What is edge banding?

 Particleboard and plywood often have the raw, exposed edges covered with edge banding, which is typically a thin veneer piece with adhesive on one side. Edge banding can also be solid wood (typically leftovers) that is glued or installed by cutting a groove into the piece of wood it will be attached to. Each band can be custom-made to precisely fit the shade of the wood it will be fastened to. Edge banding, when done properly, makes the complete plank appear to be a single, solid piece of wood.

There is, however, one (barely visible) trait of edge banding, though it is unlikely that guests will observe it unless they use a magnifying glass on your furniture. You could tell the grain variety of a piece of wood by looking at its edge, end, or face. The various varieties can be identified by the direction in which their grains travel. In contrast, edge banding substitutes edge grain for end grain. The contrast in grain is no longer glaring enough to draw attention to itself, even to the trained eye. Moreover, regardless of the grain orientation, edge banding always presents a more aesthetically appealing visual than the raw or uncovered edges it conceals.

When You Should Use Veneer Edge Banding

Aesthetics and strength are both important considerations when installing edge binding. Damage can more easily occur to plywood and particle board with raw, unfinished ends. Veneer edge banding, whether made of veneer or solid wood, is used to reinforce the sides of whatever it is affixed to, making it more durable and weather-resistant than unfinished wood. You might not give the inside of a cabinet as much wear as, say, a tabletop, but if you frequently move things in and out of the cabinet or adjust the shelving heights, it can have a greater impact on the quality of the item than you might think. Edge banding is far more durable than raw margins when subjected to daily wear and tear.