An edge is used to protect the edge of the countertops from moisture and mechanical stress. This detail also has aesthetic significance, as it gives the product a finished look. There are various options for processing the ends, which depend on the material from which the countertop is made. A special edge is glued onto them or a metal strip is installed. The ends of stone countertops are processed in a special way.
Features of gluing edges to tabletops
An edge is the edge of furniture in the form of a strip that can protect it from adverse effects. If you do not glue the edge to the tabletop, it will not only cause an unaesthetic appearance, but also a negative impact on the human body through the release of toxic substances.
Accordingly, this device is mandatory and it is absolutely impossible to do without it. This especially applies to the table that is located in the kitchen, because it is constantly exposed to moisture and it is a matter of time before it loses its appearance.
Gluing the edge to the tabletop at home to the edges is not difficult, but you will need to treat each step as carefully as possible in order to avoid possible mistakes.
Why do you need to process the ends?
We list the main reasons to process the ends:
- Aesthetics. Leaving your countertops untreated is like brushing only your upper teeth and not your lower teeth. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, and it is important that the furniture and surroundings bring only positive emotions.
- Extending service life. Here we are talking not only about mechanical damage, but also about splashes of water, clouds of steam and simply temperature changes. The edge seals the end and protects it from all negative influences, extending its service life.
- Health protection. The fact is that formaldehyde resins, harmful to human health, can evaporate through the open edge of a cheap chipboard tabletop, so finishing the ends is simply necessary.
- Masking of defects. If the edge of the tabletop was damaged during transportation (which happens very often), then a correctly selected edge will hide everything.
Types of furniture edges
Countertops come in different varieties and each can be used in a specific environment. For example, the bathroom will need more moisture resistance than other rooms.
In the kitchen or office, you need a suitable design so that the entire countertop blends correctly with the interior. To correctly decide which material to choose an edge from, below are its main types.
In what rooms is it needed?
As was said, the edge is not only a decoration, but also protects both people and furniture, for example, from moisture. Hence it is clear that it is simply necessary for kitchen units and other furniture, since the kitchen often experiences high humidity. The same can be said about the bathroom, and just a humid climate.
In other living rooms - living room, bedroom, children's room - an edge, for example, at a window sill made of a wooden tabletop, will be protection from dangerous fumes.
How to glue an edge to a tabletop with your own hands
There are certain nuances when gluing edges to a tabletop. You should check the surface of the furniture for possible relief. Because after gluing, it may turn out that the edge does not hold well or the whole look does not look aesthetically pleasing.
If no irregularities are found or they have been eliminated in advance, then you can begin to work. To do this, below are the step-by-step steps:
- Prepare the tools that may be needed when edging, namely: a knife for cutting material; a cloth previously soaked in water; solvent, acetone for surface treatment; a hair dryer for bonding, preferably a hair dryer, or you can use an iron.
- Next, position the tabletop so that you can work with it comfortably. Prepare a purchased edge, which can be selected according to the recommendations presented above.
- To increase adhesion, all contamination should be removed from the end surface of the tabletop. You can use water, but the most reliable option is to use a solvent. But before using it, you should find out whether it is suitable for this type of work and whether it will enter into a chemical reaction with the countertop or the selected edge.
- You need to measure how much edge length is required to cover the side surface of the tabletop.
- After which some time must pass until the edge tape and the side surface of the tabletop dry.
- The next step is to begin gluing by applying the adhesive side of the edge to the tabletop. At the same time, you need to heat the surfaces with a hairdryer or iron.
- After adhesion of the surfaces to the adhesive, use scissors and trim the edges. Finally, additional processing can be done using sandpaper.
FAQ
Can there be a cheap edge on expensive factory furniture?
Hardly. Manufacturers do not skimp on such details, realizing that the durability of the product depends on this. If the edge is cheap, the price is likely unreasonably high.
How to properly make joints on furniture edges?
It is advisable not to do them at all. The following approach will allow you to avoid joints: round the corners with a file, measure the entire perimeter of the tape, start gluing from the center of the front end, first going around the left side, then along the right. You need to connect the ends in the center of the rear end, in a place that is most invisible to the eye.
If this option is unacceptable or the edge is hard, you can leave sections at the corners and cover the seams with decorative overlays.
On veneer, the joints are sealed with putty, sanded and the entire perimeter is coated with varnish, wax or paint.
The edge breaks when cutting off excess. What to do?
The problem may be a dull blade or the direction of movement of the knife. The cutting is carried out inside the part, from top to bottom. To be on the safe side, you can use a metal spatula.
The hard edge does not adhere well.
For complete pressing, you can use a wooden beam the length of the entire end. After rolling with a roller, you need to press the block on top, secure it with tape or clamps and leave it until the glue dries completely.
