Five measurements. Ten minutes. The cover only fits if these are right.
Every Elm Standard cover is built to the dimensions you provide. There's no stock, no "close enough." That makes accurate measurements the most important part of the order — for both of us.
If you're local, I'll come measure for you. If you're ordering flat-pack, this guide and the printable worksheet are how we get it right the first time.
Ninety seconds. Five measurements. One radiator.
Take them in order. Write them down. Photograph the radiator.
Length
Pull your tape from one end of the radiator to the other. If pipes or valves stick out the sides, include them in the measurement. Round up to the nearest quarter inch.
A → B · ¼" upDepth
Measure from the wall to the deepest point on the front of the radiator. Usually this is the front face, but check for pipes that might project further.
wall → frontHeight
Floor to the top of the radiator. If the floor isn't level (old houses), measure at the high spot.
floor → topDistance to baseboard
How far does the radiator sit from the nearest baseboard? The cover's base will need to clear it or sit against it cleanly. If the radiator is mounted on top of the baseboard, note that too.
rad → baseboardSide clearance
How much wall space do you have to either side of the radiator? Window casings, walls, electrical outlets, anything that limits how wide the cover can be. I usually want at least ¾" of breathing room each side.
≥ ¾" each sideMost radiators have at least one. None of them are dealbreakers — I just need to know about them.
Measure how far they project from the radiator and how high they sit off the floor.
Note the height off the floor.
Measure the recess too, including its depth.
Measure the gap and the baseboard heat unit.
Note it — I may need to add toe-kick clearance.
Photograph the radiator from three angles (straight on, from each side) and include the photos with your quote request. A picture answers a lot of questions.
I'd rather chat for five minutes now than rebuild a cover later.
If anything looks tricky — pipes in unusual places, baseboard heat next to it, a tile floor that may need extra clearance — send me a photo before you measure.
Print, measure, and send.
Worksheets cover the most common radiator situations. Pencil-fillable, one page each.