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A custom radiator cover can often time get up there in price. This means you are probably reading this for one of two reasons: you either cannot afford to purchase a custom radiator cover, or, you just do not see the sense in paying that much money when you can do it yourself for half the price. With that said, building a radiator cover is fairly easy and rather inexpensive. The only time it gets expensive is if you destroy the materials the first go around!
Before you begin assembling a radiator, you need to know the measurements of your particular radiator. This can be done by using a measuring tape to measure the height, width, and depth of the radiator. Typically, the depth of the radiator cover will be wider than the actual radiator itself. This allows for surface area to use when decorating. Again, this just depends on the user.
Once you have determined how big your radiator cover will be, you will need to draw up some plans on what you would like it to look like. This is general done in two separate steps. First, the frame needs to be established, then, the top, sides and front. You will need to use 2 by 2 plywood for the frame. This is important to note because this amount will need to be added to the measurements in order for them to be covered up in the finished product.
After you have that set, you can go to a place where you can by wood; typically a home improvement store or lumber warehouse. You can choose to purchase the wood, take it home, and cut it yourself; or, you can have an associate at the store do it for you. The wood is used as the top and sides of the radiator cover. While you are there, you will need to pick up some type of front cover such as screen cover or other sturdy decorative breathing material such as a lattice type design. You will also need to purchase two 2 by 2’s. You might need to purchase more if you have a larger radiator. Remember, the 2 by 2 acts as a frame for which the top, sides and front gets attached.
Before you start assembling the radiator cover, you will need to stain the wood. This can be any color you want, depending on the décor of the room. This can be as simple or detailed as you want it to be. After all, this is your custom radiator. This is an important step because this will help protect the wood.
After they have dried, you are ready to make your cuts. You will need to make four cuts; this will produce six pieces. The first two pieces are the ones that will be located on the top and bottom of the cover; they are the length of your radiator cover. The other pieces become the legs. You know can assemble your frame.
At this point you will need to nail the sides to the frame. Make sure everything lines up correctly before you nail into the wood. Then nail the top to the frame. This will make the radiator cover nice and sturdy compared to the frame you started out with. After the side and top are nailed on, then you place the screen on the front and nail it to the frame also.
It is that simple! You do not need to be a very crafty person to figure how to make a radiator cover to fit your needs. This is just a basic generator cover and you can get as fancy or plain as you want. It is your custom radiator cover; have fun!