Pls help me find an air return vent

[simpsongal]

I'm trying to replace the vent for an air return over our coat closet. The old vent is dented and was painted over dirt & rust. The old vent measures 11.5" high x 22.5" wide (that's the outside mesaurement, not the vent part).

So I ordered a 12" x 24" vent from Truaire only to discvoer that those measurements are the vent part, not the outside dimensions. It's too big - waste of $18 and spray primer.

Please help. The space is tight, so the vent can only be 12" high. Width is more flexible as long as it's 22.5" wide. I'm having the hardest time finding a vent that will work.

[decoraholic]

I'd try searching for a 10x24, like this

www.amazon.com/24-10-RETURN-GRILLE-Stamped/dp/B0064QIAJC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354903008&sr=8-2&keywords=10x24+return

It says actual dimensions are approximately 2 inches bigger.

Or if you are handy, you can try making one out of wood:
www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-make-a-custom-wood-air-return-vent-cover.html

[simpsongal]

I did see that vent on Amazon. I'm a little nervous about ordering it w/o knowing the dimensions, but I might have to pull the trigger. I'm handy but I can't see investing time on a homemade vent cover. Good for her though.

[FoxInFiji]

I agree with decoraholic try a small size like this on:
www.pexsupply.com/Hart-Cooley-11887-10-x-24-Golden-Sand-Floor-Return-Air-Grille

I've ordered from that site before and not had any issues. Otherwise you can DIY a much more simple version with the decorative grating they sell at HD. Make a wood frame. Cut grating and spray paint.

pinterest.com/pin/12666442673517944/

With return air grilles (oh yeah try using the term grille in your searches because that is what RA ones are called) the key is just to not block too much airflow. You want 50% or more of the grille to be open but not too big of an area that something could fall down there like a pencil.