Radiator covers

We had a few rooms that had the boring panel type radiators in that really need replacing (expensive ) or covering ( just as expensive ) so thinking caps on looking for a different idea.

I had made covers before using kits that had a space or an infill panel, but they are all so samey, we wanted something different.

Plus the kits or made to measure covers are very expensive for what is a couple of pieces of MDF.

So using a fitting instruction that i borrowed from a DIY store website, i used that as a template for my design. I measured up the panels I’d need to make a cover for each of the three radiators we wanted to cover. The difference being the space in the Centre wouldn’t be filled with a cut out panel, we thought let’s use a thick material and staple it on the inside. Theres a couple of things going on here, firstly we could match or contrast the material to suit the room, if we redecorated we just change the material. Secondly there’s no heat loss as the heat comes through the material.

Granted if you have a busy house and little hands that explore things, it might get hit or pushed against, but I think you’ll agree it does look good.

There a little clever trick as well, once you’ve measured out the panels you need, not forgetting to allow for the thickness of the MDF ( I used 12mm ) you can pop along to larger B and Q stores and they will cut the MDF to your exact size. All you have to do it work put a way to attach them all together to make you cover. I used Dowling to drill holes and glue flat pieces together and plastic blocks to attach angled pieces. As its something your not going to see, its doesn’t have to look fancy and will save you a small fortune.

I think we spent about £35.00 on the three radiator cover excluding my time. If you are a reasonable DIY,er you really wont have any big issues at all.

We hope you’ve enjoyed and been inspired by some of our ideas.

We did all of the work we've shown you on a very tight budget, doing as much as we could ourselves. Contractors are expensive but you can still make savings by doing some work that they are overskilled to do. For example the old paving stones - I lifted them put them in a place where they could be collected and 1 day on freecycle and they were all collected and re-purposed saving us a fortune on contractors costs and skip hire to take them away.

Alway use the skills you have to do the work that contractors are overqualified to do, it will save you a small fortune.

Please get in touch and let us know what you think.