Metal Edging for Plywood

Plywood is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use building material, which is why do-it-yourselfers often choose it for projects in and around the home. Plywood is also very versatile. Many individuals who use plywood to construct tabletops and countertops often attach edging along the sides to give their projects a more "finished" look.

Metal edging can lend an industrial look to a plywood surface. But metal edging is functional as well. For example, if you spill liquid on a plywood countertop, the edging will catch it so it doesn't continue onto your floor or carpeting. The other benefit of metal edging is that it protects the wood. For instance, if you have to move a table sideways on your own and the edges drag against concrete, the plywood will be protected by the metal edging.

Metal edging, including stainless steel edging that resists corrosion, is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Metal edging usually comes in long strips that can be cut to size at the store if you know the measurements beforehand or can be cut with a pair of tin snips.

The do-it-yourselfer has a variety of choices when it comes to metal edging. When making your selection, decide whether you want edging that is the exact width of the plywood edges or slightly bigger then choose between edging that is glued, screwed or clamped on. The latter is best if you want the edging to also stop spills on countertops.

The good news is that installing metal edging on plywood is neither difficult nor time-consuming. However, different types of metal edgings are installed in different ways. For clamp-on edging, simply slide the edging over the plywood and align the lips of the metal edging to the top and bottom of the plywood. Then simply apply the clamps. For edging that screws on, drill pilot holes along the plywood that match up with the pre-drilled holes on the edging. If there are no pre-drilled holes on the edging, attach screws at 6-inch intervals. For glue-on edging, simply apply adhesive to the metal edging and the plywood edge then press the edges together and hold them in place until dry.