Vertical Radiator Installation Cost | UK Price Guide

There’s no denying that radiators are a key part of keeping a home warm, cosy and comfortable, and there’s a wide range to choose from. Recently, homeowners have started to step away from standard models and are more interested in a stylish, space-saving alternative - vertical radiators.

On average, you'll pay around £250 for a vertical radiator, but a lot of factors can change the overall cost.

We’ve taken a look at the costs involved in installing a vertical radiator, the different types available, and the key things to think about when you’re planning to have one installed.

Let's take a look...

How Much is Vertical Radiator Installation?

Vertical radiators are a great way to make the most of limited wall space, and they're particularly suited to use in compact homes or where you're doing some renovation work.

Not only do they free up loads of precious floor and wall space, but they're also just so stylish - they can add a really modern touch to living rooms, kitchens, hallways and bedrooms. Plus, they do a great job of keeping rooms nice and toasty even when you've got small or awkwardly shaped spaces to deal with.

The average installation cost for a vertical radiator will be somewhere between £200 and £300, though this can vary pretty wildly depending on things like the radiator size, style, and how complicated the installation is.

If you're looking to buy a small vertical radiator, you can get one for around £100 to £200. Go for a large one, and you could be looking at a price as high as £575.

One of the main factors that'll affect the price of a vertical radiator is whether you're just doing a straight swap - replacing a radiator that's already there, in the same place - or if you need to sort out the pipework for it. You can expect to pay something like £80 to have an old radiator taken out, and £275 if you need to move one to a different spot.

Then there's the size of the room to think about - larger rooms will probably need a higher BTU output to keep comfortable, which can drive the price up.

Due to how they work, vertical radiators often have a lower BTU output than horizontal ones of the same width, so it's a good idea to choose one that's the right size for the room you're putting it in - especially in larger rooms, to make sure it's doing its job properly.

The cheapest option is usually just to replace the radiator in the same place - this is a pretty straightforward job for a heating engineer, with minimal fuss and a quick turnaround. If you can re-use some of the existing pipework, that can help keep the overall cost down and make the installation a lot easier, as you won't have to do so much messing about with new pipes.

Ultimately, the final cost will depend on a whole lot of variables, including the labour costs, the materials you need, and any additional work that's required. Understanding exactly how much it's all going to cost and how it can vary depending on your specific situation will help you budget properly and get some accurate quotes.

Vertical Radiator Prices

Vertical Radiator Supply Costs

You can expect to pay between £100 and £575 for a new vertical radiator, depending on the size and material. There are a lot of vertical radiators to choose from, including single-panel and double-panel designs, aluminium and steel radiators, and designer styles.

You can expect to pay more for taller, heavier or custom radiators. For example, the cost of a cheap, single-panel vertical radiator in steel costs around £100. But a much larger, designer radiator in chrome can cost up to £1,700.

Online retailers and specialist heating websites tend to have the widest selection of radiators, whereas high street stores and builders’ merchants provide in-person browsing, but their ranges can be more limited and are sometimes more expensive than online options.

If you’re looking for premium finishes or bespoke designs, specialist radiator showrooms and designer brands offer tailored options, but at a higher cost.

Additional Costs of Vertical Radiator Installation

As well as the price of the radiator and labour, you’ll also need to factor in a handful of other costs.

If the existing pipe layout doesn’t align with the new radiator’s inlet positions, modifications may be needed, which adds time and increases the cost. With the cost of moving a radiator coming in at an average of £275, and pipework averaging between £350 and £700, this quickly adds up.

You’ll also need to factor in wall reinforcements if they’re needed for a heavy radiator, and if the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) needs replacing. You can expect to pay between £8 and £33 for a new TRV.

Removing an old radiator can leave marks or uneven surfaces, so you might need to pay for plastering or repainting. There are also waste disposal or transport fees, especially for bulky items.

Central Heating System Considerations

Before you go down the route of replacing a radiator or putting in a brand new one, take a good, hard look at the whole of your heating system first of all:

• How efficient is it currently?
• Are its components compatible with whatever you're planning?
• Look at upgrading to thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), which can also give you better temperature control and save you a bit of cash on those energy bills by cutting down on all the unnecessary heat that's getting lost.
• Sometimes, you might need to get in and modify some of the pipework, or even end up having to give the whole system an overhaul - especially if you're opting for a different style or moving where it's going to go.

A good plumber or heating engineer can come in, have a proper look at your heating system, recommend a radiator that'll suit your needs and let you know if you need to make any changes to your pipework or upgrade the system.

These checks and measures will not only ensure your new radiator works properly but also help make your entire home more energy-efficient.

Power Flush and System Cleaning

A power flush is a super effective way to give your central heating system a good going over, and get rid of all that gunk that's built up inside - the sludge, rust and debris that can really drag the system down.

