During the rest of the year, radiators can be an ugly sight.There are a number of ways to hide your car from sight.It is easier to blend into the general decor of the space if the device is covered.Even for someone who doesn't have a lot of carpentry skills, it can be done with relatively little effort.
Step 1: Take the measurement of your car's engine block.
Take care to add a couple of inches or centimeters to the dimensions to measure the depth, width and height.The cover should be large enough to slide over the radiator.For example, a radiator that is 30 inches wide, 25 inches deep, 20 inches tall, and 22 inches in depth, will need a clearance of 32 inches.This will give you a snug but comfortable cover.
Step 2: Pick a material to use for your cover from your hardware supply store.
It doesn't need to be the case that many homeowners prefer the warm touch of wood over their radiator.Fiberboard is one of the options you might consider.Medium density fiberboard is a combination of sawdust and resins packed tightly together.It's inexpensive, takes paint well, and won't require miters.It doesn't take wood stains well.There is veneered plywood.The veneered plywood is incredibly sturdy and beautiful unfinished, but also takes a wood stain really nicely.It's a lot more expensive than it is, and probably requires some trimming on the edges of the plywood so that you don't see the center.
Step 3: Use a sheet of grating with the wood.
The heat from the radiator needs to escape the box cover in order to do so.Choose a piece of sheet metal, like a stamped aluminum sheet, with a detail that suits both the rest of the cover and the room in which it will be placed.
Step 4: The grate needs some cove molding.
It is inexpensive and will make your final piece look professional and impressive.If you don't have a saw at home to cut the mold at a 45 angle, you need to get it done before you leave the store.
Step 5: Pick a piece of sheet metal that will allow the heat to return to the room.
For example, this piece of sheet metal can be galvanized steel.You can use it on the wall behind the cover to heat up the room.
Step 6: Cut the panels of your cover at the hardware supply store.
If you don't have a skill or circular saw, a jig, or a workspace that will make cutting your wood and sheet metal easy, an easy way of getting your materials cut is to have them processed wherever you buy them.If you supply the dimensions, most hardware supply stores will cut your materials for free.
Step 7: The two side panels should be cut.
Measure two points at the top and bottom of the panel to make sure you have a straight line.To make a straight cut, place a template or jig across the line.Attach the jig to the workbench and slowly move the circular saw across the wood.If you're cutting from two smaller pieces of plywood and those pieces are the same, stack them on top of each other so that you only have to make one cut to produce both side panels.
Step 8: Remove the front panel.
Add 2 to 3 inches of extra room for clearance.Measure a top and a bottom point to make sure you have a straight line.Start the saw and slowly move it over the panel to cut the wood.
Step 9: The top should be cut.
If you use the same technique, you can cut the top 12 inch wider than the sides and the width of the front.This will make the top stand out.
Step 10: Do you want your grate opening on the front panel?
Straight lines that are between 3 to 5 inches away from the sides and top are what you should draw.The front panel will be grating because of this.If you want to have openings on the side panels as well as the front panel, follow the same procedure.
Step 11: Using a cut plunge, cut the middle of the front panel.
You need to use this trick to preserve the outer framing because the front panel is in the middle.Place your template down to guide your circular saw.The saw's blade should be elevated in the air.Pull the guide up from the circular saw, turn the saw on, and plunge it into the panel, making sure to leave a little bit of space on the corners.Pull the circular saw along the line until you reach 2.5 cm from the parallel line.If you choose to fit the side panels with grating, do the same thing.
Step 12: Using a simple handsaw, finish off the corners.
The cut should be extended until it hits the corner.The center piece is on the front panel.
Step 13: Cut your cove molding to fit in all four sides if you measure the rectangle in the front panel.
If you want the four pieces to fit into the front panel, you have to cut two 45 inside miters.
Step 14: Yellow wood glue is used to glue the moldings in place.
Attach the moldings with headless pin nails.
Step 15: Measure, cut, and fit the grate.
The front panel has a metal grating on it.Leaving at least 1 and 12 inch clearance on each side of the center rectangle, cut the grade using a straight edge and a level as a guide.After placing the rectangular grating over the inside of the front panel, secure it with some staplers.
Step 16: Hold the front to the sides with a few pin nails and wood glue, then drill and screw the panels together.
If you use MDF for your panels, you should use coarse thread drywall screws.
Step 17:
Attach the top panel to the other three pieces.Adding extra support to the back of the cabin will help to create a sturdy cover.
Step 18: The aesthetic of the cover.
The panels can be painted or stained to help blend the cover into the room.Picking a wall color that blends into the wall or picking up one of the secondary colors in the room can help make the cover look like another accessory.For a more dramatic statement, consider painting stripes or other geometric designs on the cover to match the patterns in the drapes, pillows, and other elements within the room.
Step 19: The radiator cover needs to be sealed.
Clear lacquer or sealant can be used to protect the finish of the piece after it has been painted.Before moving the finished radiator cover, allow the sealant to dry.It is possible to get several years of use before needing to repaint the accessory because of this.