How-To

Plywood Edging that Matches Perfectly

By Cecil Braeden #203–Jan/Feb 2009 Issue

QUESTION:

I want to make a tabletop from hardwood plywood and cover the edges with veneer, but manufactured edge-bandings don’t give a good grain and color match. Any suggestions?

—Dominic Anderson, Portland, OR

ANSWER:

You’ll get the best match by wrapping the edges with veneer cut from the same plywood used to make the top. This veneer will take dyes, stains, and finishes the same as the top.

You can cut veneers that run with the grain or across the grain, so you can match any side of the plywood.

First, rip the veneer from the plywood.

**Cut the veneer free.** Position the fence 1 in. from the blade and make a ripcut with the veneer side up.

Then, glue the veneer to the edges.

**Yellow glue works fine.** A caul ensures that the clamping force is applied evenly along the strip. To allow the strip to overhang the underside of the workpiece, place spacers under both the workpiece and the caul.

**Trim the veneer.** Once the glue has dried, use a sharp knife to cut the veneer flush with the end of the piece. Then use a wide chisel to pare away the veneer overhang. Veneer the panel ends and smooth the joint with a sanding block.

Drawings by Kelly J. Dunton

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