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Can I build a radiator cover?
Instead of purchasing pre-built radiator covers, many homeowners decide to create do-it-yourself radiator covers. Few materials are involved, costs are low, and building techniques are basic. Common materials are wood and metal, but sometimes soft materials such as a cane, fabric, and string are used.
What kind of wood is used for radiator covers?
WHICH WOOD SHOULD I USE FOR A RADIATOR COVER? For a radiator cover to cope well under heat, it is recommended that you use MDF. It loves to keep dry and it hates moisture.
Can I put wood on my radiator?
A top of a radiator can be the perfect place for a shelf. When a piece of wood or stone is placed on top, a bulky radiator becomes a handy side table or bookshelf. Such a shelf can be placed right on top of the radiator and attached to it using some brackets or other supplies.
How much clearance do you need for a radiator cover?
The idea is to make the cover large enough to easily slide over the radiator. For example, a radiator that is 10 inches (25cm) deep, 20 inches (50cm) tall, and 30 inches (76cm) wide, you might need 12 inches (30cm) clearance in depth, 22 inches (55cm) clearance in height, and 32 inches (81cm) clearance in width.
Is MDF good for radiator cover?
Engineered wood: MDF (medium density fiberboard) is good for a painted radiator cover. This material is sturdy like hardwoods but cheaper.
Can you cover radiator with plywood?
You will need to use a strong wood material that can withstand the high heat output from the radiator, such as 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood with a birch veneer. The birch veneer will allow you to easily sand and paint (or stain) the unit.
Can you use pine for radiator covers?
Pine does, and will cause you difficulties around a radiator. If you really feel you need to use pine, then at the very least stack all your timber in front of the radiator for a few weeks, prior to doing the work. This suggests you won’t be doing the job until half way through the winter, I’m afraid.
Are wood radiator covers safe?
Wood, you see, is a terrible material for a radiator cover’s efficiency because it absorbs so much and doesn’t conduct heat very well. There was a time back when I was a lad when building an MDF radiator cover was the done thing, but come on people, there is plenty of good science behind it and wood is a bad choice.
What sizes do Radiator Covers come in?
100cm Radiator Covers are suitable for radiators up to 90cm / 3 ft long or 130cm Radiator Covers are suitable for Radiators up to 120cm / 4ft long.
Are radiator covers a fire hazard?
When you’re dealing with heating equipment, generally, the rule is to keep the area around it clear in order to prevent fires—particularly with radiators. However, a properly-designed radiator cover can keep you from burning yourself on heated components, and protect draperies and other fire hazards from igniting.
What can you put on top of a radiator cover?
To round out your cover display, consider creating a shelf on top of it. Again, wood is an excellent choice for covering the top of your cover and can create a cozy look. Finally, you can lay a coat of paint on the radiator cover in a color of your choice.
What furniture can you put in front of a radiator?
It’s safe to put furniture in front of a radiator as long as there is at least a foot in-between them. You should be extra careful with leather, wood, and upholstered pieces of furniture, though, as leather can get ruined and upholstery and wood pieces will absorb most of the heat- perhaps catch on fire, too.
Is it a good idea to put a shelf above a radiator?
A radiator shelf (yes, a shelf) A radiator shelf just above a radiator helps to throw heat forward from the radiator into the room, rather than letting it rise up to the ceiling.
How much bigger should a radiator cover be?
For your radiator to stay efficient, enough space between the radiator and cover needs to exist. The radiator cover should, if possible, be wider than the radiator by at least: 5cm in width. 3cm in height.
How do I measure my radiator for a cover?
Measure the widest length of your radiator, including the valves at either side. Add 50mm to your measurement to allow for the 20mm fixing return on DeepClean radiator covers. The total dimension will form the required length measurement for your radiator covers.
Do radiator covers need to be fixed to the wall?
It is not mandatory to have the cover attached to the wall, whereas most of the cabinets can be left free standing. Nonetheless, for safety and stability reasons, it is advised to fix the cover against the wall using the provided wall fixing pallets.
Are radiator covers easy to fit?
They are all simple to fit however, and just involve fixing small brackets to the wall so the radiator cover can be hooked over the top. This allows for quick and easy access should you need to bleed the radiator or adjust its temperature.
Do radiator covers work?
Yes. The good news is that well-designed radiator covers leave plenty of space for the warm air to travel through. A radiator cover could actually even improve your heat efficiency if the cover includes a reflective foil backing, which we mentioned earlier.
What can I use to fix a radiator cover to a wall?
The standard way of securing a radiator cover to the wall is to use metal fixings that are screwed to both the radiator and the wall to keep the cover safely in place.
Can a radiator cover be too big?
It’s possible to have a bigger radiator cover than your actual one, but always make sure that the maximum measurement will fit in your space. The window heights, alcoves, and obstructions will not block where a larger radiator cover is to be fitted.
