Boxing in a Boiler with IKEA's Metod Cabinet: An Elegant Concealment Solution

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Boilers, while effective in heating our homes, lack aesthetic appeal. That's why enclosing a boiler can be a wise decision. During the rise of central heating in the 1900s, boilers were added to buildings that were not originally designed to accommodate them. This resulted in new boilers being squeezed into spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.

It is common to see older properties with boilers prominently displayed in rooms. When we purchased our 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester in 2019, the boiler cupboard was located in the corner of the kitchen. It was large, unattractive, and dominated the space. The service cover was loose, and a previous owner attempted to improve its appearance by placing a hatch in front of the pipes protruding from the top and bottom of the boiler. I couldn't stand the sight of it and knew it had to be concealed.

Can you enclose a boiler? Absolutely. We briefly considered relocating the boiler, but the cost of replacement and limited alternative locations deterred us. Since we planned to move our kitchen to another room and convert the existing kitchen into a utility room, we were content with keeping the boiler there. So, I began exploring a do-it-yourself approach. There are a few safety considerations to keep in mind, such as providing adequate ventilation space around the boiler and ensuring easy access for repairs. According to Hunsbury Heating, there should be a 300 mm gap between the top of the cupboard and the top of the boiler, as well as a 100 mm gap between the cabinet and the base of the boiler.

With these guidelines in mind, we devised our design.

How do you enclose a boiler? Most modern boilers are designed to fit within the width of a standard kitchen cupboard. Therefore, I decided to install ours inside a DIY kitchen cabinet. I opted for an IKEA Metod cabinet since we had already used their kitchen cabinet system for the rest of our utility room, and they offer affordable and high-quality options.

Another advantage is that IKEA provides various cupboard door options that are easy to install. Since the pipework at the top and bottom of the boiler and some of the brickwork were visible, I chose a tall cupboard to cover them.

To enclose a boiler yourself, you will need:

1. Measure your cabinet: When determining the size of your cabinet, ensure that you leave enough space at the top and bottom. You can consult the manufacturer's manual for the recommended distance, although modern boilers require a relatively low gap. Take into account any pipework you wish to hide and ensure there is enough space for maintenance and proper ventilation.

(Image courtesy of Jo Lemos)

I utilized the base cabinet measuring 60x37x200cm, which is slightly less deep than a typical cupboard but still spacious enough to accommodate the boiler. However, the height of the cabinet did not suit my needs, so I had to resize it accordingly. Fortunately, IKEA offers a wide range of cabinet sizes to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits perfectly. If you require adjustments, I recommend making it the size of one of their standard doors. This will ensure a seamless fit as the hinges will align perfectly with the cabinet. In order to cover the boiler, I needed a height of 135cm, so I cut the cabinet to 140cm, allowing me to utilize a standard 140x60cm Ikea door.

2. Modifying the Cabinets

To achieve a clean cut without damaging the veneer, I suggest applying masking tape to the section you plan to cut. This will protect the surface. It's important to choose a cutting location that is not visible, such as above the boiler where it is out of sight. I used a jigsaw for the cutting process and ensured precision by clamping a straight piece of wood to the cabinet to guide my jigsaw. Alternatively, a handsaw or circular saw can be used.

(Image courtesy of Jo Lemos)

Ikea offers detailed instructions on how to assemble and install your cabinets, which are straightforward to follow. If, like us, you need to modify your cabinet, consider the method of wall mounting. In our case, it was simpler because there was an abundance of pipework beneath the boiler, allowing us to install the new cabinet on top of the worktop, supported by brackets. To secure it to the wall and adjacent cabinets, we attached construction timber to the wall and screwed the cabinet into it. The advantage of using construction timber is that it can be installed beforehand, enabling us to level the walls and ensure that the cabinet is perfectly aligned.

(Image courtesy of Jo Lemos)

3. Installing the Door

Once the cabinet was in position, I affixed the IKEA Veddinge Door in white. Installing these doors is fairly straightforward thanks to Ikea's hinge system, which guarantees proper alignment.

(Image courtesy of Jo Lemos)

What I truly appreciate about this cupboard is that there is enough space beneath the boiler to conceal our microwave.

(Image credit: Jo Lemos)

What is the cost of enclosing a boiler?

Opting for a do-it-yourself approach undeniably allowed us to reap financial benefits. Below, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of our total expenditure:

Total Cost: £83.50

The reason behind the expense:

Through careful deliberation and meticulous planning, we decided to invest in a petite brass handle that flawlessly complements the ensemble in our utility room. The outcome far exceeded our expectations, leaving us completely enamored.

• Handle: £10.00
• Additional Materials: £15.00
• Paint: £8.50
• Tools: £20.00
• Personal Satisfaction: Priceless

Our perspective:

The choice to undertake this task ourselves entailed a discerning evaluation of expenditures. By doing so, we managed to preserve precious pounds in our wallets. The investment in the handle, amounting to a mere £10.00, served as the cornerstone of our entire endeavor. Furthermore, supplementary materials valued at £15.00 were essential in achieving our desired outcome. Paint, a crucial element in the process, amounted to £8.50. Our tool collection, which facilitated the flawless execution of this mission, contributed an additional £20.00 to our grand total. The satisfaction derived from the successful completion of this endeavor, however, is immeasurable and transcends monetary value. We wholeheartedly embrace the notion that our homemade implementation was not only economically advantageous but also gratifying on a deeply personal level.

Total Cost: £83.50

(Image credit: Jo Lemos)