I am building a corner built-in unit in the shape of an L, and am using 3/4 birch plywood and 1x pine, which will later be painted. At the end of one of the legs of the L there is an old-fashioned steam radiator over which the cabinet will go. Has anyone ever built over one of these things, and if so, what are the special considerations?
I remember seeing an article about it one time, but I can’t remember where I saw it.
Thanks,
– Brian
Replies
Brian1,
I haven't built a cabinet over a steam radiator but I have build enclosures abound them.
Leave some space at the floor 2" or 3"
Put a grill in front of the radiator at least 50% open
Insulate the sides and top and possibly the back
I used 1/2" foil faced insulation which I glued with something that would stick
The only problem I had was:
I ironed on edgebanding to the removable top edges and guess what. The heat from the radiator loosened it. So I have to cut some thin veneer and use a different glue
ASK
Dear Brian1,
In addition to the previous post, I would suggest using maple or similar instead of the pine. the heat from those old radiators can be quite considerable and if it is still a steam system, any residual steam will play Hell with the pine.
Good Luck,
John
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled