Types of Edgebands Materials and Their Uses

When it comes to furniture design, aesthetics and durability are equally important. One such product that enhances the beauty of furniture while providing a long life is an edgeband.

An edgeband is a thin strip that is applied to cover the exposed edges of furniture and countertops. It provides a finishing touch with a seamless and polished look. But it’s not just about looks, is it? Edgebanding not only enhances the appearance of the furniture but also safeguards the edges from wear, breakage, and moisture damage, providing durability to your precious pieces.
 

Types of Edgebands

There are many different types of edge bands available on the market. In this blog, let’s explore these various types, what materials are used in their manufacturing, and where they are used.
 

1. Decorative Edgebands
Decorative edge bands add an elegant visual appeal to the overall design of furniture. They give furniture a more finished and refined appearance. These edgebands come in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures, so you can find one that perfectly matches the style of your furniture.

Materials used for manufacturing: Decorative edgebands are made from high-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) that are bonded to a backing material, such as paper or fabric. This process happens under high heat and pressure to create a durable and decorative surface. The same laminates are then used to create matching decorative edgebands.

Application areas: Decorative edgebands are commonly used in residential and commercial furniture, cabinetry, and interior design projects.
- Furniture
- Countertops
- Cabinets

2.  Wood Veneer Edgebands

Wood veneer edgebands offer a more natural look than decorative edgebands, but they can be slightly more expensive as they are made from real wood veneers. These edgebands are designed to provide a seamless look to furniture pieces while maintaining the appearance of solid wood.

Materials used for manufacturing: Wood veneer is obtained by slicing a thin layer from the surface of a log or timber, creating a sheet of natural wood that preserves the unique patterns, textures, and colour variations of the original wood species. The wood veneer is then carefully processed to create edgebands.

Application areas: Wood veneer edgebands are used with furniture made of real wood to give them a classy finish. It’s recommended not to use them in areas where the furniture might be exposed to moisture.
- Furniture
- Cabinets

3. PVC Edgebands

PVC edgebands offer durability, flexibility, and easy maintenance. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good option for consumers seeking a budget-friendly and long-lasting edgebanding solution.

Materials used for manufacturing: PVC edgebands are primarily made from Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC material, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer. The manufacturing process involves combining PVC resin with additives and colourants to create a versatile material suitable for edgebanding applications.

The primary ingredient, PVC resin, contributes to the edgeband's durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear. Various additives are incorporated to enhance the performance of PVC edgebands. Colourants are added to give PVC edgebands their desired colour or pattern. This allows for a wide range of design options, including solid colours, wood grains, and textures. This also requires the application of embossing rollers.

Application areas: PVC edgebands are a good choice for furniture and countertops that are exposed to moisture or heavy use.
- Kitchen Furniture
- Kitchen Countertops
- Bathroom vanities

4. Zero-joint Edgebands

Zero-joint edgebands are also referred to as laser edgebands or seamless edgebands. These are innovative and advanced edgebanding solutions from REHAU. They help you achieve a superior finish with no framing effect, making REHAU a pioneering and innovative edgeband manufacturer in India.

Unlike traditional edgebands, zero-joint edgebanding eliminates the visible line or seam typically present between the edgeband and the panel. They offer a flawless look with an invisible joint between the edgeband and the surface. The extremely durable zero-joint edgebands are easy to clean and are resistant to moisture, heat, and dust.

Materials used for manufacturing: The manufacturing process of zero-joint edgebands typically involves advanced technology and specialized machinery. PMMA and ABS materials are typically used to manufacture zero-joint edgebands.

A. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): It is a thermoplastic polymer that is known for its durability, impact resistance, and versatility.

B. PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): It helps achieve a transparent appearance, allowing the edgeband to blend seamlessly with the surface.

Application areas: Zero joint edgebands are applied using laser technology, thus eliminating the need for cleaning agents to remove extra adhesives. They are a good choice for furniture and countertops that require a high level of precision and detail.
- High-end furniture
- Luxury kitchens

5. Glass and Metal Unite Edgebands

Glass and metal unite edgebands uniquely combine the beauty and elegance of glass with the strength and practicality of metal.
Materials used for manufacturing: The primary materials used to create glass and metal unite edgebands include:

A. PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): Also known as acrylic, PMMA material provides transparency and clarity similar to glass. PMMA edgebands can be clear or tinted to achieve different visual effects.

B. Metal: Metals such as aluminium or stainless steel are used with different finishes, including brushed, polished, or textured, to create different visual effects and textures.

Application Areas: They are a good choice for furniture and countertops that require a modern and stylish look.
- Modern furniture
- Luxury kitchens
- Commercial furniture

Conclusion

You might ask, what’s the best material for edge banding? Well, the answer depends on the application. For furniture that is exposed to moisture, PVC is a good choice. For furniture that requires a high level of precision, zero-joint edgebands are a good option. For a natural look, you can consider wood veneer edgebands. And for furniture that needs a modern and stylish look, decorative or glass and metal unite edgebands are the way to go.

No matter what your preference or need is, the RAUKANTEX range of edgebands from REHAU India meets all your demands with the high quality and durability of German-engineered solutions.

When you choose REHAU, you place your trust in a reputable worldwide brand that has been at the forefront across various industries for more than 75 years. Since establishing its presence in India in 1997, REHAU has consistently delivered high-end furniture solutions for kitchen, industrial and building structures, upholding the supreme quality benchmarks of German engineering.