Radiators do an excellent job of keeping our homes warm, but most of them are not exactly easy on the eye. If you have ever searched for a way to hide an ugly radiator without spending a fortune, building a DIY radiator cover could be the perfect solution.
I have built several radiator covers over the years, and every time I am reminded how satisfying it is to create something that looks custom-made, fits perfectly, and costs far less than shop-bought alternatives. While you can find ready-made covers and flat pack kits, they rarely match your exact radiator size or blend seamlessly with your room’s style.
In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to build a radiator cover from scratch using simple materials and basic tools. You will learn how to measure, design, and assemble a sturdy cover that improves the look of your space while still allowing heat to circulate efficiently. Whether you are a confident DIYer or tackling your first woodworking project, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Table of Contents
Tools You Will Need
- Circular saw or table saw (for straight accurate cuts)
- Jigsaw (optional, for curved details or cut-outs)
- Drill driver with drill bit set (wood bits and pilot bits)
- Pocket hole jig (for strong hidden joints)
- Tape measure (at least 5m)
- Pencil
- Large set square (for keeping frames square)
- Long straight edge (or spirit level)
- Large drawing compass (for marking curves and cut-outs)
- Hand saw (useful for small trims)
- Orbital sander or sanding block with 120 and 240 grit sandpaper
Materials You Will Need
- 18mm MDF board (for frame and top)
- MDF mesh or screening panel (for airflow and front panel)
- Brackets (L brackets for wall fixing)
- Wood screws (typically 30mm to 40mm)
- Pocket hole screws (matched to MDF thickness)
- Wood glue (PVA)
- White paint (primer and top coat or paint with primer included)
Project Overview
Project Type: DIY Radiator Cover
Estimated Time: 3 to 5 hours
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Materials Cost: £50-£120 (depending on radiator size)
Finish Options: Paint, stain, or veneer
Summary:
In this project, you will build a custom DIY radiator cover using MDF and simple joinery. The finished cover improves the appearance of your radiator while still allowing heat to circulate efficiently. The design can be easily adapted to suit different radiator sizes and room styles.
So here we go:
How to Build a DIY Radiator Cover Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Measure Your Radiator
The first step is to carefully measure your radiator and any pipework you plan to enclose within the cover. Measure the width, height, and depth of the radiator, as these measurements will become the internal dimensions of your radiator cover.
At this stage, decide whether you want to enclose the radiator valves. If your radiator has a thermostatic valve, it should remain exposed, as covering it can prevent the radiator from regulating temperature correctly. In our case, we only have standard valves, but we still wanted easy access, so I measured up to the side of the valve rather than over it.
Once you have taken all the measurements, write them down clearly in a notebook or on a piece of paper. These dimensions will be referenced throughout the build.
In this example, the radiator measures 1500mm wide, 750mm tall and 70mm deep.
Step 2 – Create a Plan and Cutting List
You will want to leave a 40mm gap around the outside of the radiator to allow sufficient air flow once the cover is attached.
Starting with the width of the radiator, add 40mm to one end, or both ends if you intend to cover the valve. In my example I will cover one side only, leaving access to the valve on one side.
Width example: 1500mm plus 40mm equals – 1540mm.
Height example: 750mm plus 40mm equals 790mm
Now move onto the depth of the radiator. Add 40mm to the distance that the radiator sticks out from the wall. Ours were 70mm, so the total was 110mm. This will also allow some space for the mesh to be attached on the back of the cover.
Depth example: 70mm plus 40mm equals 110mm
The top shelf will overhang by 20mm on each side
Top shelf example: Using the dimensions above the width is 1540mm and the depth is 110mm plus 18mm for the front panel MDF width.
For the width of the cover add two lots of 20mm, (1540 + 20 + 20 = 1580). For the depth of the cover add 18mm (MDF thickness) and 20mm overhang. (110 + 18 + 20 = 148mm. So the top shelf needs to be 1580mm X 148mm.
From the above measurements you can work out the rest of the dimensions for each panel you need to cut.
Basic DIY Radiator Cover Plans
With all the pieces mapped out and the sizes double-checked, I was ready to write a cutting list. This way I could quickly measure, mark up and cut the pieces. Most of these pieces were straightforward square cuts. It’s just the arched pieces that were a little tricky as you will see a little later on.
Cutting List
I kept this list simple and ready to refer to as and when required. I purchased a 2400mm x 1200mm 18mm MDF board and started with the larger pieces first. I used both my circular saw and Table saw to cut the square pieces.
Step 3 – Cut the MDF Panels
Cutting Straight Pieces
Start by marking each piece on the board, then cutting it. Do one at a time. Use the large marking square to ensure you get perfectly straight lines and 90-degree angles. If your pieces aren’t accurate, then you’ll have trouble when coming to join each piece.
Using the orbital sander, gently smooth over each edge to leave a nice finish. This will make all the difference when coming to paint the cover.
Cutting the Arched Front Panel
When you get to the arched piece you’ll need to measure to the centre and add 55mm to each side. This will show you where the centre piece joins and where the arches will begin. Now, using a large flat surface, use the drawing compass to find the radius centre point. I tend to do this by eye, adjusting the pivot point slightly until the line hits each side of the start and end point. Once you have drawn the line you can now cut both pieces out using a jigsaw. Another way of finding the radius centre point would be to use a large right angled set square and measure equal distances from the centre.
I found my way to be much quicker.
