Oak top for radiator cabinet.

[S1Don]

Hello I have made a MDF radiator cabinet and I am planning on using an oak top for it. Can anyone recommend a good finish for it as I am wanting to help it not crack over time with the heat.

Thank you in advance.

Simon.

 

[undergroundhunter]

If it wants to crack then nothing you can do will stop it. Chances are it will bow and/or twist over time as well. The only thing I can think is to use quarter sawn and very dry oak, this may help but it will defiantly not guarantee it won't move/split over time.

Matt

 

[custard]

Think about Oak veneered ply or MDF, solid wood on top of a rad is just a recipe for trouble.

 

[Jamesc]

I agree with the above, but having said that I have ignored the accepted wisdom and made radiator grilles and covers from solid oak. I made sure that the slots to let the heat out were adequately sized (not difficult and I can explain if you want) for the airflow from the radiator.
I made sure all faces were finished with the same (I used 4 coats of Danish Oil). I then glued a sheet of insulation typically sold to go behind radiators (totally useless for what it is sold for - don't even get me started) on the inside, my theory being this would help to stop the internal face getting too hot and drying out quicker than the outside.
I have just checked and the two covers I made in 3/4 American white oak 22 and 14 years ago have not moved. I know I got lucky to an extent and installed them both with the provision to be removable if it all went west. I think the finishing made a big difference and the long slots to let the air out effectively have taken most of the strength from the timber

James

 

[S1Don]

Thank you all for your advise I will have to give it some thought as to what I do next.

 

[katellwood]

This is Ash and Iroko





Been in approx 2 years now and not moved at all

Finish is Osmo on the Ash and Danish on the Iroko

There is a piece of mirror backed p/board down the back of the rad to reflect the heat into the room

 

[scholar]

This is Ash and Iroko





Been in approx 2 years now and not moved at all

Finish is Osmo on the Ash and Danish on the Iroko

There is a piece of mirror backed p/board down the back of the rad to reflect the heat into the room

That looks very nice - really like the woven panel.

Just one point - I think radiator covers work better if the radiator and any visible bits of the recess behind it are painted a dark colour - it then just disappears.

I have used Rustoleum Spray paint - oil rubbed bronze metallic - which looks good.

Cheers

 

[scholar]

Just one point - I think radiator covers work better if the radiator and any visible bits of the recess behind it are painted a dark colour - it then just disappears.

I have used Rustoleum Spray paint - oil rubbed bronze metallic - which looks good.

Cheers

This is an old pic where I used this paint



Cheers