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Anybody have any new sources for wooden radiator covers? I’ve tried a few companies and haven’t been impressed. Tried a local cabinet maker, but he’s getting a little too pricey. So, I’m looking for other options. Anyone?
SHG
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Prairie Woodworking
Oak Park, IL
708-386-0603;
Fax: Same as phone
Hand-crafted hardwood radiator enclosures
in Arts & Crafts-influenced styles. Standard
designs, as well as custom work available.
http://www.bitsmart.com/radiator
View Image ALT="price hall">
*I've looked at praire. Too many adjustments needed to use. When you need to install 30 covers, you don't want to have to rebuilt every one to fit.But thanks.SHG
*I used cast iron grilles from Reggio Registers and had an oak box made to fit. The job was pretty simple because all the detail is in the registers. The box has recessed lip around each register hole (leave some space for the wood to shrink to avoid wood splitting next winter).The registers are pricey when you have to buy several for each box but maybe you will qualify for a discount (30 radiators, gosh).I used several small registers cuz I liked the look, but if you can use a few large ones in each box (personal preference, I think) that will help keep the price down.By the way, the more holes you can provide the more heat you'll get out - and holes in the top are the most important of all (chimney effect).One interesting benefit I found from boxing the radiator was that chimney effect, causing the heat to move up instead of directly out. If you have some antique furniture, or an infant, that you don't want experiencing the full heat next to the radiator, you will be pleased that the sides will stay cool (air goes "in" there) and all the heat goes up to go out.
*SHG, Do your radiator cover HAVE to be wood? MONARCH, P.O.Box 326, 111 Kero Rd. Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (201)507-5551 makes steel enclosures. Prices start at $24. You can order a brochure for a buck. No idea of quality or durability or suitability for your application.
*Yeah, only wood. Steel covers would not do. Thanks anyway.SHG
*SHG,I'm not sure where you live, so this might not help. I live in south eastern Pennsylvania, and there is a chain of stores around here called Marstans Unpainted Furniture. Unfortunately, I do not know what their prices are or what the quality of their material is - I caught them out of the corner of my eye while shopping with the wife.Good luck.
*Actually, out your way is a company, I think they're called the Wooden Radiator Cover Company (very imaginative name, right?) that says they use Menonite craftsman and make a very nice looking cover. They advertise in traditional building. But they are pretty pricey (not so bad for what they give you) but there's a hitch. They say that they can customize, but they really don't. The one item that I need customized, scribe the base to the molding, they don't do. I don't want to buy 60 of these things at something like $500@ and then have to cut 'em up and repaint them.Anybody out there want a good business idea? SHG
*SHG,
View Image © 1999-2000"More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly." Woody Allen
*Nice boxes Joe. I've made a few on site for special situations. I could do them all, I suppose, but it's not a real efficient use of time. It's like having someone make regular moldings instead of Dykes. But it looks like we'll have to anyway. Not the worst thing in life, but I hate to use people that way. Seems it should be a whole lot faster, easier and less expensive the other way.By the way, I've used birch ply and poplar. They clean up nice.SHG
*Hey SHGLaw,Here's a deal, and its for real. Since your local cabinetmaker was building you these covers, you must have provided him with a drawing no doubt. I'm an industrial carpenter, but I have a nice woodshop that I built, and I love to do cabinet work "on the side." I can build anything to spec.Send me the spec drawing, name the species of wood you want the cover to be made from (Red Oak, White Ash, Hickory, Maple, or whatever)and quote me a price that you feel is fair, and I'll build you the cover and send it back to you within 1 week from receipt of your spec drawing. If you like the work, send me the money for that cover, and lets work out a contract for the other 29. If you don't like it, keep it, you owe me nothing.I can "knock off 30 of those covers and have them delivered to you within 2 to 3 weeks from when ordered.This is a serious offer, no joke.E-mail me if your serious too.I don't know what part of the country you're from. I reside just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.Davo.