Step 4 – Assemble the Radiator Cover Frame
With all the boards cut to size it’s now time to join them. To do this I used a pocket hole jig. These are great little tools for cutting angled holes into wood. Try cutting 2 holes on the shorter sides and 3 – 5 in the longer sides like I’ve done here.
Using Pocket Hole Joinery
Once all the holes had been cut, I screwed them together using pocket hole screws and glued along each edge with some wood glue. This ensured a good, strong join between each board. Using clamps along each join also helps ensure the pieces line up nicely.
Adding the Centre Support Piece
One piece I didn’t mention before was a small cut of MDF that sits in the centre to help support the top shelf. This measures roughly 110mm X 60mm and simply screws on from behind. As seen here.
Step 5 Fit the Radiator Cover Mesh
Now you can cut and add the mesh to the back of the cover. This simply screws in with 15mm screws. Try to get at least 5 down the sides and 10 along the top to get a secure fit.
There is a great selection of meshes on Etsy, or if you fancy something a little different, have a look at Amazon here.
Step 6 – Cut Openings for Valves and Skirting
Your cover should be looking near finished now, but don’t forget to measure up for the valve and skirting cut-outs. I took mine into the house to measure these up accurately. If you have a spare piece of skirting you can use to draw out, you will find this much neater. Cut the holes (shapes) using a jigsaw.
Now all thats left is to secure the radiator to the wall and paint.
Step 7 – Fit and Paint the DIY Radiator Cover
To secure the cover to the wall, you’ll need two small right-angle brackets, which should be screwed into the top shelf and the wall. You’ll need a long screwdriver to reach these through the top gap of the cover.
Alternatively you can buy a radiator fixing kit which will make removing the cover easier.
Finally, you’ll want to paint the DIY radiator cover. I purchased ready-painted mesh, which saves a load of time, but the rest needed a couple of coats of Matt white paint. You can prime the MDF before you start, but I found this wasn’t required.
And after a couple of coats
And there we have it. One smart-looking DIY radiator cover that blends perfectly with the rest of our decor. This DIY radiator cover project uses simple tools and basic woodworking techniques, making it suitable for beginners.
You can, of course, design and build your own styles, but the basic principle is the same for most radiator cover designs. You could even cut out fun shapes or patterns on the front for children’s rooms or themed spaces around the house. For design inspiration, Pinterest is always a great place to start.
DIY Radiator Cover Cost Breakdown
All in, this DIY radiator cover cost us around £80 in materials, and we still have some left over to put towards making another one. Considering we were quoted £180 for a custom-made radiator cover, I think this project is a real no-brainer. If you are new to working with MDF, I also have a separate guide with more tips for cutting, sanding, and finishing MDF.
DIY Radiator Cover vs Radiator Cover Kits
If you are choosing between building your own radiator cover or buying a ready-made option, it is worth knowing where the differences lie.
Most pre-made radiator covers, including many radiator cover kits, come in fixed sizes or adjustable designs. Fixed-size covers only work if your radiator happens to match the dimensions exactly, which is rarely the case. Adjustable covers offer more flexibility, but they rely on overlapping panels, which are usually visible once fitted and stop the cover from looking truly built in.
Those overlapping panels can also affect performance. With less exposed mesh and restricted airflow, adjustable radiator covers often do a poorer job of letting heat circulate into the room. We noticed this ourselves when testing a temporary panel in front of our radiator, and the room took noticeably longer to warm up.
Specialist retailers do offer a wider range of designs and sizes, but prices typically fall between £130 and £450. By comparison, a DIY radiator cover can be built for around £45 to £55 in materials and made to the exact size and style you want. There are no awkward overlaps, no compromises on airflow, and it still makes for a very achievable weekend project.
DIY Radiator Cover FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about how to build a radiator cover, mesh choices, and fitting tips.
Does a DIY radiator cover reduce heat output?
It can slightly reduce heat if airflow is restricted. The key is leaving a gap around the radiator, keeping the top grille area open, and using a mesh front panel so warm air can circulate into the room.
How much clearance should I leave around the radiator?
A common DIY approach is leaving around 40mm clearance around the radiator to help airflow and make fitting easier. If you have bulky pipework or valves, allow a little extra where needed.
Should I cover a thermostatic radiator valve?
No. A thermostatic radiator valve needs to sense the room temperature to work properly. If you enclose it, it may read warmer air trapped inside the cover and turn the radiator down too soon.
What is the best radiator cover mesh?
Look for a mesh or screening panel that is rigid, paintable, and has plenty of open area for airflow. Metal mesh is durable, while MDF screening can be easier to cut and match your design style.
Are radiator cover kits worth it?
Radiator cover kits can save time, but they often limit sizing and style. If your radiator is an unusual size or you want a built-in look, making a radiator cover from scratch usually gives a better fit and finish.
Can I build a radiator cover with MDF?
Yes. MDF is easy to cut, stable, and paints nicely. Seal the edges well and use a suitable primer or MDF sealer for the best finish, especially on any exposed edges.
If you decide to build your own DIY radiator cover, I would love to see how it turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions, tips, or tweaks you made to the design, as it is always useful for other readers tackling the same project.
If you have photos of your finished radiator cover, even better. Sharing real builds and variations helps inspire others and shows just how flexible this project can be. And if you are unsure about measurements, materials, or adapting the design to your space, drop a question in the comments and I will do my best to help.
Happy building.
Have a look at some more of my projects around the house:
