Converting Cast Iron Radiator to cast iron baseboards, anyone?? archived

We have the typical M'wood house and the LR raditors just take up a lot of space. Has anyone ever switched to a cast iron baseboard? Can you put things in front of them, where do you get them? Is it possible??

A 'baseboard' fin-type radiator can be substituted/swapped for an existing cast-iron radiator into your heating system. I'm fairly certain it does not need to be a cast-iron unit itself (and I don't think that they are even made that way anyhow....). I offer this from the fact that our system (steam) was modified at some point this way using the typical conventional copper-piped fins units. The overall system works fine, and the baseboard units provide satisfactory heat in their locations.

As for putting "things" in-front of them... well... generally - whether standing radiators or baseboards - anything in front of a radiating unit will receive most of, or block, that heat, so...... it's not a great idea to "block" or cover ANY radiator.....

Coordinate w/ your heating service company or your plumber. They'll steer you correctly, I'm sure.

And you might even refer to here to pick a model or type that you like:
http://www.slantfin.com/product-baseboard.html

Cast iron baseboard and steam are a terrible match.

Do it only if you have a circulating hot water system.

Any type of baseboard with steam is a tricky situation. A short section of 11/4" steel fin #80 in the bath is usually workable. Long lenths can be a nightmare if not piped with a drip leg as well as a supply.
In a steam system the steam and the condensate need a lot of room to get out of each other's way. Baseboard is just too narrow to allow this. Stay with radiators. If you are the guy who just won the Mega you can install recessed cast iron rads throughout the house.

I installed two steam baseboard radiators about 20 years ago, replaced standard radiators during remodel. One's in my kitchen, one in a bedroom, both have worked well. I got them at Community Plumbing on Rt 22 in Springfield.
When I installed them, I made sure they had pitch, so the condensate would drain back, the way a normal radiator does. I've never had a problem.
They aren't cast iron, but threaded black steel pipe, as plungy mentioned.

That said, I've also had some quality wooden covers made for some of my radiators, a better option, I think, because the old cast iron radiators seem to stay warm longer, and the cabinets are great looking.

I did this in my son's room and I regret it. We replaced an original cast-iron radiator with a metal baseboard unit, not cast iron. It does not give off as much heat at the same thermostat setting and it doesn't really save any space. We still have the old radiator in our garage, and I'm considering swapping it back.