All You Need To Know About Edge Banding

If you have ever witnessed furniture being created, you may have noticed that when wooden boards are cut, they have a raw edge. If left uncovered, the raw edge could pose a serious problem for furniture. Apart from aesthetics, exposed edges will allow moisture to creep in and warp the wood as a solution to these problems edge banding was created. Edge bands are attached to the raw edges of wood boards to seal them from moisture. To summarize what edge banding is, covering raw edges on wood panels with a thin strip of wood or PVC called edge bands. These bands are then attached using adhesives such as glues and hot-melt.

Why should your furniture have edge banding? Well, when furniture is made using engineered wood, the wood itself is treated to resist moisture. Unfortunately, wood has a natural tendency to absorb water, and that cannot be completely removed only reduced. That is where edge bands come in as it protects the wood panels in your furniture from moisture, reducing the effects of humidity and spills. In turn, the strength and durability of your wooden furniture increases. So, there is no reason to cry over spilled milk as your edge banding has your furniture protected.

Edge banding can be made from more than one material, including PVC, acrylic, wood/wood veneer. The most common material used is PVC and for several reasons. One reason is that it reduces water absorption to a large extent, but it also comes in a wider range of colors and shades, allowing you to match your furniture's exact shade and finish. Also, compared to wood edge banding, PVC is easier to use on curved surfaces.

Typically edge banding is cut to fit the size of the wood panel and applied to the raw edge using a strong adhesive. A heat roller is then applied to melt the glue to the band, ends are trimmed flush and bent to cover the wood to ensure there are no sharp ends. The surplus adhesive is scraped off, and the edge is then buffed for a flawless finish. This process is typically completed all on a machine called an edge bander.

Any concerns one may have about the durability of the adhesives used in edge banding can worry not. Most frequently, the glues that are used are hot-melt and are pliable in high temperatures. On the contrary, hot-melt glues are tough in low temperatures, and they dry clear and, more importantly, are water-resistant.

Overall, edge banding plays an important role in your furniture's lifespan and can vary from material and the way it is applied. Ensuring you have quality material and adhesives can determine how long your favorite piece of wooden furniture lasts.

ESI, Edgebanding Services, is the leading supplier for quality edge banding.