Frequently Asked Questions
Always measure the duct opening in the floor, wall, or ceiling — not the old register itself. The duct opening is the hole that the register fits into or over.
- Remove the existing register (lift it out or unscrew it).
- Measure the width of the duct opening, then the length.
- Round up to the nearest inch (except for toe kicks).
- Order using those dimensions — for example, a 4" × 10" opening = a 4" × 10" register.
Pro tip: The size listed on any Reggio product refers to the duct opening (the inside dimension), never the outer faceplate (unless specified otherwise). The faceplate will always overlap the opening slightly on all sides so the register covers the entire opening.
For a full step-by-step guide with photos, see our How to Measure page.
There is no single universal standard—duct openings vary by home age and HVAC design—but common residential sizes include 4×10", 4×12", 6×10", 6×12", and 6×14". Our metal grilles are stocked in up to 41 sizes ranging from 6×6" to 30×18".
If your opening doesn't match a stocked size, we make custom registers to the nearest 1/16". Non-standard openings are very common, especially in older homes. Learn about custom sizing on our Custom Registers page.
Yes. For new construction, skip the removal step and measure the duct opening directly after your HVAC ducts are installed. If you're ordering a flush-mount wood grille, receive the grille first and use it as a template when cutting the floor—this ensures a perfect fit before the flooring is finished around it.
The duct size (also called the opening size or nominal size) is the hole in your floor, wall, or ceiling that the register covers. This is what you measure and what we list on our products as the inside dimension.
The faceplate is the visible outer border of the register that sits on top of your surface. It extends beyond the duct opening on all sides — typically by about 1-1½" per side — to create a clean, finished look. Faceplate dimensions (also called outside dimensions) vary by product and style, so never use them as your ordering measurement.
Vent cover is the broadest term — it refers to any cover placed over any HVAC duct opening, regardless of direction or function. Registers and grilles are specific types of vent cover.
- Registers are supply-side (where air comes out of the vent) covers with a built-in damper (louver) that lets you adjust or close off airflow into a room. Most floor vents are registers.
- Grilles are simpler covers without a built-in damper. They work for both supply and return applications. An adjustable louver can be added separately if airflow control is needed.
- Returns (also called return air grilles) are specifically for air intakes — they pull room air back to your HVAC system. They're usually larger than supply registers and never have a closing mechanism (damper), since blocking a return would strain your system.
Turn on your HVAC system's fan, then hold a thin piece of paper or a tissue near the vent. If it blows away from the vent, it's a supply vent (air coming into the room). If it's pulled toward the vent, it's a return (air going out of the room).
Return vents are also typically larger — sometimes a foot or more across — and are usually on a wall or ceiling rather than the floor. A home typically has far fewer returns than supply registers.
Why does it matter? Any Reggio grille works for both supply and return applications. However, if your return grille will hold a filter, you'll want to specify that when ordering—we offer grilles with built-in filter frames for this purpose.
For floor applications, weight-bearing strength is essential. Here's how our materials break down by location:
- Cast iron — Our original material, crafted since 1978. Extremely durable, ideal for high-traffic areas. Available in the classic Scroll pattern.
- Cast aluminum — Lightweight yet strong, rust-proof, and suitable for floors, walls, and ceilings. A great choice for damp areas like bathrooms. Available in Scroll and Square patterns.
- Laser-cut steel — Heavy-duty, excellent for floor use, available in a wide range of modern patterns and five powder-coated colors. Not recommended for wet environments.
- Laser-cut aluminum — Lightweight and decorative. Best suited for wall and ceiling applications only—not designed to bear walking weight.
- Solid brass — Hand-cast or laser cut, 3/16" thick, and lacquered to resist tarnishing. Available in our patented Scroll pattern. Beautiful in period homes and contemporary settings alike.
- Wood — Crafted from 49 premium wood species. Best for floor and wall applications where you want a seamless match to wood surfaces. Not recommended for high-moisture areas.
Cast iron is heavier and extremely dense — our original material, chosen for its durability and traditional appearance. It does not rust in the traditional sense but can develop surface oxidation over time if the finish is compromised.
Cast aluminum offers significant weight savings over iron with comparable durability. It is naturally rust-proof, making it the better choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moist environments. Once powder-coated or painted, the two are visually indistinguishable. Both carry our lifetime guarantee.
Our cast Heritage Collection products (Scroll and some Square designs) have a lip on the back, approximately ¼"–½" deep, that fits down into the ductwork. The border that sits on top of your floor surface is approximately 3/16" thick—very low-profile. For an even lower profile, try beveled edge, an option available in many materials and styles.
Our flush-mount wood grilles install level with the floor surface for a completely seamless look — ideal if eliminating any transition edge is a priority.
Yes. Our aluminum and steel registers are available in Gray specifically so they can be painted. We recommend paint formulated for metal rather than standard latex paint, which may not adhere well or hold up to foot traffic. Apply a metal primer first for best results.
Solid brass and cast iron registers can also be repainted, but we recommend consulting our team before doing so to preserve the integrity of the original finish.
