Edgebanding seals and finishes the raw edges of a cut panel. It protects the core from moisture and knocks, and gives furniture a clean, professional look. Here is how to choose the right edging for each part of your project.
What is edgebanding?
Edgebanding is a thin strip of material, usually ABS, applied to the cut edge of a board with hot-melt adhesive on an edgebanding machine. The machine then trims it flush and finishes the corners, so the edge looks like part of the panel. Most decors are available with matching edging.
Which thickness should I choose?
| Thickness | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 0.4mm – 0.8mm | Hidden or low-wear edges: carcass backs, top and bottom edges inside cabinets |
| 1mm | A good all-round choice for carcass front edges and shelves |
| 2mm | High-wear and on-show edges: doors, drawer fronts, worktop-style edges, anything that gets knocked |
A popular combination for kitchens and wardrobes is 2mm on doors and drawer fronts and 1mm on carcass front edges and shelves.
Which edges should I band?
As a rule, band every edge you will see or touch. Edges that sit against a wall, inside a joint or behind a back panel can usually be left raw. We use a simple code to describe each edge:
- L1 and L2 – the two long edges.
- W1 and W2 – the two short edges.
Examples:
- Cabinet side: front edge only (L1).
- Shelf: front edge only (L1), or all four if it is a free-standing shelf.
- Door or drawer front: all four edges (L1, L2, W1, W2).
Matching or contrasting edging?
Matching edging blends the edge into the face for a seamless look. Contrasting edging – a black edge on white, for example, or an oak edge on a plain colour – can be a striking design feature. Just tell us which decor you want on each edge.
Don’t forget the extra thickness
Edging adds thickness to the panel. Tell us whether your sizes are finished sizes (including edging) or cut sizes – our cutting list guide explains how.
Get your panels edged in Peterborough
We cut and edge in-house, with a standard lead time of 5 working days. Find out more about our edgebanding service, or call 07791 290848, WhatsApp 07479 219421 or email cutandedgexpress@gmail.com.