Radiators are great for heating your home, but they don’t always add to the decor. Building a custom radiator cover can hide that bulky cast iron while adding style to your room. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a DIY radiator cover inspired by the expert techniques This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares in the video above.
Can I Cover My Radiator?
Yes, you can cover your radiator—but you need to choose your materials carefully to maintain safety and avoid blocking heat. Any radiator cover will trap some heat, preventing it from getting to the rest of the room, but with sufficient ventilation and reflection, you won’t compromise the radiator’s performance.
Silva suggests medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for this project. It’s less expensive than hardwood but can easily blend in with a room’s molding and trim after painting. He also uses a metal grille in the front to let out heat and a sheet of galvanized steel in the back to reflect heat into the room. You can line the inside of the cover with reflective foil to further mitigate heat blocking.
Materials and Tools to Build a Radiator Cover
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials:
- 1-by-4 lumber
- 120-grit sandpaper
- 5/8-inch staples
- Base-cap molding
- Cove molding
- Drywall screws
- Decorative metal grille
- Galvanized sheet metal
- Headless pin nails
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Primer and paint
- Wood glue
- Wood putty
As for tools, you’ll need:
- Circular saw
- Clamps
- Drill/driver (optional)
- Hammer stapler
- Handsaw
- Jigsaw
- Paintbrush or roller
- Pin nailer and air compressor
- Power miter saw
- Straightedge guide
- Tape measure
- Wet/dry vacuum
Building a Radiator Cover
As you work, be sure to use sturdy sawhorses or a workbench to provide stability while cutting. Always follow safety protocols, including wearing safety glasses and using clamps to secure materials. Silva has an assistant use a wet-dry vac to siphon away the dust created by cutting MDF. If you’re working alone, be sure to wear a mask to protect your nose and mouth.
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting the Panels
Accurate measurements help the cover fit your radiator properly.
Measuring the Radiator
Begin by measuring the depth of your radiator. Add 2 1/2 inches to this measurement to allow for proper clearance. For example, if your radiator is 8 1/2 inches deep, your cover should be 11 inches deep to leave enough room for airflow.
Cutting the Side Panels
Using your circular saw and a straightedge guide, cut two MDF side panels to the determined depth. For height, use the full 24-inch width of the MDF board if your radiator is 22 inches tall or shorter. This provides adequate clearance above the radiator for heat to escape.
Measuring and Cutting the Front Panel
Stand the side panels beside the radiator, allowing for proper clearance. Measure the distance between the outer edges of the side panels to determine the length of your front panel. Cut the MDF front panel to this size using your circular saw. Double-check your measurements to get a precise fit.
Step 2: Creating the Decorative Front Panel
This part of the cover is the most visible, and adding decorative elements will make it more attractive.
- Measure and mark 3 inches up from the bottom and 3 inches in from each side to create the illusion of legs.
- Use a paint can to draw arcs between these marks, creating a curved bottom edge.
- Measure down 3 1/2–4 inches from the top of the panel to mark the upper edge of the opening.
- Mark 3 3/4 inches in from each side for the vertical edges of the opening.
- Create a 3-inch rail between the bottom of the opening and the top of the “legs.”
- Use your circular saw with a straightedge guide to make plunge cuts for the opening.
- Finish the corners with a handsaw.
- Cut the curved bottom edges with a jigsaw, making sure to follow the marks closely.
Step 3: Adding Decorative Elements
Now, add some character to your cover with simple trim and a metal grille:
- Cut pieces of cove molding to fit around the inside of the openings in the front and side panels.
- Use wood glue and a pin nailer to secure the molding in place.
- Fasten the decorative metal grille to the back of the front and side panels using a hammer stapler and 5/8-inch staples.
Step 4: Assembling the Radiator Cover
With all the pieces prepared, it’s time to put your radiator cover together. Here’s how Silva does it:
- Attach the side panels to the front panel using wood glue and 2-inch drywall screws.
- For added stability, fasten a 1-by-4 brace between the upper rear corners of the side panels.
- Cut the MDF top to size and trim its edges with base-cap molding.
- Attach 1-by-4 cleats to the underside of the top so they fit within the assembled radiator cover.
Pro tip: Use clamps to hold pieces together as you drill and screw them. You can also attach them with a pin nailer for a temporary connection.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Complete your radiator cover with these final steps for a polished look:
- Fill all nail and screw holes with wood putty.
- Once dry, sand all surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
- Apply two coats of primer to all surfaces, allowing each coat to dry completely.
- Follow with a topcoat of paint in your chosen color.
- Staple a piece of galvanized sheet metal to the back of the cover.
Learn More: How To Build a Radiator Cover Cabinet
