could you tell me where you can get some precut marble, and about how much would it cost?

thanks!!

You might as well go ahead and make an entire radiator cover:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_furniture_screens/article/0,1793,HGTV_3449_3811810,00.html

When I had this issue I just took a standard wall shelf with two bracket supports and installed the supports on either side of the radiator. I had the shelf sit a few inches above the radiator because (at least where I lived) the radiator was warm sometimes even when turned off. Worked beautifully. It looked a bit like the link in my name except that my shelf stuck out further and my supports were much more demure. I didn't cover the whole thing as it was a short term rental.

I love the marble slab idea, but can't find any resources online. Does anyone know of a place either online or in the NYC area? Many thanks!

In my student days, I found a scrap 2x10 at a construction site and splonked that, unpainted, over my radiator. The best bedside table ever.

Is there any type of material that can withstand a radiator that is on? I'd love to cover mine, but I don't control the on/off.
Would marble do the trick?

Even if you use a durable material to withstand the heat, you'll need to exercise caution in selecting objects to place on the shelf during heating season. Same story for radiator covers. . . unless your radiator is just for show.

I lived in a place with old stone pieces and marble as little shelves. They got warm, but not so warm as to damage anything. Click my name to see what I'm talking about.

Sorry -- try this link!

I put a shelf made of MDF on my (working) radiator once. In a week, it was completely warped.

Place called Bostonwood also makes custom radiator covers.

http://www.bostonwood.com/radiator_covers/1radiatorcovers.htm

I went to Bella Tile in the East Village a few months ago and just bought one of their pre-cut marble saddles. They come in a few different marble colors, are pretty inexpensive, and are a nice width and thickness for most radiators. They also come in a variety of lengths. I just had to ask them to trim the end of the smallest size a bit for a petite radiator I have in my bathroom, which they did for free. I wanted a more rustic look for my living room, so I also found a nearly-free square ceramic tile in their surplus room and had them cut that in half--I put the two pieces end on the longer radiator in my living room. Cheap and easy and I'm thrilled with the results!

Sorry--make that "I put the two pieces end-to-end on the longer radiator."

consider monting the shelf on the wall about two inches above the radiator -this way you do not close down the heat and less chances of damaging the shelf from heat. Then you also have space for the woolen socks you might want to warm up!
Perhaps buying a glass shelf or premade floating shelves might work?

For those looking for a slab marble source, a good option is Faro Marble. It's in Gowanus in Brooklyn on 3rd Street between 3rd Avenue and Bond Street (right over the canal). They're very nice and will do any straight cuts for free. Their business hours are very limited, though - 8am to 5pm, M-F.

I read about a victorian with large ornate radiators that were covered with thick glass shelves. Instead of the glass resting directly on the heat, the shelves rested on either croquet or bocce balls (4) nested in the fins of the radiator. It looked cool and seemed sturdy.

I just bought a basic shelf from Lowes and set it on top. I believe it's laminated particle board. Our radiators haven't really gotten hot yet so I'm not sure how well it will hold up. If it warps that's ok becasue it was a cheap shelf, but should I be concerned about it being some sort of fire hazard or dangerous in any other way? I too would love to know where to get marble in case my shelf does warp. I couldn't find any when I was looking.

Aha! I have been wondering how I could turn my radiator into an extra shelf all summer, but was terrified of what would happen when the heat came back on. I hate that I have no control over it. I will definitely try the marble/soapstone slab if I can find an affordable piece! Thanks for the tips, AT. Maybe we all should check out the timely posting on renters insurance before laying things atop the radiators!

I have a marble piece about 6 inches wide, 3/4 inch think and the length of the radiator as a shelf in my bathroom. It has a plastic wastebin sitting on it, even when the heat is on it hasn't done anything to the waste bin. Very useful in a small bathroom too, gets things up off the floor.

years ago, a friend had a very thick slab of glass on the radiator which looked great. priscilla's addition of balls holding the glass sounds like a good addition. there are several marble places in manhattan.

I have lived in my wonderful Montana apartment for 5 years. I have wooden tops that fit over all my radiators. Never a problem and the heat is ALWAYS on.

Hey Jodi,

How thick is the wood on top of your radiators? We're living in Boston, and are trying to add some more space anyway we can!

Thanks,
Owen

The last apartment I had with radiators there was a radiator in the corner of the livingroom that didn't need to be used as we were on the top floor. With the layout, there was going to be furniture in front of it anyway.
I took 3 cinder blocks, painted them and placed them on top of the radiator. On top of that I placed an oak bookcase my coworker was getting rid of that I loved. Worked perfect for display items and rarely-used books.