# Castrads — Full Context

> Specialist manufacturer and retailer of cast iron radiators and steel column radiators. Bespoke radiators built to order for homes and commercial spaces across the UK, US and Europe. Founded in Manchester in 2006.

This document provides comprehensive context about Castrads for AI language models. For a condensed overview see [llms.txt](https://www.castrads.com/llms.txt).

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## Company

Castrads was founded in 2006 in Manchester, United Kingdom. The company specialises in traditional cast iron column radiators and modern steel column radiators, all manufactured to order. Every radiator is built to the customer's specification — the customer chooses the number of sections, height, column configuration, and finish. Radiators are made to order and delivered in 4–8 weeks.

Castrads sells direct to consumers and through a network of stockists and interior designers. The company operates three market-specific sites: English (UK), English (US), and Polish, each with localised measurements, currencies, and units.

- **Headquarters / Manchester Showroom:** 1 Kenwood Rd, Stockport SK5 6PH, United Kingdom — open Monday to Saturday — https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/manchester/
- **London Showroom:** 247 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY — boutique showroom in London's interiors hub, open Monday to Saturday — https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/fulham-road/
- **New York Showroom:** SoHo, Manhattan — custom radiators in Manhattan's cast iron district — https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/soho-new-york/
- **Poland (EU base):** Zgorzelec — served by mobile showroom — https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/castrads-zgorzelec/
- **Mobile Showroom:** At-home consultancy service across the UK — https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/mobile-showroom/
- **Phone:** +44 (0)161 439 9350
- **Email:** info@castrads.com
- **Showrooms page:** https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/
- **Founded:** 2006
- **Website:** https://www.castrads.com/en/
- **Markets:** United Kingdom, United States, Europe
- **Languages:**
  - English (UK) — `https://www.castrads.com/en/` — metric units (mm, kg, kW, °C), GBP
  - English (US) — `https://www.castrads.com/us/` — imperial units (inches, lbs, BTU/hr, °F), USD
  - Polish — `https://www.castrads.com/pl/` — metric units, PLN
- **Lead time:** 4–8 weeks (made to order)
- **Guarantee:** 25 years on all non-electrical products (radiators, valves, wall stays, component parts)

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## Product Lines

### Cast Iron Radiators

All cast iron radiators are new production, manufactured from grey cast iron. They are compatible with both hydronic (hot water) and steam heating systems, and with heat pumps. Sections are assembled in the factory and pressure-tested before dispatch. Pricing guide: small £750–£1,150, medium £975–£1,575, large £1,200–£2,000 depending on finish.

**Emmeline Column Radiator**
- URL: https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/emmeline/
- Column configurations: Emmeline I (1 column), Emmeline II (2 column), Emmeline III (3 column)
- Heights: Emmeline I: 465mm, 665mm, 865mm; Emmeline II: 470mm, 670mm, 870mm; Emmeline III: 470mm, 670mm, 870mm
- Sections: 3 to 40 sections per radiator (custom sizing up to 2.5m long)
- From: £332.40
- Material: Grey cast iron
- Suitable for: hydronic (hot water), steam, and heat pump systems
- Design: Castrads' own take on the school radiator style — scalloped topline, gentle contours, refined feet; inspired by an 1897 American Radiator Company model (Peerless, Detroit)

**Grace Column Radiator**
- URL: https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/grace/
- Column configurations: Grace 4 Column, Grace 6 Column
- Heights (4 column): 360mm, 500mm, 660mm, 760mm, 960mm
- Heights (6 column): 485mm, 660mm, 760mm, 960mm
- From: £310.80
- Material: Grey cast iron
- Suitable for: hydronic (hot water), steam, and heat pump systems
- Design: Fluted profile inspired by a Crane (Chicago) original

**Mercury Column Radiator**
- URL: https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/mercury/
- Column configurations: Mercury 2 Column, Mercury 3 Column, Mercury 4 Column, Mercury 6 Column
- Heights (2 column): 460mm, 760mm, 960mm
- Heights (3 column): 560mm, 660mm, 760mm, 860mm
- Heights (4 column): 360mm, 460mm, 560mm, 760mm, 860mm, 960mm
- Heights (6 column): 360mm, 960mm
- From: £292.80
- Material: Grey cast iron
- Suitable for: hydronic (hot water), steam, and heat pump systems
- Design: Exclusive to Castrads; V-detailing, tapered feet; inspired by 1920s styles (Ideal Standard Neo Classic, American Radiator Company Corto)

**Rococo Ornate Radiator**
- URL: https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/rococo/
- Column configurations: Rococo I (1 column), Rococo II (2 column), Rococo III (3 column)
- Heights: Rococo I: 660mm, 950mm; Rococo II: 510mm, 660mm, 760mm, 950mm; Rococo III: 470mm, 768mm, 970mm
- From: £375.60
- Material: Grey cast iron
- Suitable for: hydronic (hot water), steam, and heat pump systems
- Design: Intricate motif of scrolls and flourishes; replica of an original American Radiator Company 1890s design — the most iconic ornate radiator ever produced

### Florence Steel Column Radiators

Manufactured by IRSAP in their industry-leading facility in Northern Italy. Available in 5 column depths. Custom sizing up to 2.5m tall and 2m long. Available in 180+ RAL colours. Wall-hung or floor-standing.

- [Florence 2 Column](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/florence-2-column/) — Slim profile
- [Florence 3 Column](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/florence-3-column/) — Most popular depth, best balance of heat output and size
- [Florence 4 Column](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/florence-4-column/)
- [Florence 5 Column](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/florence-5-column/)
- [Florence 6 Column](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/florence-6-column/)
- [Curved Steel Radiators](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/curved-radiators/) — Can be curved to fit bay windows and curved walls

Material: Steel. Suitable for hydronic (hot water) and heat pump systems. NOT suitable for steam.