You especially want to do this if you're putting in a new radiator, because a clean system means the thing will be able to heat your home properly and your heating bits will last longer. You'll need a plumber or heating engineer to do it, and they'll likely recommend it every 5 to 10 years, depending on how old and inefficient your system is.

Regular cleaning helps stop all sorts of problems developing - like:

• Cold spots
• Leaks
• A system that doesn't work properly

It keeps your home warm and your heating system chugging along. If you perform a power flush before installing a new radiator, you will save money in the long run and maintain a reliable heating system.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Vertical Radiator Installation

You can expect to pay between £40 and £80 per hour, or a flat rate of between £250 and £400 for a straightforward installation. Tradespeople tend to charge more in London and the Southeast.

Most vertical radiator installations take between 2 and 4 hours, but the job can take longer if additional pipework or wall adjustments are needed.

Cost Factors for Vertical Radiator Installation

Location in the Home

Installing a radiator upstairs or in tight hallways can take longer due to poor access and limited space, increasing labour time and cost.

Wall Type

Solid brick or masonry walls are usually easier to secure heavy radiators to, but plasterboard or stud walls often require specialist fixings or reinforcement.

Radiator Weight and Size

Larger or heavier radiators, such as cast iron or tall double panel radiator models, take more time, skill and labour to install. Double panel radiators generally have a higher purchase price and their installation is more complex and costly compared to single panel options, due to their increased weight and the additional work required.

Valves and Thermostats

If you’re upgrading valves or adding thermostatic controls during the installation, you can expect the material costs and labour to increase.

Wall Brackets and Pipes

Changing or repositioning brackets or rerouting pipework for a new radiator layout will require extra plumbing work and higher installation costs.

Building Regulations Related to Vertical Radiator Installation

There are a number of building regulations in the UK that are related to vertical radiator installation, especially when it comes to heating systems and pressure testing.

For example, Part L of Building Regulations focuses on energy efficiency, meaning any changes to heating systems - such as adding or replacing radiators - should ensure efficient energy performance.

If pipework related to the boiler or central heating system is needed, the work might need to be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered professional.

Types of Vertical Radiators

There are different types of vertical radiators for you to choose from, and there’s something for every budget.

Single Panel vs. Double Panel

Single-panel vertical radiators are slimmer and more affordable, but double-panel designs offer better heat output and efficiency, though they do tend to cost more.

Column Radiators

Column radiators offer a classic, traditional appearance and strong heat distribution, but they’re heavier and more intricate design makes them more expensive and harder to install.

Flat Panel or Mirrored

Flat panel and mirrored radiators suit modern homes and can double as a decorative feature, but they usually cost more due to their premium finishes.

Towel Radiators

Towel radiators provide both heating and towel warming in bathrooms, which adds convenience. But they can be more expensive than standard radiators.

Alternative Types of Radiators

If you’re not sold on vertical radiators, you can choose from one of the four other popular types, each of which has pros and cons.

Horizontal Radiators

Horizontal radiators are generally cheaper and easier to source, making them a cost-effective choice for many homes. However, they do require more wall space.

Electric Radiators

Electric radiators don’t need pipework, making installation simpler and often quicker, but they can cost more to run.

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating provides an even, hidden heat source that’s perfect for open-plan spaces and contemporary interiors, but installation is more expensive and disruptive.

Infrared Panels

Infrared heating panels are slim, energy-efficient and can heat rooms quickly. But, though they offer efficiency benefits, they are less widely available and can cost more upfront.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Vertical Radiator Installation

When you’re hiring a contractor to install a vertical radiator, it’s important to be thorough to ensure a safe and professional job.

• You should confirm the installer is Gas Safe registered if the work involves boiler connections.
• Always check their experience with vertical radiator installations to ensure they’re up to the challenge.
• Make sure to verify their insurance and relevant qualifications before any work begins.
• Request a written quote that breaks down labour, materials and any additional costs, to avoid any costly surprises.
• Agree on how your old radiators will be disposed of and whether your chosen tradesperson will handle plastering the wall after removal.

Removing a Vertical Radiator

When you remove a vertical radiator, it’s usually a straightforward process, but it does require care to avoid damage or leaks. Most radiators are designed for durability, making removal and replacement a straightforward job for a professional.

The process typically includes draining the central heating system, disconnecting and capping off the pipework, and removing the radiator from its brackets. Depending on the damage, you might need to fix the wall afterwards.

Bathroom radiators may need replacement more frequently due to rust or humidity issues.

If you’re simply replacing a unit or redecorating, labour for removal alone usually costs between £50 and £100, with the price depending on the size and weight of the radiator, and whether disposal services are included.

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