DIY Baseboard Heater Covers Out of Wood

Transform your room’s look with DIY wooden baseboard heater covers. For a small cost of $8, you can swap out rusty, dented metal covers for a charming wood design. Handmade with love in a century-old home, these covers not only hide unsightly heaters but also enhance room warmth efficiently. Safety assured for hydronic heaters, this DIY project is a blend of budget-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally superior solutions. Your space, your rules paint or stain them to fit your decor!

DIY Baseboard Heater Covers Out of Wood

Scrap wood (for two end pieces measuring 5½ x 6 x ¾ inches)
1x4x6 pieces of pine wood (for the top and front pieces; length varies by heater size)
Dowel pins
Wood glue
Double roller catch (adds stability and eases removal)
Stain or paint (choose based on your decor preference)

Tools Required:

Saw (for cutting wood to required sizes)
Drill (for assembling parts and adding dowel joints)
Router with a bit (for rounding edges on the wood)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Disassemble the Old Cover

Kick off your project by removing the existing, unsightly covers. This step is quite liberating as it marks the beginning of a transformation. Ensure you leave or replace the metal backing behind the heating fins for effective heating.

Step 2: Crafting the End Pieces

Cut two pieces of scrap wood to the specified dimensions. You might want to round off the front top edge for a smoother finish. Drill holes to fit two dowel pins into the top of each end piece and secure them with wood glue.

Step 3: Securing with a Double Roller Catch

To prevent the front piece from tilting, attach a small block of wood to the end pieces. The double roller catch is then fixed to this block, ensuring your cover stays in place yet can be easily removed if necessary.

Step 4: Assembling the Top and Front Piece

Measure and cut the pine wood to create the top and front pieces. Utilize a router to round the edges for an elegant look. Remember, only one rounded edge is needed for the top, while the front requires two.

Step 5: Joining with Dowel Joints

Carefully drill two holes on each end of the top piece, aligning them for the dowel pins on the end pieces. Avoid using glue here to allow for easy assembly and disassembly.

Step 6: Putting It All Together

It’s time to bring all the pieces together. Fit the top piece onto the dowel pins of the end pieces. The front section should snap into place nicely with the double roller catch.

Step 7: Finishing Touches with Stain or Paint

The final step involves choosing a stain or paint that complements your room’s decor. Apply your chosen finish, let it dry, and admire your handiwork. Throughout this project, not only have you managed to save costs, but you’ve also added a touch of personal flair to your room. This easy, affordable solution has transformed an often-overlooked area into a statement of style. Whether you decide to paint, stain, or even switch up the colors in the future, your new baseboard heater covers are sure to be a conversation starter among your guests.