### Vintage Radiators

- URL: https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/?filter-subcategories%5B%5D=vintage
- Genuine antique cast iron radiators, typically decades old
- Each piece individually sourced, stripped, sand-blasted, repaired, pressure-tested and refinished
- Available in a range of standard and custom finishes
- Suitable for: hydronic (hot water) and steam systems
- One-of-a-kind; availability varies
- Sister brand The Old Radiator Company (theoldradiatorcompany.co.uk) specialises in antique restoration

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## Technical Information

### How Radiator Sizing Works

Radiator heat output is measured in kilowatts (kW) or Watts for hydronic systems and in EDR (Equivalent Direct Radiation, sq ft) for steam systems. In the US market, BTU/hr is the standard unit.

The number of sections directly determines total heat output and physical width. Customers use the heat calculator to determine how many sections are required for a room.

Key variables for sizing:
- Room dimensions (length × width × height)
- Insulation quality (solid walls, cavity walls, single/double glazing)
- Desired room temperature
- Heating system type (hydronic or steam)
- Heat source (gas boiler, heat pump, etc.) and flow temperature

Use the [Heat Loss Calculator](https://www.castrads.com/en/heat-loss-calculator/) or the [Radiator Builder & Finder](https://builder.castrads.com/en-GB) to size radiators.

### Heating System Compatibility

- **Hydronic (hot water):** All Castrads radiators are compatible — cast iron, steel, and vintage.
- **Heat pump:** All models are compatible. Cast iron's high thermal mass pairs well with heat pump low-temperature heat cycles.
- **Steam (one-pipe and two-pipe):** Cast iron radiators only (Emmeline, Grace, Mercury, Rococo, Vintage). Florence steel radiators are NOT suitable for steam.
- **Electric:** Not directly compatible. An electric heating element can be fitted to cast iron radiators as an alternative.

### Typical Heights and Sizing Guidelines

- For vertical (tall) radiators: 1800mm is standard in most UK homes.
- For horizontal radiators: around 600mm is standard in most UK homes.
- For tall ceilings (3m+): opt for a taller radiator to maintain proportions.
- Florence 3 Column is the most popular depth for a good balance of size and heat output.

### Units and Measurements

- UK site: mm, kg, kW/Watts, °C
- US site: inches, lbs, BTU/hr, °F

### Pricing Guide (Cast Iron Radiators, UK)

Prices include radiator and all accessories required for installation:

| Size | Signature Collection | Farrow & Ball / Little Greene | Bare Metal |
|------|---------------------|-------------------------------|------------|
| Small | £750 | £800 | £1,150 |
| Medium | £975 | £1,150 | £1,575 |
| Large | £1,200 | £1,500 | £2,000 |

A typical 3-bedroom house requires approximately 12 radiators, costing £10,000–£18,000 depending on finish. For precise pricing use the [Radiator Builder](https://builder.castrads.com/en-GB).

### Ordering Process

1. Use the [Radiator Builder & Finder](https://builder.castrads.com/en-GB) to select model, depth, height, number of sections, finish, and accessories.
2. Order placed online, by phone (+44 (0)161 439 9350), or by email (info@castrads.com).
3. Radiator manufactured to order — delivered in 4–8 weeks.
4. Free delivery by pallet network (set down outside property). Two-man delivery available in Greater Manchester and Greater London for an additional charge.
5. Professional installation recommended.

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## Finishes

- **Signature Collection:** Castrads' own curated palette
- **Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Benjamin Moore, Paint and Paper Library:** Branded colours available
- **Any RAL colour:** 180+ options (Florence steel radiators)
- **Bare Metals:** Polished, unlacquered, or waxed metal finishes
- **Primer:** Available for customers who wish to paint themselves

See [Finishes](https://www.castrads.com/en/finishes/) for the full range.

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## Key Pages

- [Heat Loss Calculator](https://www.castrads.com/en/heat-loss-calculator/) — Calculate required heat output for each room
- [Radiator Builder & Finder](https://builder.castrads.com/en-GB) — Configure, price, and order bespoke radiators online
- [Cast Iron Radiators](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/) — Full cast iron range
- [Florence Steel Radiators](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/florence-steel-column-radiators/) — Full steel range
- [Vintage Radiators](https://www.castrads.com/en/product-category/cast-iron-radiators/?filter-subcategories%5B%5D=vintage)
- [Finishes](https://www.castrads.com/en/finishes/)
- [Case Studies](https://www.castrads.com/en/case-studies/) — Real customer projects
- [Help & Technical Resources](https://www.castrads.com/en/resources/)
- [About Castrads](https://www.castrads.com/en/about-us/)
- [Our Story](https://www.castrads.com/en/about-us/our-story/)
- [Trade Accounts](https://www.castrads.com/en/about-us/trade-accounts/)
- [Showrooms](https://www.castrads.com/en/showrooms/) — London Fulham Road and Manchester Stockport
- [Book a Design Consultation](https://www.castrads.com/en/consultancy/) — Free one-to-one advice
- [Contact](https://www.castrads.com/en/about-us/contact/)

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## Contact

- **Phone:** +44 (0)161 439 9350
- **Email:** info@castrads.com
- **Book a consultation:** https://www.castrads.com/en/consultancy/

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## Social & External Links

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castrads/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/castrads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castrads/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/castrads/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CastradsRadiators
- The Old Radiator Company (sister brand): https://www.theoldradiatorcompany.co.uk/