Radiator cover installation bespoke in Exeter
Professional radiator cover installation bespoke services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-210
Typical Duration
1-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Bespoke radiator covers solve the problems that off-the-shelf covers can't - awkward radiator sizes, period property features, matching existing furniture, or simply wanting something better than flat-pack MDF. We can build simple custom covers or install specialist-made ones. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Standard radiator covers work for standard radiators in standard situations. But many properties have radiators that don't fit the mold - Victorian cast-iron rads, radiators in bay windows, awkward pipe positions, or simply wanting a cover that matches your existing furniture rather than looking like a flat-pack add-on.
Bespoke covers address these challenges. We can build simple custom covers for straightforward situations, or install complex bespoke covers made by specialist carpenters for high-end finishes or intricate designs.
Custom Cover Approaches
| Complexity Level | Typical Time | What's Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Simple custom MDF cover | 3-4 hours | Measuring, cutting, assembly, basic paint |
| Custom wooden cover | 4-6 hours | Hardwood materials, more complex joinery |
| Installation of specialist-made cover | 1-2 hours | Fitting, adjustments, securing |
| Built-in radiator cover furniture | 6+ hours | Integration with alcoves or existing furniture |
Why Go Bespoke
Unusual radiators: Old cast-iron radiators, very tall or very wide rads, or designer radiators with odd dimensions often don't fit standard covers.
Awkward spaces: Radiators in bay windows, alcoves, or near stairs need covers designed specifically for the space.
Matching furniture: If you want the cover to match existing furniture, kitchen units, or period features, bespoke is often the only option.
Quality materials: Solid wood covers, specific finishes, or integrated designs require custom building.
Complex features: Covers that incorporate bookcases, window seats, or other functions need bespoke design and construction.
The downside of bespoke is cost and time. Custom covers cost more than flat-pack alternatives and take longer to produce. For many situations though, they're the only practical solution.
Why Choose Us for Radiator cover installation bespoke in Exeter?
Perfect fit for awkward radiators
Designed for your specific space
Quality materials and construction
Professional installation and finishing
What to Expect
1. Consultation and Measuring
We'll discuss what you want, measure your radiator and space carefully, and advise whether we can build it or whether you need a specialist carpenter. We'll be honest about what's achievable within handyman scope versus needing more advanced joinery.
2. Quote and Timeframe
For building, we'll quote for materials and time, and give you a realistic timeframe. For installation of specialist-made covers, we'll quote for fitting once the cover is ready.
3. Build or Installation
We either build the cover (materials, construction, finishing) or install the specialist-made cover, making any final adjustments needed for perfect fit. We ensure ventilation is adequate and radiator access is maintained.
🔧 DIY Tips
Measure multiple times: Bespoke covers need exact measurements. Measure radiator width, height, and projection at several points - radiators aren't always perfectly square and walls aren't always straight.
Account for pipes and valves: Measure pipe positions carefully. Custom covers need accurate cutouts, and there's no standard template to follow.
Allow for ventilation: Custom covers must have adequate airflow - grilles in the front panel, open top or back, and raised from the floor. Don't build a solid box around your radiator.
Use moisture-resistant materials: Even in non-bathroom settings, radiators create warmth which can cause condensation. MDF is popular but swells when damp. Marine ply or solid wood copes better.
Don't impede radiator access: You'll need to access the radiator for bleeding, repairs, or valve operation. Design covers with removable panels or easy access.
Consider removal: Radiators occasionally need replacing or removing for decorating. A cover that can't be removed without destruction is a problem.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
For period properties, bespoke radiator covers can be designed to match existing features - matching skirting profiles, architrave details, or furniture style. This is particularly effective in Georgian or Victorian properties where modern flat-pack covers look out of place.
Cast-iron radiators in period properties are often deeper than modern radiators. Standard covers are too shallow. Bespoke covers can accommodate the extra depth while maintaining proportions that suit the room.
In alcoves, radiator covers can be integrated with shelving or cupboards above to create fitted furniture. This maximizes space usage but requires more advanced carpentry than simple covers.
Solid wood covers are beautiful but expensive and heavy. They also expand and contract slightly with temperature and humidity changes. Joinery needs to account for this movement or joints can crack.
For matching existing furniture, take a sample or photo to show us. Wood species, finish type, and any distinctive details help us match or recommend appropriate materials.
Custom covers for bay windows need careful design. The cover might wrap around the window bay or integrate with window seats. These are complex installations requiring precise measuring and construction.
Paint finish matters for MDF covers. A professional spray finish looks better than brush painting but requires spray equipment and space. We can brush paint simple covers, but for high-end finishes you might want a specialist sprayer.
Grille patterns for ventilation can be customized - traditional patterns, modern geometric designs, or simple rectangular slots. Fancier patterns require more cutting time and skill but can look stunning.
Building bespoke covers from scratch is sometimes cheaper than you'd expect compared to specialist furniture makers, but don't expect miracles. Good materials cost money, and custom work takes time. Budget accordingly.
If you need multiple radiator covers for several rooms and want them matching, having the first one made properly then using it as a template for others reduces costs compared to treating each as a one-off bespoke project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does bespoke radiator cover installation cost?
Installation of bespoke radiator covers costs £60 for the first hour, then £50/hour after. Installation typically takes 1-2 hours. Building a custom cover from scratch takes significantly longer (4-6+ hours) depending on complexity, materials, and design. We'll quote based on your specific requirements.
Do you build radiator covers or just fit them?
We can do both. For simple custom covers, we can build them. For more complex designs with intricate details or specialist finishes, we'll work with what you've had made by a carpenter or cabinet maker. We're honest about what's within handyman scope versus needing specialist joinery.
What makes a radiator cover 'bespoke'?
Bespoke covers are custom-made for your specific radiator and space - unusual sizes, awkward wall features, matching existing furniture, specific design requirements, or higher-end materials like solid wood rather than MDF. They're made to measure rather than off-the-shelf.
How long does it take to get a bespoke cover?
If we're building it, allow a week or two depending on our schedule and material sourcing. If you're using a specialist carpenter, they'll give you their timeline (often 2-4 weeks). Installation itself is quick once the cover is ready.
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