How to Build a Radiator Cover Cabinet

Old radiators can be an eyesore in modern homes, especially after decades of use. However, with some carpentry skills and a free day, you can create a stylish, functional cover to hide it away. In the video above, This Old House technical editor Mark Powers walks through the process of building a custom radiator cover cabinet to fit your space.

Building Radiator Cover Overview

A radiator cover is essentially a three-sided box with feet on the bottom and a lid on top. This project primarily uses MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which makes for an affordable and stable base. Each side of the box features a large opening covered by decorative metal screening, which lets heat radiate outward.

A sheet metal panel behind the radiator helps reflect heat into the room, maximizing energy efficiency. You can include a 1x strip across the open back for added stability if you have space between the radiator and the wall. Keep in mind that MDF makes a lot of dust during cutting, so plan to work over a drop cloth, preferably outside.

The wall behind the cover provides additional support, especially if you scribe the cover’s sides to fit against the baseboard. If you can make this work, you’ll only need two feet in the front, with the cover leaning against the wall and baseboard for rear support. Otherwise, use four feet. Adjustable feet can be particularly helpful for leveling the cover, as years of water damage may have warped the floor beneath the radiator.

There are several ways you can customize this project, from choosing the right feet to selecting screening designs. Cove molding on the inner edge of the screen openings makes for a more refined look. While this guide shows you how to build a streamlined modern top, you could edge it with a base cap (turned upside down) for a more ornate bull-nosed profile. You can also add shelving or additional trim for even more personalization.

Make sure your customizations don’t interfere with ventilation and that you use heat-resistant materials.

Tools Needed To Build a Radiator Cover Cabinet

Here are the tools you’ll need to complete this project.

Steps for Building a Radiator Cover Cabinent

Follow these steps to build your radiator cover.

Step 1: Cut the cover pieces

Measure your radiator. Add four inches to its width and two inches to its height, then cut a piece of MDF to these dimensions for the front cover. For the sides, measure the radiator’s depth, add one inch, and cut two MDF pieces to this width and the same height as the front cover. The top piece should be half an inch wider than the sides and one inch wider than the front.

On the side and front pieces, mark the screen openings by drawing lines three inches from the top and sides, and four and a half inches from the bottom. Use a half-inch spade bit to bore two holes inside opposite corners of these cut lines. These holes will serve as starting points for cutting out the screen openings with a jigsaw.

Step 2: Fit the trim to the screen openings

Using a miter box and handsaw, cut a 45-degree inside miter on a length of 3/4-inch cove molding. Fit this cut end into one corner of a screen opening, holding it tight against the edge. Mark where the molding reaches the next corner and cut another 45-degree miter at this mark, facing the opposite direction. Continue this process until you have four pieces that fit the opening’s inner edge perfectly. This may require a few tries, but getting it right results in a snug, polished fit.

Step 3: Attach the trim

Secure each piece of cove molding with wood glue and 4d (1 1/2-inch) finish nails. Drill half-inch-diameter pilot holes before nailing. This helps prevent splitting, especially near the mitered ends. Repeat this process for all screen openings.

For a snug fit, measure each section with an adjacent piece in place, then cut everything slightly long. This lets you make minor adjustments as you go, helping you get a tight and professional finish.

Step 4: Cut the screening

Measure and cut the screening for each opening before assembling the cover. Place the front piece facedown on a tarp, then lay a piece of screening over the center opening. Using tin snips, cut the screen to overlap the opening by two inches on all sides. Repeat this process for the side openings and set all three screens aside.

Step 5: Assemble the cover

To create a guide for pilot holes, hold a long scrap of MDF on edge against the front piece’s face and flush to one side. Draw a light pencil line along the side of the scrap. Assemble the front piece and one side, holding them flush at a 90-degree angle. Use a countersink bit to drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through the face panel, centered between your pencil line and the edge, into the side panel’s end.

Step 6: Attach the feet

Apply wood glue to the side panel’s front edge. Hold the front cover against the side panel at a 90-degree angle and join them with four 1 5/8-inch drywall screws, sinking the heads just below the surface. Attach the other side panel using the same method.

Cut triangle-shaped MDF blocks for attaching metal adjustable feet:

1. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the radiator fins.
2. Measure the height of the radiator’s feet.
3. Subtract the first measurement from the second. The remainder is the distance from the bottom of the cover to the underside of the blocks. 

Place the blocks inside the cover’s front corners. Drill pilot holes, then glue and screw the blocks through the cover’s sides and front. Next, screw the feet to the blocks.

Place the cover over the radiator and adjust the feet to make sure they’re level. Use a scribe tool to transfer the wall baseboard’s contours to the cover’s sides, then cut along these lines with a jigsaw for a precise fit over the baseboard.

Step 7: Finish the cover’s top

Place the cover’s top upside down on a tarp. Turn the assembled cover onto it, centering it with the back edges flush. There should be a half-inch overhang around the sides and front. Mark the cover’s inside perimeter on the top.

Cut three 1-inch scraps to fit in a loose U-shape inside these lines. Glue and screw these pieces to the top’s underside. Caulk all seams, fill nail and screw holes with wood putty, sand, and paint the exterior. Once dry, use a staple gun to attach the screening to the inside of the cover. Cut a piece of sheet metal to fit behind the radiator to reflect heat into the room. Finally, place the completed cover over the radiator.

Additional Considerations for Radiator Covers

Think about these factors when planning and working on your radiator cover project.

Material Selection

MDF is a great choice because it’s affordable and stable, but you can use other materials for your radiator cover. Solid wood has a classic look but may be more prone to warping with temperature changes. Plywood is another option that’s less expensive than solid wood, but often just as stable. If you have the skills, you could even try making a cover out of metal, although we don’t recommend this for most DIYers.

Consider the following factors when choosing your material:

• Cost: Think about how many covers you need and how much you want to spend in total. Make sure to factor in the cost of things such as wood glue and paint.
• Durability: More durable materials, such as plywood, might be harder to work with but can last longer.
• Heat resistance: Avoid materials that conduct a lot of heat, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Paintability: You might need special paint for certain materials, and this will affect the cost of your project.
• Weight: Heavier materials may be more difficult to work with and might need more support.

Ventilation and Heat Efficiency

Proper ventilation helps your radiator work efficiently and safely. Always make sure your cover design allows for adequate airflow. Consider these tips:

• Include vents or openings on the cover’s top to allow heat to escape.
• Leave sufficient space between the radiator and the cover (at least three inches on all sides).
• Use heat-resistant materials for any parts that will be in close contact with the radiator.

Customization Options

A radiator cover can be more than just a functional piece; it can be a stylish addition to your room. Consider these customization options:

• Built-in shelving above the radiator for added storage
• Decorative hardware for a unique touch
• Incorporating the cover into existing cabinetry for a seamless look
• Paint colors that complement your room’s decor