Designing built-ins - what to do with baseboard heat?

Proulx06

We have an old split level, and the living room is ripe for built-ins.



Figure one side for kids' toys, another for audio-visual, plus shelving for pictures and whatnot. My plan is to piece it together using pre-made cabinets (just a DIYer), then shelving on top. I was going to use the whole space on the right (no baseboard heat), but the space on the left (see bottom left, behind the toy stroller) has baseboard heat on that wall only. It goes all the way to the back wall, then stops.

Should I build just up to the baseboard? Can I build over it and install some sort of vent? Should I have the baseboard heat pipes moved so they stop before the future built-in?

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oh'mike

Shorten the baseboard if possible-----If you don't you will regret the looks of the installation---and be really unhappy if the radiator ever needs service or cleaning.

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ControlTech

The only problem with cutting the baseboard short is that the piping may run the full length to the corner...

Maybe your cabinetry can be configured to allow access to the corner for future service - but for cosmetic reasons, you can cut and recap the baseboard cover to make it appear to end just shy of the cabinetry.

12penny

I think I have to go with Mike on this one. A good plumber should be
able to knock that out pretty quick or DIY if you have a mind to.

It's just the right way to do it.

echobravo

if you dont want to mess with the baseboard heat, as a DIYer i would build over it.
maybe 10-12 inches above it would be the bottom of the cabinet
and leave the floor open. maybe use a small basket on wheels or something you can just slide in and out