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. Efficiency Some people say you are preventing a radiator from transmitting heat to the air and surrounding area when you cover it. Other people say that because the hot air coming off the radiator goes straight up, a bare radiator is an ineffective way to heat your house.

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.

Use these holes to start cutting out the screen openings with a jigsaw. Take your time and select the straightest pieces you can find. Begin with a radiator covers diy, narrow table called a console table, ensuring it is high and deep enough to cover the radiator.

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.

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. Then there are those features that are a little trickier to deal with—namely, radiators. You can either make a radiator cover with your own two hands, or you can choose to hire an expert to make a custom cover for you. Sometimes, if you want to skip the cover and simply draw the eye away from the radiator, a table or shelf also works. Here are some ideas that are sure to get your inspiration going. All it takes is some spray paint! Get the tutorial at Francois et Moi. It proves that your radiator cover can serve a practical purpose as well.

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.

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Measure the radiator. Manufactured radiator covers are usually built simple and spare, like this one with a punched-metal front and a broad top for displaying non-heat-sensitive items. Miter box and backsaw. I didn't care about the knots because I planned to paint it white to match the woodwork in the room. You can find wood pallets alongside the road in industrial areas be sure to ask the business if you can take them. String Art. Introduction: Energy-Efficient Radiator Cover. Many console tables are sturdy enough that lower braces are not necessary. Cut a piece of MDF to these dimensions; this will be the front cover. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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.

They make a really nice tight fit and the fasteners are all well hidden. Metal-Front Radiator Cover. Mantels are not only for fireplaces. Uncovered Radiator Without anything around your radiator, the radiant heat goes in all directions, including to the cold exterior walls. Many console tables are sturdy enough that lower braces are not necessary. I think it is usually Spruce, which is what this looks like to me. Some DIY radiator covers can be made to look a lot like false cabinet fronts. Freshen up your radiator by giving it a unique color like black , or have it match your wall shade by blending in. Otherwise, use four feet. Cut three 1x scraps to fit in a loose U-shape inside the lines. Gregory Nemec. If the table has a lower leg brace, notch it back deep enough for a radiator covering. I actually got my insulation at Lowes, but I really like the selection at insulation4less.