard for rear support. Otherwise, use four feet. Adjustable feet can be a big help when leveling the cover, as years of dripping water have often warped the floor beneath the radiator. Finding the right feet also offers you the first of several design choices. Screening comes in myriad designs, from austere to ornate. Cove molding on the inner edge of the screen openings gives the cover a more finished appearance.

Dove Cottage. Continue to 5 of 17 below.

Luckily I found these pre-cut mdf panels from Homebase , designed for Shaker wall panelling, that were perfect for a design I had in mind. I started by making a simple frame from pine battens, My usual technique for this is to cut the pieces with a table saw, stick with a spray adhesive mitre glue, drill pilot holes, countersink the holes and then fix with a screw. This should give you quite a secure frame. Mine was a little more complicated as there are exposed pipes at the bottom of the radiator, but it should be simple rectangles with a few supports between. Sort the wall fixing out once the frame is done. I used these flush mounts attached to the back of the cover and the wall. It can then just be lowered into place.

Cut two MDF side panels to size with circular saw and straightedge guide. Stand side panels beside radiator allowing for proper clearance, then measure for length of the front panel. Cut MDF front panel to size. Mark front panel for cutting out the legs and large opening. Use circular saw and straightedge guide to cut opening in front panel; complete cuts into corners with handsaw.

Radiator covers diy

Last Updated: February 28, References. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more While radiators offer an excellent source of heat in the winter months, they can be an eyesore during the remainder of the year. While there are some different ways to hide your radiator from sight, one solution is to build a radiator cover. A radiator cover helps to disguise the device and make it easier to blend into the general decor of the space. Fortunately, creating a radiator covering can be accomplished with relatively little effort, even for someone who has limited carpentry skills. To build a radiator cover, start by measuring the dimensions of your radiator and using a skill or circular saw to cut pieces of wood for the top, sides, and front, leaving 2 inches of clearance on all sides. Then, cut a rectangle from the front piece of wood and secure a piece of metal grating over the hole using staples.

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Next time to cut the panelling strips. I then made the rough cuts on each piece of wood, and laid them out on the floor. Set the cover over the radiator and adjust the feet to level it. Home radiators are warm and cozy but can also be unattractive metal space-wasters. Camouflage your radiator with false doors and panels. Want to see how I did it? Better just cut your losses and cover it up. Storage Extension. Measure the radiator. The warm air goes straight up the wall to the ceiling and will eventually mix with cooler air to warm the room. Home blogger Chez Larsson recommends first soaking the cane in water to make it softer and more manageable.

From the found shiplap behind drywall to the bygone crown molding, we're all about holding on to those original details and embracing them in decades-old homes.

Home blogger Chez Larsson recommends first soaking the cane in water to make it softer and more manageable. I left small gaps at the sides to allow access to the radiator valves, so cut half slats for the side panels. The yarn is interwoven in delightful patterns inside the radiator cover frame. As I researched different designs, I found a lot of discussion about whether you are increasing or decreasing the energy efficiency of your radiators by covering them. I had a router, but the bearing bits are only good for certain jobs. It can then just be lowered into place. These are some animations I made to demonstrate the benefits of having a radiator cover like the one in this instructable. Tip : To get the molding to fit snugly, measure out each section with an adjacent piece in place, then cut everything just a hair too long. Francois et Moi. Estimated Time 6 hours. By JmsDwh Follow. Create a mantel ledge above your radiator cover and dress it as you would above a fireplace, giving your room an attractive focal point. If not thoroughly removed, these spills may emit noxious smells when the radiator heats up. I mounted a piece of plywood and some scrap wood as a fence and I now had something that would work as a router table.