Radiator covers cost guide
by
Checkatrade

Whether you’re looking for a way to maximise storage or simply hoping to make unsightly radiators more aesthetically pleasing, installing radiator covers is a great solution. But how much do radiator covers cost? We’ll break it all down here.

How much do radiator covers cost?

The cost of radiator covers will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your location
• The size of your radiators
• The type of radiators
• How many radiators you need covers for
• Whether you buy off-the-shelf covers or get bespoke covers made

Should I get an off-the-shelf or bespoke radiator cover?

It’s usually cheapest to get off-the-shelf radiator covers fitted, especially if you want them installed across the whole house. It costs around £95 to install one or two off-the-shelf radiator covers, or £190 to install seven. That’s because a contractor will normally charge you their half-day rate as a minimum.

Just remember that this doesn’t include the cost of buying the radiator covers themselves. If you buy them online, you could pay anywhere from £20 to £100 per cover.

Although bespoke radiator covers are more expensive, you generally get what you pay for. They’re made exactly to your requirements, which means they’ll sit neatly over your radiator valves and will take into account any mouldings, latticework and other quirks of your home.

It costs around £255 to get one bespoke radiator cover made and fitted.

Are radiator covers worth it?

Radiator covers come with a ton of benefits, such as:

• Childproofing: Radiator covers make the ideal safety barrier between a hot radiator and a child, minimising the chance of any accidents.

• Appearance: Radiator covers are usually aesthetically pleasing and are a great way of hiding unsightly radiators.

• Storage: Radiator covers can be used as additional shelving or even as a window seat, allowing you to use previously unusable space.
• Noise reduction: Radiator covers can help to reduce noise if you have loud radiators.

FAQs

Do radiator covers block heat?

Well-designed radiator covers leave plenty of space for warm air to travel through and don’t block any heat. Some even have a reflective backing, which can actually make radiators more efficient.

In contrast, badly-designed covers can trap heat and make your energy bills go up. So, consult a professional to make sure your radiator cover is designed for maximum efficiency.

Do radiator covers fix to the wall?

Most radiator covers fix to the wall but some are freestanding. Freestanding radiator covers usually come in flat-pack and simply slide into place. So, you’re unlikely to need a professional’s help to install them.

That said, we’d recommend getting covers that fix to the wall because they’re more secure. This means you can use them for shelving. Plus, they’re less of a safety hazard around children and pets.