Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/5/2008

Question
Can you please tell me the name of the item that covers rough wood edges? I just made a tabletop out of flooring planks. I cut the overhang of the planks hanging off the table. I want to cover over the rough edge of the wood planks on the table top. What is that called. The table top wood planks is only about 1/4" thick. I thought there was some sort of edge strip that covered that over. What is this called? Thanks. Larry

Answer
Hey Larry,

I think you (sort of) answered your own question - the name of that wood edging around the perimeter of a table is called edging. As Homer Simpson would say- Doh!

Here's what I read in your question - the top is made up of planks, about 1/4" thick. I'm not sure what's underneath the planks, but I'm assuming is some sort of panel material. Maybe plywood? Or a different old table top? Whatever, it doesn't matter... what you want to do is to add a solid wood edging to that top - you want it to do two things...

First, it will camouflage the "sandwich" of materials that the tabletop is composed of. By adding it, you won't be able to see the various layers in the sandwich. Next, you will be creating an illusion of thickness. See, the planks were only 1/4" thick, and whatever they're laid on probably isn't' much ticker than 3/4". So the whole tope is only about an inch thick. By adding an edge of solid wood around the perimeter, you can create an illusion that the top is thicker. Beefier.

What most people (woodworkers) do is cut some sold wood about 1 1/4" thick, or maybe a hair thicker. Turn the wood on it's thin edge and run it around the edge of your table top. It's OK if it overhangs on the bottom a bit.

I generally apply the solid wood edging to the two short sides of the table first, cutting them flush with the ends. Then apply the two long sides. When I do this, I usually glue and nail it in place. It's sort of an involved subject, but wood moves with the seasons, so it's possible that the edging will creep away from the sides in certain seasons, and snug right back in other seasons. The ends will be fine, as wood doesn't move much end to end.

OK, hope this helps... good luck, and write back if you have any other questions after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com