How much bigger should a radiator cover be than the radiator?

For your radiator to be efficient with a cover you should ensure there is enough space between the radiator and the cover. The radiator cover should, if possible, be wider than the radiator by at least: 5cm in width.

How much gap should there be between radiator and cover?

It’s a good idea to have enough space between your radiator and your cover so the heat can be distributed more evenly. The gap between the radiator and the cover should be at least 5cm in width, 3cm in height and 3cm in depth to ensure it won’t affect the BTU output.

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.

Are radiator covers a bad idea?

Poorly designed radiator covers can cause heat loss, in a nutshell. Anything that blocks a radiator’s airflow reduces its efficiency. Some radiator covers can actually trap heat and affect your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) reading – confusing your entire central heating system.

Do you lose heat with a radiator cover?

If designed well with plenty of space for the warm air to travel through, a radiator cover shouldn’t reduce the efficiency of a radiator and could even improve it if the cover has a reflective backing. However, a poorly designed radiator cover will trap heat and increase your energy bills.

Can you use MDF for radiator covers?

What material is best as radiator cover?

Common materials are wood and metal, but sometimes soft materials such as a cane, fabric, and string are used. Some DIY radiator builders recommend using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) as this dense, synthetic wood composite will be more stable when subjected to the radiator’s heat spikes.

What is the best wood to use for radiator covers?

Wood: Hardwoods work well, especially if you want the cover to blend with natural wood trim in a room. They’ll transfer less heat than metal and they’re more expensive. Engineered wood: MDF (medium density fiberboard) is good for a painted radiator cover. This material is sturdy like hardwoods but cheaper.

How do you size a radiator 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.

How to build a radiator cover?

First of all, we recommend you to build the front face of the radiator cover. Use 1×4 slats for the legs and for the horizontal components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal supports and secure them to the vertical legs by using 1 1/4″ screws. Cut both ends of the legs in a decorative manner.

How to finish the finish of the radiator cover?

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Smart Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to the wooden components, if you want to protect them from decay and to enhance the look of the radiator cover.

How to cut MDF front panel for radiator?

Stand side panels beside radiator allowing for proper clearance, then measure for length of the front panel. 4. Cut MDF front panel to size. 5. Mark front panel for cutting out the legs and large opening. 6. Use circular saw and straightedge guide to cut opening in front panel; complete cuts into corners with handsaw. 7.