Methods of Edging Plywood

Gluing

• One of the easiest ways to add edging to plywood is to glue the edging on. Plywood is a very thin sheet of wood. Using edging that is a little oversized saves the homeowner from having to get the edging perfectly aligned. You can then trim the edging until it is aligned with the plywood and nail the edging to the plywood to ensure the edging remains in place. When gluing the edging to the plywood, make sure to use the strongest glue you can find to ensure the edging sticks well to the plywood.

Tongue

• Another method that doesn't require glue or nails is to cut the plywood and the edging so they have a tongue and groove joint. The edging and the plywood interlock each other, holding the edging onto the plywood. You don't have to make the tongue very long or make the groove very deep.

Spline

• The spline and groove is quicker than the tongue and groove method, but requires a router and a slot cutter. The slot cutter makes the grooves in both the plywood and the edging. The top face of the edging and the plywood need to be face down on the table when doing this to ensure the grooves align. Hardboard works well for the spline.

Edge Banding

• Iron-on edge banding material goes on the plywood much faster than gluing the edging onto the plywood. The banding is veneer that is sanded by the manufacturer. You can put the banding on the plywood by using a warm clothes iron.

Scraping

• The block plane and scraper makes a light cut on edgings that do not have much to take off. Before cutting the edging, place masking tape on the plywood, which acts as a buffer between the plywood and the edging so you do not accidentally cut part of the plywood. The owner knows to start using a different tool when the tool cuts through the tape. Afterwards, use the cabinet scraper. You can use your finger to make sure you do not cut into the plywood.