Cover Floor Vents And Create Extra Home Storage Space With A Stunning DIY

If you are tired of a metal air vent in the floor preventing you from using a space in your home, do not worry. There are plenty of DIY options that are functional, leave you with plenty of storage space, and make your room feel complete. One way is to place a cabinet over the vent and redirect the air from the floor vent through the cabinet's toe kick. The effect of the cabinet above the vent is not only added storage but also an elevated style for your home. For this DIY, you will need aluminum sheet metal or aluminum insulation panels such as ThermoPan, aluminum foil tape, and a toe kick vent cover. 

Form a rectangular redirector box with the sheet metal and tape that has a large opening on the bottom and a vent-sized opening coming out one of the sides. Air from the floor vent enters the large bottom opening and is pushed out of the narrow side section. Secure the box over the vent by nailing it directly to the floor or adhere a frame made from wood boards to hold it in place. Cut a vent-sized opening to match the one on the box in either the side or front toe kick panel of the cabinet, depending on where you want the air to escape. Set your cabinet in place, fitting the rectangular box into the cutout. Finally, add the toe kick vent cover to the opening for a finished look.

If you are concerned about building your own vent redirector box, kits like the Toe Ductor floor vent under-cabinet toe kick ducting kit are specifically designed to redirect air under cabinets. You could also use a duct angle boot instead of making the box yourself. For more customization, paint or stain your cabinets. To seamlessly blend storage pieces into your design, match the cabinetry paint to the wall. Simply staining the wood or adding a finish to it is great for fitting a natural aesthetic.

Cabinetry and shelving can vary quite a bit depending on your storage needs. Purchase a new cabinet or take a DIY approach and build your own cabinets. Additionally, decide if you want anything on top of the base cabinet. A tall upper unit creates a built-in look, open shelves provide decorative storage, and leaving the wall space open gives you room for wall art. 

The complexity of this DIY may change based on what you want to put on top of the air vent space. If you want to use the wasted space but do not want a cabinet, there are other functional storage solutions to give a try. As long as the air still flows through the channel, you can cover it with a trunk, armoire, or even bench seating with storage space. The options for this DIY are endless, but it is important to consider the safety of this project before attempting it.

When working on any DIY project, the last thing you want to do is create a hazard in your home. Working with air ducts and vents should be done with caution. You need to avoid closing off vents or restricting airflow too much to prevent building pressure and potentially damaging your HVAC system by forcing it to work harder. Plus, improper installation that traps some air can increase the risk of mold and mildew in the ducts or inside your newly installed cabinet. To prevent moisture from getting into your box or vents, seal all the seams with caulk.  

Testing the airflow throughout the process will let you know that air is moving efficiently enough to prevent these problems. Test the airflow by holding something lightweight, like a ribbon or string, at the vent's exit point to make sure it moves. Also, watch out for any signs of danger, such as overheating of any of the components in this build. If you have any concerns, ask an HVAC professional to examine it. With careful attention to these details, this DIY can be a safe and stylish way to utilize unused areas over floor vents to get extra storage space.