Step 3: Attach the trim

attaching the trim with hammer and nail
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Fasten each piece of ¾-inch cove molding with wood glue and 4d (1 ½-inch) finish nails. To prevent the nails from splitting the molding, especially when nailing close to the mitered ends, first drill ½-inch-diameter pilot holes. Repeat the above procedure for attaching trim to the other screen openings.

Tip: To get the molding to fit snugly, measure out each section with an adjacent piece in place, then cut everything just a hair too long.
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    Tools List

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    • drill
      Drill/driver,
      with ½-inch spade bit and countersink bit
    • circular saw
      Circular saw
    • hand clamps
      Clamps
    • jigsaw
      Jigsaw
    • miterbox with saw
      Miter box and handsaw
    • metal cutting snips
      Tin snips
    • staple gun
      Staple gun
    • scribe
      Scribe,
      to contour box around baseboards

    Shopping List

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    1. 3/4-INCH MDF

    Measure the front, sides and top of your radiator to determine how much you need.



    2. SCREEN

    Comes in 3-by-3 foot sheets. Get enough to cover the front opening and two side openings.



    3. SHEET METAL

    Slides behind the radiator to reflect heat outward.



    4. 3/4-INCH MOLDING

    to give a finished appearance to the screen openings.



    5. 1 5/8-INCH COARSE DRYWALL SCREWS

    to fasten the cover's sides and front.



    6. 1/2-INCH STAPLES

    to attach the screen to the cover.



    7. WOOD GLUE

    to attach molding.



    8. 4d FINISH NAILS

    for fastening the molding.



    9. 1x SCRAP

    to make cleats that hold the cover's top in place.



    10. FEET

    Check woodworking catalogs for furniture feet in metal or wood. You may need longer screws than the ones provided with the feet in order to fasten them through the thick MDF.