How to make a radiator cover
You will need:
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600 x 2400mm (24 x 95in) sheet of 18mm (0.7in) thick MDF board
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill and wood bits
- Screws and plugs
- Abrasive paper
- Try square
- Clamps
- Portable workbench
- Filler
- Filler knife
- Mirror plates
- Paint
- Paintbrush
Time to complete job: Half a day.
Approximate budget: Around £15.
Planning
You should be able to cover any radiator size from a single 1200x2400mm (24x95in) sheet of MDF. Measure the height and width of your radiator and add at least 5cm (2in) to the height and the same to each side to allow the warm air to circulate.
The depth of the cover should allow at least 4cm (1.6in) for air circulation. The top is 2cm (0.8in) larger all around than the main cover. Cut out a front, two sides and a top to size.
Tip: Check that control valves will be outside the finished cover for easy access.
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Step 1: Measuring & marking
Use a try square and tape measure to plan the positions of the cut-out vents on the front cover of the radiator. Try 12cm (5in) squares but you could use circles or wavy lines.
Make sure the design is at least 5cm (2in) from the edge of the board. Make a starter hole for each cut-out with a wood bit and drill. The holes should be just inside a corner so that the jigsaw blade can be pushed through the MDF.
Tip: MDF produces very fine dust when cut and sanded that can be harmful. Always wear a dust mask and try to work outside or in a well-ventilated room. -
Step 2: Cutting out the vents
Cut out all the vents with a jigsaw. Work slowly, with the pendulum action turned off so that you can control the tool easily. Check the vent to be cut is over the edge of your workbench before starting.
Sand any rough edges.
Tip: Alternatively, you can use a router and template for a more precise cut. -
Step 3: Curved vents
Use a paint tin to make the curved top and bottom vents on the front of the cover. This should be at least 5cm (2in) wide.
Cut out with a jigsaw.
Tip: Use the same curve for each cut-out. -
Step 4: Accommodating the control valve
You will need to make a cut on one side of the cover to accommodate the control valve.
Carefully mark the position of the pipes and skirting board and transfer the measurements to the MDF side piece.
Cut around the shape with a jigsaw.
Tip: Always leave at least 5mm (0.2in) around any pipes to allow for expansion of the MDF -
Step 5: Attaching the front and sides
Attach the front to the two sides with three 40mm (1.6in) chipboard screws per side. Countersink the holes for a neat finish. Cover any gaps with filler and sand smooth.
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Step 6: Finishing
The top must be removable so that you can bleed the radiator easily.
Screw two scraps of MDF to the underside of the top so that they fit tightly against the side pieces. Fix your new cover to the wall with small mirror plates at each side.
Finish with primer and ordinary emulsion or a satin paint.
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