How to Finish Plywood Edges with Edge Banding

Why Plywood?  Why Edge Banding?

Plywood is an ideal building material for interior wood projects, especially amazing to build cabinets, closets, dressers, bookshelves, and more storage projects from.  Why?  Because plywood is easy to work with, dimensionally stable, beautiful, strong in both directions, and less expensive than hardwood or even softwood boards.

But what about those ugly plywood edges?

For about $0.12 a foot, you can quickly and easily apply edge banding with an iron to finish the edges of plywood?

Does Edge Banding Hold Up?

Yes, if you apply it right.  Application is key.  In the below video, we show you projects that have been used (and abused) for years and the edge banding still looks perfect.  It's all about the right application technique.

Watch - Quick Video on How to Apply Edge Banding to Plywood Edges

What Tools and Materials Do You Need for Edge Banding?

Here are the basic tools I use to apply edge banding.

• Edge banding in matching width and veneer (ie 3/4" birch to match 3/4" birch plywood)
• Flush cutter
• Edge Banding Trimmer
• Iron (no steam setting)
• 120 grit sanding block
• Jig made of scrap wood to hold plywood upright

Basic Steps to Edge Banding Like a Pro

1. Start with raw plywood edges that are straight cut and clean, no sawdust to prevent adhesion.

2. Cut the edge banding to about 1/2" longer than the overall length needed.

3. Apply the edge banding to the plywood edge using a hot iron, working with the iron in your right hand, working right to left.  Allow the edge banding to overhang on the ends and sides equal amounts.

4. Trim the edges with the edge banding trimmer, applying light pressure.  Trim ends with flush cutter.

5. Sand the edges to prevent any sharp edges that could catch and tear.

Related: How to Rip Plywood with a DIY Jig

It's easy to rip plywood to with the right jig!  Here's a great video and post showing how to make ripping plywood easier.

Some Favorite Project Plans that Use Plywood

Looking for free project plans that use plywood? We've got a huge collection here.