When it comes to interior products like kitchen cabinets, tables, chairs, and beds, exposed edges can detract from the overall look of your home. While plywood can achieve straight seams and uniform color, it can be quite costly. Is there a simpler, more economical alternative that can meet these requirements? Yes, and it’s called edge banding.
Do you want to know about edge banding?
It’s a thin strip of veneer that is rolled and has adhesive on one side (sometimes not). It’s perfect for covering rough and exposed edges of plywood. You can even color the strips to match the wood piece it’ll be glued to, creating a unified and aesthetically pleasing color block.
When To Use Edge Banding
Edge banding serves two purposes: enhancing durability and improving aesthetics. The raw, unfinished edges of plywood are prone to damage. By attaching edge banding, the sides of the piece are reinforced, making it more resistant to wear and tear compared to unfinished wood. Additionally, this protects it from external factors. It may not seem like the inside of a cabinet undergoes significant wear and tear, but frequent movement of items or adjustment of shelf heights can affect the quality of the furniture. Edge banding can withstand regular bumps, scrapes, and knocks much better than raw edges.
Woodworkers often use edge banding not just for durability, but also for aesthetic purposes. When working with plywood, it’s important to have a consistent color and texture on every side, even the exposed edges. This helps elevate the overall appearance of the project, giving it a more polished and refined look. Without edge banding, the piece may appear homemade and lack the desired level of sophistication.
Edge Banding Is Easy
When working on projects at home, it’s unlikely that you’ll have solid wood scraps available to cut and fit into plywood. Instead, veneer edge banding is a simpler and more accessible option. Applying and trimming it to the perfect fit only requires basic tools that most homes already have, like a sharp knife and a hairdryer or iron. Plus, it doesn’t take much time to apply.
Edge banding is a practical solution for projects that may evolve over time, or if the finished wood will have multiple uses. By applying edge banding, each side of the wood will match, eliminating the need to refit if repurposing the project. This will also ensure that the project, which requires both your time and money, will be durable enough to withstand wear and tear. For instance, if you decide to switch from enclosed cabinets to open shelving, edge banding will provide a seamless and consistent appearance.
