How do I find a nice-looking radiator grill?



Question:

I am having someone make me natural maple wood radiator covers. I have been looking for the grating/grillwork that goes in the middle to allow the hot air to get out. The only ones I have found to date are the cheap-looking sheets that are sold at Home Depot or Lowe's. Can you point me to a Web page or somewhere else I can check to find something that looks nicer? Thanks. -- Julie S.

Answer: There are a number of companies that specialize in custom-made radiator covers, in both wood and metal, with the grills already installed; these come with pre-painted or pre-stained options. A company that I have had good luck with in the past for my own use is Monarch Custom Radiator Enclosures (www.monarchrad.com or call (201) 507-5551). It carries about a dozen styles, from basic grill work designs to enclosures that incorporate bookcases. The covers are made of steel (which is more efficient for heat transfer) and come in many different colors. You might want to consider using a steel radiator in a room with high humidity -- like a kitchen or bath -- because you won't have the swelling and contracting issues of wood, and the cover will last longer.

In your case, however, you are probably having your radiator covers made locally -- and, as you said, you just need the grills. One company I often turn to and recommend frequently for hard-to-find "house parts" is Van Dyke's Restorers catalog, which seems to carry everything. Check out its Website at www.vandykes.com or order a catalog by calling (800) 558-1234. It carries decorative wood grills in red oak, maple and cherry with a 1" grill opening in 24" x 36" panels as well as a variety of decorative metal grills. I especially like these, as they come in a variety of finishes -- nickel, satin brass, antique brass and antique copper -- in about 10 different grill designs. The metal grill openings range from 1" to 1/8" and come in sheet sizes starting at 18" x 24" up to 36" x 48".

After a little digging on the Web, I found a fabulous company, Pattern Cut Inc., that specializes in laser-cut wood vents. It offers eight gorgeous designs in maple (paint grade), oak and cherry and will also custom-cut a grill to your specifications. Check it out at www.patterncut.com or (714) 994-9604.

On a more playful note, I also found a company called Radiant Wraps that does custom cutouts, like seashells -- maybe for a beach house or child's room. You may just want to check out its Website for future use: www.radiantwraps.com.

Whichever style, finish or material you decide to go with, remember to have fun with the enclosures. They don't all have to be the same style or color. For example, they could be different in the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen -- choose a cutout or grill pattern that best suits the decor of each room. I would recommend, however, that in rooms that open up to one another, you choose a consistent style.

To read more advice for home decorating, visit Country Living.


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