In Layman's terms, edge banding is a thin material used to seal the exposed and raw edges of plywood. Heat sensitive adhesive on one side is applied to the board while the other side acts as a barrier against dirt and moisture.Edgebanding is mainly done to cover plywood sides in order to match a cabinet’s finished look, but it also protects the inner plywood from possibly warping. Edge Banding is available in variety of materials, but there are two categories that are most commonly used : PVC and Veneer.
Edge banding is also available in a variety of thicknesses. For cabinets in low-use areas, such as a home office, 0.5mm edge banding is used in order to be cost effective while still being durable. For high-use areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, 1mm thick edge banding is recommended to better protect your cabinets from frequent use. 3mm edge banding is used for commercial jobs, where strength and longevity are a must