Best thing to box in pipes

[Leaxx215]

Hi
I hope you can help....
What is the best thing to box in central heating pipes?
I want it to look really tidy and be able to paint over it well.

Many thanks

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I suppose the obvious neat quick-fix for pipework has to be Pendock (sold on-line by UK Boxings, etc)which is made from pre-formed plywood with a pre-painted white surface. There are other products on the market like Talon (plastic) and Zylo (similar materials to Pendoc, tighter radii). They all have the advantage of being quick to install, and if well fitted, looking reasonably good. They don't work well on really wonky wal;ls, though, for which the more traditional approach of 2 x 1in softwood framing with 12mm MDF coverinsg is probably the neatest way to go

 

[Leaxx215]

Thank you for your reply.
A joiner is coming in to do it for us. He suggested ply wood as he already has some off cuts. But I found that a pain to paint last time we had that (took loads of coats and looked quite cheap)

wasn't sure if mdf or ply wood was good with poss condensation from hot pipes?

 

[Burnerman]

Personally I'd go for solid timber....a bit more forgiving than MDF fixing wise, and no raw edge that you get with ply. MDF does paint well though.
However, pre finished stuff that JobandKnock suggests is easier but usually more expensive.
Either way, are you happy fixing the boxing to the walls?
Condensation wont be an issue here.
John

 

[foxhole]

I always use MDF , quick and easy fix.

 

[Burnerman]

Agreed - if people know how to work it!
John

 

[Leaxx215]

Thank you all for your replies. Think I will be giving MDF a try.

Thanks
Leanne

 

[Burnerman]

Use a pilot drill if you intend to use screws, Leanne - prevents splitting of the material.
Good luck with your project!
John

 

[Deleted member 174758]

wasn't sure if mdf or ply wood was good with poss condensation from hot pipes?

If you are that concerned use the green, moisture resistant MDF (MR-MDF) and pre-seal with oil-based primer, but TBH that's probably overkill. There shouldn't be any condensation on the pipes within the boxing because done properly (i.e. with all the entry and exit cut-outs within 1 to 2mm of the pipes) you are creating a closed environment around the pipe where no condensation can possibly form. Main thing about MDF is to make sure that the edges are thouroughly sanded before priming and to use a thinned-down oil-based primer as your first coat