Last updated on March 31st, 2022
How much do radiator covers cost?
In this article, we'll cover:
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?
| Item | Unit | Average cost of labour | Average cost of materials | Average overall cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit ready-bought radiator covers (which you supply) | For 1 or 2 covers | £95 | - | £95 |
| Fit ready-bought radiator covers (which you supply) | For 7 covers | £190 | - | £190 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
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.
| Item | Unit | Average cost of labour | Average cost of materials | Average overall cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make and fit bespoke radiator covers | 1 cover | £195 | £60 | £255 |
| Painter to prime and paint radiator cover | 1 cover | - | - | £195 |
| Carpenter day rate | per day | - | - | £240-£280 |
| Carpenter hourly rate | per hour | - | - | £30-£35 |
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. Most carpenters will charge a half-day rate as a minimum, with an hourly rate of between £30 – £35 per hour, and a full day rate would cost between £240 to £280.
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 – £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.
On average it costs between £200 – £300 to get one bespoke radiator cover made and fitted.
It’s also important to factor in additional costs, including any associated decorating or finishing work. As an example, for an undercoat and 2 coats of gloss paint, you can expect to pay £36 per m2.
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.
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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.
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