Edge banding is a type of finishing that’s applied to the edge of plywood, particleboard or other wood products. It can be made from metal, plastic or rubber and is used for decoration as well as protection. Edge banding comes in different shapes and sizes, so it needs to be carefully matched with the material it’s being applied to. That’s why I will describe all types of edge banding and talk about what they are made of and the pros and cons of those edge banding
What is Edge Banding?
Maybe you already know what edge banding is, but let me explain it to those who don’t know or aren’t sure. Edge banding is a thin strip of material, usually vinyl or plastic, that’s glued onto the exposed edges of plywood and particleboard (or MDF). It comes in several types: solid wood, real wood veneer (like oak), man-made materials like ABS plastics. If you are doing a project with plywood or MDF, even with regular wood and want a beautiful edge finish, you should consider using some types of edge banding.
Now let’s check what types of edge banding are out there so that you can choose the best one for your project.
Types of Edge Banding
First of all, we can divide edge banding according to various characteristics, like materials types, applying process, thickness and widths. Let’s check them one by one.
Types of Edge Banding materials
Edge banding can be made from various types of materials. I will list them in the following:
- PVC
- Wood Veneer
- Polypropylene
- Melamine
- ABS
- Solid Wood
PVC
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is probably the most popular edge banding material you can find. It’s pretty cheap and easy to apply, but it’s not very durable. It’s also easy to peel off, especially under high humidity.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer edge banding is made from a thin layer of real wood, so if you choose this type for your project, the edges will look just like they have been finished with solid wood edging or moldings. You can find types of wood veneers in any type of wood you want. Keep in mind that the price will depend on the type and thickness of wood it’s made from, so you can choose types like maple or oak because they are durable materials.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is one more popular edge banding material that is extremely durable and flexible at the same time – this type of edge banding is nearly unbreakable. It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t absorb liquids, so it won’t get damaged by water or other types of fluids. You can find types like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) which are very durable – they’re used for making LEGO bricks!
Melamine
These types of edge banding are made from melamine and not very common, but they’re also flexible and durable. These types of material often have an MDF core that’s covered with a thin layer of polyurethane or PVC plastic.
ABS
Types of edge banding made from ABS are very durable and highly resistant to scratches, chemicals, chipping or peeling – they’re also UV light-resistant. They come in a variety of thicknesses and colors, so it’s easy to find one that matches the material you want them on perfectly.
Solid Wood
Types of edge banding made from solid wood are, obviously, the most natural-looking types you can find. They’re available in all types of wood you want, like maple or oak. Keep in mind that they can’t be glued to materials other than solid woods because the glue wouldn’t hold on to a material made from a different type of core.
If your project is going to be exposed to high humidity levels (for example, if it’s outdoor furniture), types of edge banding made from PVC or wood veneer are the best choice.
If you want types of edge banding that can be glued to any type of material, choose types like ABS, polypropylene, or edge banding. If you want types that are flexible and durable, choose types like melamine.
If you want something super strong and durable, then you should go for solid wood types.
Edge Banding Applications Types
Now let’s divide edge banding according to types of application.
- Hot-melt glue
- Hot air/laser
- Iron-on
- Laser edging
- No pre-glued
- Edge banding tape
Hot-melt glue
The types of edge banding applied with hot-melt glue are cheap types you can find in every DIY store. They’re made from any material with low heat resistance, so it’s best to avoid using them on materials like MDF or plywood if your project is exposed to high temperatures (like outdoor furniture).
Know More: 5 Best Edge Banding Machines: Buying Guide and Reviews
Hot air/laser types of edge banding
These types that are applied by hot-air or laser are very easy to use and can be used with any type of material. You just need a special machine for the job, so it’s more suitable for commercial projects than residential ones.
Iron-on types of edge banding
Edge Banding applied with iron can be used on any type of material with low heat resistance. They’re the cheapest types, so they’re perfect for residential projects – you just need a household iron to attach them! It’s a easy process and can do it with simple guidance.
Know More: 5 Best Iron for Edge Banding in 2022
Laser edging types of edge banding
Types of edge banding that are attached using lasers look exactly like solid wood types. They’re perfect for adding types of edge banding to materials like MDF or plywood.
No pre-glued types
This type of edge banding does not contain any glue to its surface. So when you are going to apply this, you have to apply glue manually. You can simply use any wood glue or double-sided tape to attach types of edge banding.
Edge banding tape
This type of edge banding is just like a tape and applied just like a tape. You can use this type of edge banding tape with any type of material.
Know More: How to Apply Edge Banding | Edge Banding Guide
Types of Edge Banding Size
Now I will divide the edge banding according to its thickness and width.
Thick types
These types of edge banding are very thick and heavy. They’re not flexible at all, so they can be used for decorative purposes only. If you want types of wood veneer to cover your MDF cabinets, then this is the best choice.
Know More: Best Edge Banding Trimmer and Veneer Edge Trimmer in 2022
Medium types
Edge banding with medium thicknesses are very flexible, so they can be used in many projects. They come in several types, like paper-backed types with the glue already attached to their surface or self-adhesive types that you need to attach manually – all depending on your project’s requirements.
Thin types
These types of Edge banding are thin enough to bend around complex shapes like rounded edges or curved surfaces. They come in a variety of widths, but the most common ones are 20mm and 25mm wide. You should choose this type when you need types of edge banding that are flexible enough to be bent around complex shapes.
Edge banding width depends on the types of projects. For example, if you need types of edge banding for covering large surfaces, then it’s best to choose a wider type because they’re able to fit in both thick and thin types. But if you want to cover a small edge, you should choose small in width types. Just remember that you will need an edge banding that is a little bit wider than your project edges.
Know More: How to Trim Edge Banding of a Plywood
How to Select Edge Banding?
Now let’s learn how to select edge banding according to specific types of projects.
Suppose you want an edge banding that is flexible and easy to use, then types like melamine/ veneer types with paper backing would be the best choice for your project because this type is very suitable for curved surfaces or rounded edges. If your project needs types that can cover large surfaces, choose a wider one (25mm wide).
Types that come in different widths will help you find just what you need without any problems! You should also think about its thickness as well as its colour, so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises later on during the installation process. Are you adding some decorative effect? Just pick those edges made from wood species such as oak types or walnut types.
Edge banding is the perfect solution for covering edges, especially if you want to make them look like solid wood types! It’s very easy to install, and its prices are reasonable too, so it will be a great choice for any type of project that requires adding types of edge banding. Just remember about selecting an appropriate thickness based on your project requirements.
Also, choose flexible types made from melamine/ veneer with paper backing when you need types of edge banding for curved surfaces or rounded edges – these types are very suitable in such cases because they’re able to fit in both thick and thin ones without breaking down later on during installation process. You should also consider color options, types, and widths when selecting types of edge banding for your project.
Conclusion
Edge banding types come in many different types, widths, and materials. It’s important to consider the type of edge banding you need and its thickness and color before deciding which one is best for your project. If you want an edge banding covering large surfaces or curved edges, then selecting types with wider widths are ideal. But if you have any questions about choosing types of edge banding, simply reach out to our team by commenting below.
