Installing a Column Radiator Cost

There are a lot of different radiator styles on the market, but few are as popular as column radiators.

By striking the perfect balance between style and heating efficiency, column radiators use vertical columns to create a classic appearance, whilst also delivering excellent heat output. This makes them suitable for both period properties and modern interiors.

There are a few reasons behind the rising popularity of column radiators, but their appeal is driven largely by the combination of aesthetics and functionality, which means these radiators can enhance the look of living rooms, bathrooms and hallways.

Below, we’ve taken a look at the costs associated with installing a column radiator, including radiator supply, tradesperson labour and additional expenses.

How Much Does Installing a Column Radiator Cost?

The average cost of fitting a column radiator is between £220 and £400, depending on the size, type and complexity of the project.

How much does it cost to install or replace a column radiator?

The cost to replace a single radiator can vary depending on several factors, but for most straightforward replacements, a professional can complete the job in a few hours.

The number of columns, the material, the number of units and whether it’s a straightforward swap to a new installation all have an impact.

You can also expect to pay more if you’re in an area where labour costs are higher, such as London and the South East.

Column Radiator Installation Prices

As you might expect, these costs are averages for straightforward installations. However, more complex projects, such as laying new pipework or removing an existing radiator, cost more. For example, pipework can cost anywhere from £350 to £700.

Column Radiator Supply Costs

One of the highest costs of installing a column radiator is the supply of the radiator itself. The cost of a column radiator ranges hugely, from as low as £100 to £500, and even higher. The price depends on material, finish, size and brand, as well as any optional extras you choose.

• Budget Steel 2 Column Radiator - You can expect to pay around £100 for smaller, standard models.
• Mid-Range Designer Model - A designer radiator can cost anywhere from £200 to £400, as they’re often larger, with multiple columns or quality finishes.
• Premium Cast Iron Designs - You should expect to pay between £400 and £800 for premium column radiators, especially if you’re looking for a taller unit or a bespoke finish.
• Stainless Steel Radiators - Stainless steel radiators are another popular choice, offering excellent corrosion resistance, long-lasting quality, and a modern look. They tend to be more expensive than standard steel but are valued for their durability and style. They can cost between £200 and £1000.

You will also need to add in the cost of optional extras, such as adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), which usually cost between £8 and £33.

Additional Costs of Installing a Column Radiator

There are additional costs to factor in when you’re budgeting for column radiator installation, such as:

• Removal and Disposal - If you’re replacing an existing radiator, professional removal and disposal costs need to be considered.
• Pipework - Installing a new radiator in a different location or extending pipework to fit a vertical or column radiator often requires professional plumbing work.
• Plastering or Wall Repairs - Installing a new radiator can leave marks or holes, so you might need to hire a professional plasterer to patch, smooth and finish the wall.
• Painting or Finishing - After plastering, repainting the wall to match the surrounding decor may be necessary. This adds a small cost depending on the size of the area and the paint used.
• Upgrading Radiator Valves - Replacing old valves or adding TRVs improves energy efficiency and control, but increases the cost of installation if a professional is needed.
• Power Flush - A power flush may be needed to clear sludge or debris from the heating system before installing a new radiator, which can add to the overall cost.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Column Radiator Installation

The labour cost of installing a column radiator tends to be charged hourly, at between £40 and £80 per hour, though some tradespeople charge a flat job fee.

Hiring a local plumber or heating engineer can help reduce travel costs and ensure prompt service, as they are nearby and familiar with local regulations.

For a simple replacement, you should budget for between 2 and 3 hours' worth of work, with new installations and pipework usually taking between 4 and 6 hours. If multiple radiators are fitted at once, costs per unit may be lower due to economies of scale.

Cost Factors for Installing a Column Radiator

There are a handful of factors that influence the cost of fitting a column radiator, including:

• The size, weight and material of the radiator.
• How accessible the area is, as poor accessibility requires more time and work, due to the inconvenience.
• Whether the pipework needs altering or it’s a straight swap.
• The type of wall fixings required, especially for heavy cast iron units, requires specialist fixings or additional support.
• The number of radiators being installed.
• The location of the property, as tradespeople in urban cities and the South tend to charge more than those in rural or Northern areas.

