Fitting A Worktop Above A Radiator

[j0nb0y]

Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to fit a worktop/ breakfast bar over a radiator. I am trying to add some eating space in my kitchen and have a large wall with just a radiator on it. Would it decrease the radiator efficiency considerably if I did this? I suppose I could cut the worktop to 500mm at a push if needed.

Any answers much appreciated.

[brenda]

As you can buy shelves to fit above a radiator to deflect heat into the room ,I don't think your work top would be a problem. However, am not knowledgeable about these things,just passing an opinion.Am sure someone will come up with more details.

[douglas9401]

It'll be fine Jon, just don't leave the butter dish on it. :)

[alavahalf]

It wont decrease the efficiency of the radiator if you fit a worktop over it
... the rising hot air will then pour out 600mm away from the wall where it would have risen vertically ... had the radiator not been covered.
Myself I find it too warm to sit at when the heating is on ... although the wife, daughter and cat think it's great !

[silliemillie]

We have exactly that, our breakfast bar goes above our radiator as there was nowhere else to put it.

It's fine but can get a bit warm, I like it like that but if you don't then you might want to turn it off.

[The Builder]

Yes, often done jonboy.
I'm assuming you have a conventional laminate worktop. They're quite stable, so can take the heat. If it were a timber one, IKEA or hardwood etc, then it may possibly warp. Most unlikely though. It just depends on how good the airflow is in the area.

[Old_Geezer]

I keep wanting to put together a fold down one over a radiator, but I never get around to it, and dread not getting the right heavy duty stays anyway.

[whiskeryron]

Forgive me with this answer as I know nothing about fitting a worktop above a radiator, but in my head I can see nothing wrong with a worktop with a double row of neat holes drilled at the back to allow the rising heat to pass through. Does this sound a practical solution ?

WR.

[whiskeryron]

Ref above. In my long DIY life I have tackled many jobs in an unorthodox way which all proved to be very successful. For example when my wife & I moved into our first house we found that quite a few wall tiles in the bathroom were broken or cracked, & as we could not at the time afford to have the bathroom completely stripped & re-decorated I chiseled all the tiles off, put battens on the wall, nailed plasterboard on & then added vinyl tile panels which looked quite attractive & lasted for years.

WR.

[The Builder]

Ron... re: the ventilation......... a very good idea. The worktop could even be spaced off the wall by an inch or two for the same effect to maintain convection.

[Sipowicz]

I've seen worktops fitted with a metal mesh grill running along the back of the worktop to aid convection.

[carrust]

Could you move the radiator?