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Before and After: Attic Remodel Featuting a Custom Radiator Cover

Watch us drag three rooms and an attic out on the 80's and into the 21st century, with style. For more great style ideas, visit Rip & Renew.

Rip & Renew : Episode HRIPR-103 -- More Projects »
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Before: When the 80s Attack! A relic from the 1980s, the three rooms in this attic were a far cry from the rest of the house, which has been updated and is warm and welcoming. Find out more about air dates or products used in this terrific makeover!
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Green Attic Hideaway
This bright and cheery room is a great place to escape with a good book. The focal point of the space is the custom-built radiator cover. It combines beauty and function by looking like a piece of high-end furniture while still allowing heat to flow into the room. Take a look at how they built the radiator cover and other projects from this makeover.
Materials and Tools:

4x8 sheets of 3/4" birch plywood
poplar boards, 3/4"x 4"x 8'
brass for heater cover
1" to 2" wide molding for front of cover
carpenter's glue
pencil
level
drill
drill bits
sander
Ace Sensations ceiling white paint
utility knife
table saw
miter saw
circular saw
pneumatic nail gun
staple gun
hand saw
jig saw
two paint rollers
two paint brushes
pencil
level

Steps:

1. Measure the height, width and depth of the radiator. Be sure to include any inflow or outflow pipes while measuring, since the pipes and valves need to be covered, too. Add 1 inch to the height and depth measurement and 2 inches to the width measurement to allow for the proper clearance. These dimensions will be the final measurements for the inside of the radiator cover.

2. Cut all of the frame pieces. (You can cut one piece for each side and then use it as a template for the rest of the frame pieces.) Mark out the new cover, then use a utility knife and a level to score through the top level of birch plywood to stop it from flaring when we saw it. Cut out the heater cover front using the circular and jig saws.

3. Use the table saw to cut down the poplar for the sides of the radiator cover. Lay out the front panel, making sure all the pieces are flush. The bottom horizontal piece should measure 2 inches from the floor to allow air to pass from the radiator to the room. Glue the side pieces of the frame and then attach them to the front. Then secure the frame with a staple gun or nail gun.

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Figure A
4. To ensure that the cover will fit snugly against the wall, scribe the profile of the existing baseboard into the new cover on both sides and on the bottom (figure A). Use the jigsaw to cut out the scribed portion.

5. Use tin snips to cut the screen for the front panel. Cut it 1 inch wider and longer than the opening. Attach the screen to the frame by stapling it in place every 2 inches.

6. Cut strips of molding to fit the edges of the screen. Miter the corners. Glue and staple the molding into place.

7. Cut the top panel for the cover, allowing a 3/4-inch overhang all the way around the base. Sand the radiator cover and then prime and paint it, masking off the brass front to protect it.

8. Slide the new cover over the radiator.

Also in this Episode
Rip & Renew : Episode HRIPR-103
•Recessed Bookcases
•Before and After: Attic Remodel Featuting a Custom Radiator Cover
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