Yes — custom sizing is one of our specialties. We fabricate registers to the nearest 1/16" in laser-cut steel, laser-cut aluminum, and solid brass. Custom wood registers are available in any species from our library of 49 premium wood types.
Non-standard duct openings are more common than most people expect, especially in historic homes and commercial renovations. We've been doing this since 1978 and can accommodate virtually any size. Visit our Custom Registers page or call us at 1-800-880-3090 to discuss your project.
No—most Reggio registers are a straightforward DIY installation requiring no special tools. Floor registers typically drop directly into the duct opening and sit in place under their own weight. Some styles can be secured with screws for a more permanent installation.
Wall and ceiling registers are mounted with screws (included when you request mounting holes). For full step-by-step guidance, see our installation guide.
Note: Flush-mount wood grilles are the exception — they require installation during or alongside new flooring, as they're inset into the floor surface itself and finished at the same time as the surrounding boards.
Our cast iron, cast aluminum, and laser-cut steel floor registers are designed to bear full walking weight. They're the same materials used in commercial and high-traffic residential settings.
If you have small children or pets, look for designs with tighter grille spacing to prevent small fingers or paws from getting caught. Our cast designs and most of our steel patterns offer narrow openings without compromising airflow.
Laser-cut aluminum grilles are not rated for floor use and should only be used on walls or ceilings.
The simplest approach is to paint the sheet metal inside the duct a flat black. This makes the interior recede visually and prevents the metalwork from showing through the grille pattern.
Alternatively, a louver or opposed blade damper (OBD) installed inside the duct opening can conceal the interior while also giving you airflow control.
For routine cleaning, remove the register and wipe it down with a damp cloth or soft brush. For cast metal registers, avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the finish—mild dish soap and warm water work well.
- Cast iron: dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent surface rust, and apply a light coat of furniture wax or paste wax annually to protect the finish.
- Brass: use a brass-safe cleaner if tarnishing occurs. Our brass registers come lacquered to retard tarnishing or unlacquered for natural brass patina, so regular gentle cleaning is usually all that's needed.
- Wood: use a dry or barely damp cloth. Avoid standing water, which can warp or stain the wood.
Rattling is usually caused by one of three things: the register isn't seated fully in the duct opening, a louver or damper blade has come loose, or the duct itself is vibrating against the register edge.
Try removing and reseating the register to ensure it's sitting evenly. If a louver is the culprit, it can usually be tightened or re-secured. If the duct edge is the issue, a thin strip of foam weatherstrip tape around the inside edge of the opening can dampen the vibration. Contact our team at 1-800-880-3090 if you need further help.
Our steel, aluminum, and brass registers carry a lifetime guarantee. If you're dissatisfied with the quality or workmanship of any Reggio Register purchase, return it for a prompt refund.
Normal wear and aging — especially in high-traffic or damp conditions — are expected over time. Products returned scratched or not in original condition may be subject to a refinishing charge. See our full policies page for details.
Stock-size metal registers ship from our facility in Leominster, MA within 2–7 business days via UPS. Custom metal orders typically take 2–4 weeks; custom wood orders take approximately 4–6 weeks.
Expedited shipping (UPS Next Day, 2nd Day, or 3-Day Air) is available at checkout for some orders. Shipping rates are calculated by weight and distance from Leominster. We offer discounted shipping rates for orders of four or more items shipped to a single address.
We accept returns on stock items in their original, as-new condition. Returns must be authorized in advance—please contact us before shipping anything back. Credit or refund is issued upon receipt, less shipping, handling, and any applicable restocking fees.
Custom orders are non-returnable, which is why we include a CAD drawing approval step before we begin production on any fully custom piece. We also offer free pre-order consultations to ensure your measurements and specifications are correct. Returns are accepted for continental US shipments only.
If the error is on our side, we'll send the correct product at no cost to you. If you measured incorrectly, stock items in original condition can be returned for a refund (less shipping) and a new order placed. Our team is also available for a free pre-order consultation to double-check your measurements before you order—just call us at 1-800-880-3090 or start a live chat.
Most builder-grade registers are stamped from thin steel or molded from plastic. Reggio registers are handcrafted from solid materials—cast iron, solid brass, cast aluminum, laser-cut steel, or premium hardwood—in our Leominster, MA facility, the same way Mike Reggio started making them in 1978 when he couldn't find quality registers for his own historic home.
The difference is tangible: our registers have genuine weight, precision fit, and decorative detail that's machined or hand-cast rather than stamped. They're backed by a lifetime guarantee. And because we custom-size, you're not limited to the three sizes—you get exactly what your duct opening requires.
Yes—and we love these projects. Reggio registers are a go-to for designers and architects working on historic restorations, high-end new construction, and commercial interiors. We offer trade pricing, project consultations, spec sheets and CAD files for all products, and custom fabrication for one-of-a-kind requirements.
Contact us at 1-800-880-3090 to set up a trade account or discuss a project.
Our team has been handcrafting registers since 1978. We know this stuff inside out.
Call: 1-800-880-3090