How to Measure and Cut a Steel Baseboard Heater Cover

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How to Measure and Cut a Steel Baseboard Heater Cover

When the time comes to replace your rusted and outdated baseboard heater cover, it isn’t often clear where you should begin with the process. For some, this project may seem confusing and can lead them to push it off. Learn how to measure and cut a steel baseboard heater cover; it’s really not as hard as you might think!

Determine the Dimensions

The crucial first step to your project is to determine what the dimensions of the old covers are. Baseboard heater covers are no different. Start by taking your tape measure and determining the heater’s height from the floor. Remember that standard baseboard heaters will be 7 ½-8 ½ inches high.

Next, obtain the length of the current cover by measuring from the outside of one end cap to the outside of the other.

Identify End Cap Design

Once you have your measurements, note the type of end caps on your current cover. For instance, you may notice that one end cap is closed while the other is open in order to allow piping to go through to the next room. You’ll need to take extra care to order the proper end caps to ensure your new cover looks and functions better than the original.

Mark Measurements on New Cover and Cut

If your new cover is too long for your existing heater, you will need to cut it down to size for it to fit properly. As such, take care to apply the measurements to the new cover and mark them with a sharpie to ensure you have clear guidelines.

When cutting a steel cover, always use the proper safety equipment, goggles, gloves, and a jigsaw to get the job done effectively. Start at the top of the cover and work your way toward the bottom, adjusting your movement to fit with the cover’s curves as you go. If you notice that the edges of the cover are sharp, you might also want to sand or file them down before installing.

At EZ Snap Covers, we understand how daunting the process of cutting and installing a new baseboard heater cover can be to some. That’s why it’s our mission to provide you with custom cut baseboard heater covers to ease some of your worries. Without the additional concern of needing to cut your new cover, all you need to focus on is the simple process of installing it.

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How to measure baseboard heaters:

Step 1
HOW TO MEASURE

Always measure left to right, and twice for accuracy

Floor to top of Fintube | EZ Snap™ Baseboard Heater Covers

Step 1: Floor to top of Wall plate

Measure the height from the floor to the top of the metal wall plate.

Follow our guide for baseboard heater cover measurement:

Any baseboard larger than 7 3/8" (188 mm) will be compatible with our standard cover.

Any measurement greater than 9 3/8" (238 mm) will fit our tall cover.

Fin Tube Height | EZ Snap™ Baseboard Heater Covers

Step 2: Bottom of Fintube to Top of Wall Plate

Measure from the bottom of the finned tube heating element to the top of the metal wall plate,

A measurement of 5 1/2" to 6 3/4" (140 mm – 172 mm) will fit our standard cover.

A measurement of 7 1/2" to 8 3/4" (191 mm – 222 mm) will fit our tall cover.

Depth | Measure | EZ Snap™ Baseboard Heater Cover

Step 3: Back Wall to Front of Fintube

Measure the distance from the wall or the metal wall plate attached to the wall, to the outside of the finned tube heating element.

Any measurement of less than 3 1/8" (76 mm) inches from the wall will fit our

standard cover.

Any measurement of less than 3 1/8" (76 mm) inches from the wall will fit our tall cover.

Step 2
DETERMINE IF BRACKETS ARE NECESSARY

Always measure left to right, and twice for accuracy

Wall Widget

EZ Snap™ Wall Widgets are used when your old or existing wall back plate has been removed or if you have to hang your new cover 1 inch or higher to bring them up to a height that will fit our installation guidelines. Just measure your overall desired height, subtract 1", drill a hole, preferably in a stud and attach it to the wall with the included screw.

Floor Fidgets

EZ Snap™ Floor Fidgets easily raise your new covers ¾ inch to compensate for any ¾ inch floor (wood, tile, or other) that has been installed any time since your baseboard heater was originally installed. May be used for any reason when the overall height has been shortened and the total height is less than 7-½ inches for standard height or 9-½ inches for the TALL height EZ Snap™ BaseBoard Covers. Just use the self-tapping screws to secure them to the top of your existing wallplate.

Wall Contraptions

EZ Snap™ Wall Contraptions are used when your wall back plate has been completely removed. EZ Snap™ Wall Contraptions receives your EZ Snap™ BaseBoard Cover and keeps your aluminum fin tube from sagging. These completely replace your wall back plate. To install, slide up from the bottom and make sure the top is at your desired height. Screw to the wall, then bend the front finger up to hold the fin tube in place.