How to Edge-band Plywood

Plywood's unattractive edges are hidden by edge banding.

The edges of plywood sheets expose the thin layers of wood that make up the plywood. Edge band, a material applied to the edges, hides the unattractive edges on furniture-grade plywood. Two different methods of applying edge band to plywood serve separate purposes. The first uses a very thin strip of wood to cover the edge and make it more attractive. The other uses a thicker strip to provide additional support while still hiding the exposed wood layers.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe clamps
• Edge band roll
• Utility knife
• 1-inch wide painter's tape
• Electric iron
• Table saw
• 1-by-6 lumber
• Yellow wood glue
• Utility brush
• Brad nailer
• Damp rag

Instructions

Iron-on Edge Banding

1. Stand the plywood vertically with the edge to receive the banding horizontal. Clamp the plywood to a sturdy and stable work surface to hold it steady.

2. Unroll the edge banding glue side down along the plywood edge and cut it off with the utility knife so it extends one inch beyond each end of the plywood. Tape the edge banding to the plywood at one end and in the middle so that it overlaps both sides of the plywood edge, and both ends of the plywood.

3. Set the iron to cotton setting without steam and allow it to heat up. Apply the iron with moderate pressure to the edge banding and slowly move it down the strip. Keep the iron moving at a rate that activates the glue and bonds it to the plywood. Remove the tape as you approach the middle and end of the plywood.

4. Cut into the edge banding from the side with the utility knife near one end of the plywood. Hold the blade at a slight angle to the side of the plywood and use the side as a guide as you trim the edge banding to the same width and length as the plywood.

Solid-strip Edge Band

1. Set the fence on the table saw 1/4-inch away from the blade. Raise the blade to height of 1 inch. Turn the saw on and guide the 1-by-6 through the blade with the edge against the fence. Remove the fence.

2. Clamp the plywood to sturdy work table with the edge horizontal. Lay the wood strip on top of the plywood edge, flush with one end, and mark the other end where it overlaps the end of the plywood. Remove the fence from the table saw, install the miter gauge place the strip on the saw against the gauge. Align the mark with the blade and cut the strip.

3. Squeeze a 1/4-inch wide bead of glue along the face of the wood strip and along the edge of the plywood. Use the utility brush to spread the glue evenly on the strip and plywood edge. Lay the strip glue side down on the plywood edge with one edge flush with the side of the plywood, and the ends flush with the plywood ends.

4. Nail the strip to the plywood edge with a brad from the brad nailer placed every six inches. The brads will hold the strip in place while the glue dries, apply a clamping force to the strip, and add strength to the bond between the wood strip and the plywood.

5. Wipe up any glue that squeezes out with a damp rag. Allow one hour for the yellow wood glue to set up.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sand the wood strip after the glue dries to remove rough edges.

• If you plan to route the wood strip, use clamps instead of the brads to hold the strip in place. After the edge band is routed, you can add nails if they are required.

• Shelf molding is a form of edge band and saves you the trouble of cutting your own strips.

• Don't try to sand the glue on type of edge banding, the wood veneer is as thin as paper and is easily destroyed.

References

• "Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins"; Clayton DeKorne

Resources

• JoeWoodworker.com: Edge Banding Guide
• The Family Handyman: Edge Banding With Iron-On Veneer Edging