Advice on Built-in around floor radiator

[elimelech12]

I was going to help my brother with built-ins around a nice new bay window he put in, but when I went today to help him measure out and figure out materials I notice he was his heating unit along the entire length of the wall! Is there anyway around this or will he need to have it relocated?

[elimelech12]

anyone????

[PaulMarcel]

So is this a small radiant heat (I think called a baseboard heater)? As in, is it something down by the baseboard, maybe 5" high, 3" deep? If so, see if he can remove that first; regardless of any code, you wouldn't want to put a built-in over it. If it's removed, you won't get the heating benefit so you might want to instead incorporate it into the toe-kick area of the built-in. Depending on how the toe-kick is built, you might be able to do it. Just check the heater manufacturer's specs for clearances around the unit.

If the built-in's toe-kick is the usual 3" and the heater would need, say, a 6" toe-kick, just build it up and install the built-in higher. Assuming that is possible.

If it isn't a baseboard heater, it would be helpful for a link to the unit or photo of what's currently there.

[elimelech12]

yeh it is baseboard heating...but you definitely wouldn't recommend build above it?

[Vic]

Like Paul said, check the manufacturer specs for clearance on the baseboards. The last thing you want to do is have that new built-in be kindling for a house fire.

[iSawitFirst]

if you built over the heater and it doesn't catch on fire (which it will), consider the temp differential that your wood will be subjected, ie. major shrinking and expanding. I agree that moving the heat source is the way to go.