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.

 Then, glue the veneer to the edges.

Drawings by Kelly J. Dunton

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