Most radiators are durable and customisable, but costs can vary significantly depending on features, size, and installation requirements.

Central Heating and Radiator Installation

Getting your central heating to work properly has a lot to do with getting your radiator installation right. It's all about even heat distribution throughout the house, and that relies on the right fit with your existing heating system - the boiler, the pipes, and all the other radiators.

If you need a new radiator or just a replacement, it's crucial to figure out how it will all mesh together. You could be looking at anything from £150 to £1,000 for the average radiator replacement - although to be honest, that can vary wildly depending on what kind of radiator you're looking for, how big it is and how tricky the job is.

Tapping up a professional plumber or heating engineer is the best way to get a handle on what you've got and figure out the best sort of radiator for each room. You can get ones that mount to the wall, or single- or double-panel units designed to fit your space and heating needs.

They'll help you decide between a panel radiator and the other style that will be best for you and sort out any upgrading or repairs you might need to get the most out of your heating system. And the upshot of getting a high-quality radiator is not only that your living space will be much cosier, but also that your energy bills will come down and the whole system will run much more efficiently.

Building Regulations for Installing Column Radiators

You’ll need to pay an additional fee to building regulations for installing column radiators; these are there to ensure the installation is safe and meets health and safety guidelines.

There are various UK building regulations to pay attention to, such as:

• Part L of the Building Regulations, which covers energy efficiency. This states heating systems should be balanced and fitted with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control heat output.
• Any work involving connections to a gas boiler must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe engineer to comply with legal safety standards.
• For most domestic installations, replacing or adding radiators doesn’t require planning permission. However, restrictions may apply in listed buildings.

Types of Column Radiators

There are a lot of column radiators to choose from, so you won’t struggle to find one that works for your budget, style of home and personal taste. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, there’s sure to be a column radiator that ticks the box.

• 2 Column Radiators - These are slim and suitable for small, compact rooms.
• 3 Column Radiators - These provide a balance of size and heat output, making them the most popular.
• 4+ Column Radiators - These are bulkier and best suited for period homes or properties with high ceilings.

You’ll also have a range of radiator finishes to choose from, including gloss white, anthracite, raw metal and coloured designer finishes.

Alternative Types of Radiators

Of course, column radiators aren’t the only option out there. You can install other radiator types, some of which might be better suited to your space.

• Panel Radiators - These are more common, cheaper and easier to install than column radiators, and they work in most spaces.
• Vertical Radiators - These are good if you’re working with limited wall space, as they’re designed to take advantage of height, rather than width. They boast energy efficiency and average installation costs.
• Towel Radiators - Commonly used in bathrooms, these combine heating and towel warming for convenience. But, they do tend to be slightly more expensive to buy, install and run.
• Underfloor Heating - Though underfloor heating is effective and modern, it does come with higher upfront costs and more complex installations.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Installing Column Radiators

Before you hire a tradesperson to install your column radiator, you need to:

• Check to make sure they’re Gas Safe registered, especially if your central heating system is part of the installation.
• Be sure to ask about their previous experience with heavy or cast-iron radiators, to make sure they’re able to take on the challenges of column radiator installation.
• It’s a good idea to ask for a written quote with a breakdown of parts and labour, so you avoid any unexpected costs or misunderstandings.
• Ensure liability insurance is in place, which covers them if something goes wrong.
• There are a lot of tradespeople out there, but reading reviews and asking for references can help to narrow down your options and give you peace of mind.

Removing Column Radiators: Considerations and Costs

Removing a column radiator involves draining the central heating system, disconnecting the pipework, and unbolting the radiator from its brackets. You can expect to pay between £50 and £100 for removal per radiator, and the cost of disposing of old units will be added on top.

There’s a risk of wall damage or plumbing issues when a radiator is being removed, and you’ll need to cover the cost to fix the damage. It’s often cheaper to remove multiple radiators during a single visit, as your chosen tradesperson is already there working.

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