Buying A Cast Iron Radiator

Once you have made the decision to buy a restored cast iron radiator it really could not be simpler. Follow the steps below or contact us and one of our team will discuss your order based on your individual requirements.

1. Take rough measurements of the room, or area you want to heat - width, length and also the ceiling height. Ask your plumber to calculate your BTU requirement or use the BTU calculator which bases the calculation on the existence of double glazing, orientation and type of room i.e. a bedroom, hall etc.

For example: 12ft x 8ft x 9ft bathroom = 4320 BTU

2. Choose the radiator style i.e. Princess, 4-column, School. Photos of the different radiator styles can be found on our Radiator Styles section.

3. Decide on the height that you would you like your radiator. Are you restricted by window height?

4. Divide the total BTU required (see 1. above) by the BTU per section of the radiator height and style that you have chosen. This will determine the number of sections that will be needed to provide the required BTU. Details of the BTU provided per section for each radiator height is found in the PRICE LIST.

For example: 4 column radiator is the chosen style and 36" is preferred height. Divide 4320 BTU by 499 (the BTU output per section taken from the price list) = 8.7. Therefore, 9 sections are recommended to heat the bathroom.

Other heights of the same 4 column radiator will need more sections. In the example below the calculation is repeated but for a 30" high 4 Column Radiator with a rating of 411 BTU/section :

4320/ 411 = 10.5 (decide on whether you need to round down to an 10 section or round up to a 11section).

5. Now measure the space to ensure there is sufficient wall space to accommodate the radiator. The PRICE LIST lists the section width of each radiator style. Simply multiply the width of one section by the number of sections needed. Add an allowance of 3" (75mm) at either end if you intend to buy valves from us.

For example: the 4 column radiator 36" high that has been chosen has a section width of 2", so multiple 2" by 9 section to get a width of 18". Now add 6" (2 x 3" per valve) to get an overall width of 24". This is the wall space that is needed in order to accommodate the radiator.

6. Should you find that the space is smaller than that needed for the radiator, you will need to consider a taller radiator, i.e. fewer sections and therefore not as wide. If, however, you cannot accommodate a taller radiator because of a window, then you may need to consider a different style that has a greater BTU per section. In this example a 4 column radiator was the preferred radiator, so a 6 column radiator is the alternative style. But do give a thought to having 2 smaller radiators rather than 1 radiator if you really are limited on wall space. Under no circumstances would it be recommend that you simply buy a smaller radiator to fit a confined space if the BTU is insufficient to heat the room. However as cast iron radiators really do kick out heat, it is highly unlikely that space will be an issue.

7. Having selected the radiator style you like and calculated the height and number of sections needed, you now need to decide on the Radiator Finish, this section shows examples of finished radiators. Please contact us for paint samples if required.

8. Your final choice is the style and material of valves. View our VALVES to decide whether you would like brass, nickel, copper or chrome valves, and if the valves are to be manually or thermostatically controlled. We strongly advise that a wall stay is used for all radiators (with the exception of the squat radiators) which are painted to complement the radiator or available in brass or chrome .
Visit Our Showroom At:
Hallmark Farm,
Ashford Road (A28), St Michaels, Kent TN30 6SP
Open Monday - Friday  09:00 - 17:00,  Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Telephone: 01233 850082
Contact By Email
Visit our Sister Site, Architectural Treasures, for Fireplaces, Reclaimed
Doors, Stained Glass, Garden Statuary and more....
Architectural Treasures
This website and its content is copyright of TheOldRadiatorCompany.co.uk
 © The Old Radiator Company 2009. All rights reserved.
 Terms & Conditions