How to Make a Baseboard Radiant Heat Cover With Wood

Measure the length of your existing metal baseboard heaters. Write down the measurements to cut the top and front wood cover to length. Pry the metal end caps and front cover from the existing baseboard radiant heat cover. You can leave the metal back plate as protection for the wall.

Vacuum the dust from the heating elements. Cut the wood end boards as legs for the baseboard heater. Place the boards on the table saw and cut the wood 4-inches to 6-inches wide and as tall as is necessary to cover the heating elements. You may want to make them longer to create a shelving unit for space for nick-knacks.

Cut two or three square notches, 2-inches long, out of the top of the end boards with the jigsaw. This allows for more heat to escape from the sides. Saw the top cover to match the length of the heating element. Nail the top cover to the end boards until secure.

Cut 1 support board that is 1-inch wide to 1-inch thick to match the length of the heating elements, making it two inches short at the ends. Place a stud finder against the drywall to locate the studs. Nail the support board into the studs in the wall above the metal back plate.

Attach the wood top and end boards to the support board against the wall. Cut the second support board so that you can attach it at the center of the wood top to act as a support leg for the front cover.

Cut the front cover to the required length. Measure the height to reach the wood cover, then remove 4 inches of wood. Nail the front cover to the wood support and the end boards, leaving 2 inches of space at the top. You should have a cover with openings at the top and bottom to allow heat to escape.

Sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper until smooth. Apply a clear wood stain as a sealant to protect the wood cover.