How to Build a DIY Radiator Cover with Ruth Amos

We show you how to transform your living space with this easy DIY radiator cover project. In this guide, award-winning engineer Ruth shows you how to build a simple, slatted, wooden radiator cover. Our cover design hides your radiator, adds a decorative modern touch to your room, and is designed to ensure you still get good heat efficiency, using Evolution cordless power tools.

This project is great for beginners and can be customised to fit any radiator size.

Tools & Materials Used For Our DIY Radiator Cover

Tools:

Mitre Saw - for clean, accurate crosscuts and mitres
Drill - perfect for pilot holes and assembly
Impact Driver - for fast, secure fixings
Vacuum - for clean-up
Optional: Nail gun (or use screws if you prefer)

Materials:

Timber battens
Screws
Wood filler
Paint and roller
Tape measure

How to Make a Radiator Cover: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Measure Your Radiator

Start by measuring your radiator’s width, height and depth, ensuring you measure from the floor, leaving space above the radiator and taking into account the valves on the sides.

Ruth’s radiator measured 1.2m x 70cm, but yours may be different. Adjust your timber lengths accordingly to make sure the frame fits neatly over your radiator. The timber battens Ruth used were: four 18 x 44mm and thirteen 18 x 28mm, all 2.4m in length.

Step 2: Cut Your Timber

Using a Mitre Saw, cut your timber to size.

Cut the longer frame pieces first.
Then, use the offcuts for the shorter crosspieces.

Pro Tip: Always double-check your measurements before cutting.

Step 3: Build the Radiator Cover Frame

Lay out the cut pieces on a flat surface to form a rectangular frame.
Secure the frame together with screws or nails.

Step 4: Add the Front Slats

Once your frame is ready, fix the front slats evenly across the cover with nails or screws. These give your radiator cover its decorative finish while allowing heat to pass through. Use spacers or a scrap piece of wood to keep gaps even between slats.

Step 5: Fill, Sand & Paint

Fill any screw holes with wood filler, then lightly sand for a smooth surface. Finish with a coat of paint or wood stain to match your decor. A small roller works best for even coverage.

Step 6: Fit Your Radiator Cover

Position your finished cover over the radiator to check the fit. You can leave it freestanding or fix it to the wall for added stability.

Evolution Tools in Action

This project was built using Evolution cordless tools:

Cordless Double Bevel Mitre Saw (R255SMS-DB-Li) - perfect for fast, precise angled cuts
Cordless Combi Drill (R13CMB-Li) - compact, reliable, and ideal for drilling pilot holes
Cordless Impact Driver (R180IDR-Li) - delivers power for driving screws quickly and cleanly

Explore the full Evolution cordless range to tackle your next DIY project with ease.

Final Tips

Adjust dimensions to fit your specific radiator.
Use softwood for easy cutting and assembly.
Always wear safety glasses and ear protection when using power tools.

For more DIY project guides like this, browse The Maker's Hub here.

FAQs

Do Radiator Covers Block Heat?

Yes, radiator covers that are not designed with enough ventilation can reduce heat circulating around the room. Our modern,slatted design means that there is adequate airflow to allow for maximum heating efficiency.

What Are The Benefits Of A Radiator Cover?

They can hide unsightly old radiators and improve the overall aestetic of a room. They can act as a safety barrier from very hot radiators, and depending on the design, they can give added shelf space.