Quck answer
Building a radiator cover is a simple and effective way to enhance the aesthetic of your room while also improving the efficiency of your heating system. Here are the steps to build a radiator cover:
1. Measure the dimensions of your radiator: Measure the width, height, and depth of your radiator to ensure the cover will fit properly.
2. Choose the material: Select a material that is suitable for your desired style and budget. Wood is a popular choice, but you can also use MDF or metal.
3. Design the cover: Decide on the design and style of your radiator cover. Consider incorporating ventilation holes or a decorative grille for airflow.
4. Cut the material: Use a saw or a jigsaw to cut the material according to your measurements. Make sure to leave enough space for the radiator to breathe.
5. Assemble the cover: Use screws or nails to assemble the pieces of the cover. Use a level to ensure it is straight and secure.
6. Paint or finish the cover: Apply a coat of paint or finish to match your room’s decor. Allow it to dry completely before placing it over the radiator.
Remember to regularly clean the cover and check for any signs of damage or wear. Building a radiator cover is a simple DIY project that can greatly enhance the appearance of your room while also improving the efficiency of your heating system.
Many renters often complain about the lack of counter space, particularly in bathrooms. If you’re looking for an additional flat surface in your small bathroom, this DIY radiator cover is an ideal project for you.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Measure Before You Start
Prior to collecting supplies for this project, it is essential to measure your radiator. If you want the cover to be wider than the radiator and extend along the wall, use those measurements. The two most crucial measurements to take are the depth (from the front of the radiator to the wall) and the height (from the floor to the top of the radiator).
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
For instance, in this example, the measurements were 22 inches wide by 38 inches tall, with a depth of 8 inches. You will need four pieces of wood for this project: two cut to the size of your height and two cut to the size of your width.
Supplies You’ll Need:
-
Measuring tape
-
Miter saw or hand saw
-
Pine boards, cut to size
-
Staple gun
-
Drill
-
Hammer
-
Paint and primer
-
Spray paint
-
Wood glue
-
Liquid Nails
-
Radiator tin
-
Tin snips
Steps for Building a Radiator Cover
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
1. Nail the Top Board to the Side Boards
Begin by assembling the general shape of the radiator cover. Take one of the smaller boards and nail it to the top of the two longer boards to form the top and sides of the cover.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
2. Cut the Base Board
Lay the cover on its side and measure the inside of the “bottom.” Cut the last board to fit inside the two sides, like this:
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Tip
You can use a bit of Liquid Nails to secure the base board before you nail it in place.
3. Nail the Base Board in Place
Make sure the base board is flush with what will be the front of the radiator cover. This base board provides stability to the cover and gives you a clean and finished look.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
You should now have a rough idea of what the cover will look like. Place the cover over the radiator to ensure that it covers everything and that you like the appearance.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
4. Attach Trim to the Cover
In this example, we used a 1.5-inch wide pine lattice board for the trim. This material is lightweight, easy to cut and paint, and won’t weigh down the radiator cover. The trim serves both a decorative and functional purpose, as it provides a surface to attach the radiator tin to, as we’ll discuss later.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Measure the dimensions of the front of the cover and cut the corners where the trim meets at a 45-degree angle, similar to molding.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Tip
Use Liquid Nails to secure the trim in place before nailing it to the cover.
5. Nail the Trim to the Front of the Cover
Use small wood nails to attach the trim to the front of the cover, ensuring that the trim creates a small lip to hold the radiator in place. The corners can be filled in with wood glue later on.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Measure and cut the trim for the base board to fit inside the front trim. The pieces should fit snugly and flush with the edges to create a rectangular inset.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Once the trim is attached, the radiator cover will have a finished look. For a custom touch, consider adding trim along the sides of the cover, as shown in the photo above.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
6. Prime the Cover
Apply a high-quality primer to the wooden frame of the radiator cover. While the primer is drying, prepare the radiator tin for cutting. Wipe the tin with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust, and move on to the next step to measure and cut the tin to size.
7. Measure and Cut the Radiator Tin
Once the primer is dry, flip the radiator cover over and measure the width of the interior. Mark the dimensions on the tin with a marker and carefully cut it using tin snips.
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Photo Credit:
Shannon Smith
Warning
Be careful when handling tin snips and cut tin, as the edges can be very sharp.
8. Insert the Radiator Tin into the Cover
Place the cut piece of radiator tin into the cover, ensuring that it fits snugly without any visible gaps from the front. However, it should not be so tight that the metal bows in the middle.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
9. Eliminate Tin and Apply Spray Paint
After confirming that the radiator tin is cut to the correct size, use spray paint to paint the metal. Hold the can about 12 inches away from the tin and spray back and forth in light spritzes to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and does not drip.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
10. Paint the Radiator Cover
While the radiator tin is drying, paint the cover with the color of your choice and use this time to fill any gaps or holes with wood glue.
11. Push the Tin Back Into Place
After the spray paint dries, push the tin back into the radiator cover slowly to ensure that the paint is not scratched.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Tip
Add a few dots of Liquid Nails in the corners to hold the tin down and wipe off the front of the tin if there is any seepage.
12. Staple the Tin in Place
Staple the tin in place using a staple gun. If the tin is cut to the correct size, a few staples on each side should suffice.
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
13. Enjoy Your Radiator Cover and Additional Counter Space
The new radiator cover not only conceals the unsightly radiator but also provides an additional flat surface for storage or decoration. The cover is light and easy to remove!
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
Image Credit:
Shannon Smith
That’s it! A simple radiator cover that combines function and style.
FAQ
1. Why should I build a radiator cover?
A radiator cover is not only a decorative piece of furniture but also serves practical purposes. By building a radiator cover, you can hide an unsightly radiator and improve the overall aesthetic of the room. Additionally, a radiator cover can help to distribute heat more evenly by directing the warm air towards the center of the room instead of being absorbed by the wall. It also acts as a safety measure, especially for households with children or pets, by preventing accidental burns or injuries.
2. What materials do I need to build a radiator cover?
To build a radiator cover, you will need a few basic materials. These include plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for the frame and panels, a saw for cutting the wood to size, screws or nails for assembly, a drill for making holes, a tape measure for accurate measurements, sandpaper for smoothing the edges, and paint or stain for finishing touches. You may also choose to add additional elements such as decorative molding, grilles, or vents to enhance the design of the cover.
3. How do I build a radiator cover?
Building a radiator cover is a relatively simple process. Firstly, measure the dimensions of your radiator and determine the size of the cover you want to build. Cut the plywood or MDF to the appropriate sizes using a saw. Assemble the frame by connecting the sides, top, and bottom pieces using screws or nails. Attach the back panel and any additional panels or grilles as desired. Sand the edges to ensure a smooth finish, and then paint or stain the cover to match your room’s decor. Finally, secure the cover in place by attaching it to the wall or floor, ensuring proper airflow and easy access for maintenance.