Install the baseboard with construction adhesive and nails.The electric baseboard heater uses convection to circulate air. Install the panel with small beads of construction adhesive and finishing nails.Ĭut the baseboard to fit just to the end caps of the heater. Use the heater measurements without the housing.Ĭut the panel accordingly, and fit the panel over the baseboard heater to make sure your cuts are correct. Mark a template on the back of your wainscoting panel where the heater will be. Measure the heater without the housing, both length and height. Prepare the heater, and remove the metal housing. Replace the metal housing over your baseboard heater. Measure and cut the baseboard trim, ensuring that you cut 45-degree angles where they will join with the side pieces of the frame. Install the top piece of the frame in the same manner, fitting the angles into the angles of the side pieces. Install the other piece of side trim in the same manner, again ensuring that the 45-degree angle goes inward, toward the heater and down. Use a couple of beads of construction adhesive, and press the piece into place, next to the end cap, making sure the 45-degree angle at the top angles inward. Place the end caps on the heater for a correct fit. For example, if your heater is 8 inches off the floor, and the trim is 6 inches wide, cut the trim to 14 inches. This is for installing the baseboard trim, which will also be cut at a 45-degree angle. Cut one end of each piece at a 45-degree angle - the angles will go from the outer-top corners inward when they're installed, and they will be opposite each other. For example, if your heater is 5 feet long, and your trim is 6 inches wide, you will cut this piece of trim to 6 feet - 5 feet plus 12 inches.Ĭut two pieces of trim to a length equal to the height of your heater, plus the width of the trim. Cut the ends at a 45-degree angle - the angles will go from the top inward when the trim's installed. Measure the width of the three-quarter-inch - or larger - trim that you have chosen.Ĭut one piece of trim to a length equal to the length of the heater, plus twice the width of the trim, using a miter saw. Measure the width and length of the heater. If you are planning to reuse it, take care not to damage it during the removal. Remove the baseboard trim with a pry bar and hammer, and set aside.

How to install baseboard heat