Plywood is a versatile and inexpensive building material that homeowners can use for a number of home improvement projects. The wood’s exposed, uneven edges can be an eyesore, though. Homeowners can easily get a more polished look by finishing their plywood’s edges with one of three simple techniques. Read about each in our step-by-step guide below.
Why Finish Plywood Edges?
Finishing plywood includes the following benefits:
- Increased durability and resistance: Finished edges are less likely to splinter or delaminate over time.
- Refined look: Evening out the plywood’s rough, layered edges creates an improved, more professional appearance.
- Safety precautions: Smooth edges reduce the risk of cuts or splinters.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Plywood Project
Selecting the right plywood edge-finishing method is the first step in getting the results you want.
- Edge banding is perfect for furniture pieces and projects that call for a seamless, natural look.
- Face boards work well for shelving, cabinets, and projects that call for thicker, stronger edges.
- Wood filler is ideal for painted projects and simple DIY builds.
Consider factors such as the project’s purpose, your skill level, and the look you want to achieve when deciding which method is best for you. Certain projects might benefit from combining two methods. Attaching a face board and then applying edge banding can create a stylish but heavily reinforced surface, for example.
Plywood Edge Finishing Method 1: Apply Wood Filler
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to conceal plywood edges is to use wood filler. This involves filling holes to create a solid, flat surface that you can then sand down. This method takes a little while to complete, so be patient. The wood filler method only works for paint-grade builds.
Materials Needed
- Paint or primer
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Wood filler
Steps to Apply Wood Filler
- Clean the plywood edge to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply a generous amount of wood filler to the edge using a putty knife.
- Spread the filler evenly, and fill all gaps and voids in the plywood layers.
- Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Sand the filled edge until it’s smooth, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper and progressing to finer grits.
- Apply additional filler to achieve a perfectly smooth surface.
- Prime and paint the edge.
Plywood Edge Finishing Method 2: Attach a Face Board
Attaching a solid wood face board works well for both painted and stained projects, and can add a decorative touch to your piece. It creates a beautiful, reinforced finish that’s fitting for projects such as shelving or cabinet construction. Try to match the wood grain direction as closely as possible when attaching a face board.
Materials Needed
- Clamps
- Nail gun or screws
- Sandpaper
- Solid wood board
- Wood filler
- Wood glue
Steps to Attach a Face Board
- Cut the face board so that it’s the same length as the plywood.
- Apply wood glue to the plywood edge, and position the face board.
- Secure the face board using clamps, and make sure the bond is tight.
- Once the glue has set, use a nail gun or screws to secure the face board.
- Fill any nail holes or gaps with wood filler.
- Sand the entire edge smooth, and blend the face board with the plywood surface.
- Prime and paint the surface.
Plywood Edge Finishing Method 3: Apply Edge Banding
Use the edge banding method if you want to achieve a natural wood look. This technique involves applying a thin strip of wood veneer, which includes a heat-activated adhesive backing. Use sharp scissors to trim the ends of the edge banding, which will reduce the risk of damaging the wood grain.
Materials Needed
- Edge banding
- Edge trimming tool or block plane
- Household iron
- Sandpaper
- Sharp scissors or utility knife
- Wood block
Steps to Apply Edge Banding
- Cut the edge banding so that it’s slightly longer than the plywood edge.
- Position the edge banding so that there’s a slight overhang on both ends.
- Use a household iron to activate the adhesive, and bond the edge banding to the plywood.
- Press the edge banding firmly with a wood block so that it adheres to the surface. The wood block helps spread and press the adhesive evenly.
- Allow the edge banding to cool completely.
- Trim the excess at each end using sharp scissors or a utility knife.
- Use an edge-trimming tool, utility knife, or block plane to trim the overhanging edges.
- Sand the edge lightly to blend it with the plywood surface.
Tips for Successful Plywood Edge Finishing
Keep the following tips in mind no matter which method you choose.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially if you’re using wood fillers or adhesives.
- Choose a finishing method that complements your project’s overall design and intended use.
- Consider the final finish (paint, stain, or clear coat) you plan to use when you’re selecting your edge-finishing technique.
- Take your time and work carefully to ensure a smooth, even finish.
- Use the appropriate safety equipment, such as dust masks and eye protection, when sanding.
- When using wood filler, fill all voids completely to prevent dents and depressions.
- When you’re done sanding, clean the surface to remove residues. Paints and other adhesives will more successfully adhere this way.