Bathroom Vanities: Edge Banding Question

[James Jayko]

I'm building a couple of vanities for our master bathroom. I have heard that the very thin edge banding veneer isn't a great option because of the moisture in the bathrooms, so I was going to use solid wood (poplar, oak, something readily available). How thick a veneer would you use here? 1/4"? Just the face and the bottom (the vanity will have feet), or do you band all four sides? Would you glue and brad, just glue?

Any and all feedback welcome.

[George Bokros]

I would use at least 1/4" and band all edges that would be seen. I believe only glue would be adequate.

[Steve Jenkins]

I’d do all 4 sides of the top with mitered corners since it will show when looking down at the top.

[James Jayko]

I'm planning to use a soapstone top and it will be flush against the wall, So really only the two will be visible. But it might just be good practice.


I’d do all 4 sides of the top with mitered corners since it will show when looking down at the top.

[Jim Dwight]

As long as the plywood is exterior glue I would only cover the edges that show. I think 1/8 is adequate. A disadvantage of the iron on variety of very thin is it can telegraph the plywood veneers too - in addition to tearing if it gets snagged. I would not use brads - or use them only to position the edging, because it doesn't look as good. I would glue and clamp it. At least titebond 2 and tightbond 3 might be a good idea.

After I get the purchased vanity in my MBR I will build a storage cabinet and it will probably have a face frame to cover the edges of a plywood box. It will have to somewhat match the vanity.

[Jerry Miner]

I like to use 1/4" banding, but Jim is probably right that 1/8" is enough. I only band the edges that show. Glue only, no brads.