Which glue to choose for edges
In most cases, the edge is supplied with an adhesive applied to it. But if this is not the case, then you need to purchase universal glue or PVC.
As a rule, the first option is not recommended for every type of work, since the glue can have a specific effect on the material, but at the same time this also applies to PVC. The second is that it does not always withstand moisture and can begin to deteriorate under its influence.
But before buying universal glue, you need to ask the seller whether it has a negative effect on the material of the table top and edges. A good choice for purchase would be Lux glue. This glue can be used to easily attach the edge to the tabletop.
Types and their features
The most striking difference between the edges is in appearance. Ribbons can be of different colors, matte and glossy, with imitation of stone, concrete, wood, leather, stucco and other textured designs.
But the main difference is the material. The final properties of the part depend on the raw materials.
Melamine
They're paper. Made from very thick paper. It is impregnated with melamine and glued to a papyrus backing and varnished, which further increases its strength.
The papyrus base can be made of one or two layers. The thickness of the tape is respectively 0.2 or 0.4 mm. The second option is more expensive, but exhibits better performance.
Melamine edges are characterized by flexibility and easy installation. Most often there is already glue on the backside, which just needs to be warmed up before applying to the end. At the same time, this is the most short-lived type. The tape quickly wears out, fades, and is fraught with excess moisture.
Suitable for back edges of shelves and table tops. Not recommended for external parts.
Polyvinyl chloride
In other words, PVC. A mass of raw materials is formed into a tape, textures are applied and painted in different shades. The imitation of wood fibers is especially successful. The low price does not in any way affect the quality during use. One of the easiest options for self-gluing.
PVC edges withstand contact with objects, household chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, and water. They fit large curves and curves without any problems. Available with or without an adhesive layer.
Thickness varies from 0.4 to 4 mm. The width can be any in the range from 19 to 54 mm. As a rule, the size is chosen slightly with a margin from the end.
Expert opinion
Korzhavin Daniil Dmitrievich
Designer of stylish home furniture
The main disadvantage of PVC tapes is their poor tolerance to sudden temperature changes. Heating during installation must be done extremely carefully; furniture should not be left in the cold or in extreme heat for a long time.
ABS plastic
Edges made of ABS polymer material. They are good because they do not contain heavy metals, which makes them as safe as possible from an environmental point of view. They are also distinguished by excellent strength and long service life, despite active physical impacts.
They tolerate temperature changes well. They successfully imitate natural materials with their texture, including different types of wood. Available in glossy, semi-gloss, matte versions.
Despite the ease of gluing with any heat-resistant composition, they have some nuances in operation. When choosing ABS plastic, it is worth remembering that it shrinks when heated. The size of the tape should be approximately 0.3-0.5 mm wider and longer than the end itself.
The main disadvantage is the high price.
Veneer
Veneer is not the most sought-after material in the edging world, but it has its place. Such edges resemble thin plates rather than ribbons. They are made by thinly cutting wood, followed by pressing and painting.
Most often, veneer edges are used when processing problematic veneered products. They are expensive and require professional skills to operate. Rarely used independently.
Acrylic 3D
Edges made of transparent hardened acrylic. They resemble an aquarium or a piece of glass - there is a drawing on the back side. The structure makes the tape voluminous and creates beautiful highlights. The ability to make any ornament opens up scope for design activity.
It is actively used for decorating cabinets, chests of drawers, tables, and doors. Requires care in cutting, cutting and gluing, as seams can be noticeable.
Expert opinion
Korzhavin Daniil Dmitrievich
Designer of stylish home furniture
The cost remains high. Many companies allow manufacturing according to an individual project.
How to glue an edge without adhesive
If there is no adhesive applied to the edge, then it must be purchased separately. In this case, you need to apply glue to both surfaces to get the best adhesion. If too much of the compound has been applied, it needs to be removed because it has not hardened.
Gluing the edge to the tabletop is a job that should not be neglected. Otherwise, the furniture can easily deteriorate under the influence of moisture or cause harm to human health. Edge material is available in almost every store, which is why choosing a tape does not cause any inconvenience.
Types of edges for processing natural stone
The end of the table top is processed using cutters. Depending on them, the corner of the stone surface is reduced.
A natural stone countertop will have an unfinished look if the ends are not treated. When ordering an individual kitchen project, you can choose the types of edges that will look best not only on the furniture, but also in the overall interior. They have the following qualities:
- durability;
- impact resistance;
- hygiene;
- integrity;
- aesthetics.
The following types of edges can be distinguished when processing natural stone:
- The straight end is recommended for those who prefer the classics. It will add respectability and aristocracy to the interior, without focusing on details.
- Semicircular and beveled edges are suitable for homes with small children, as they eliminate sharp corners.
- Radial machining of the end is possible in the range of 5-15 mm.
- Figured processing is chosen by those who prefer original and non-standard design.
The shapes of the ends can also be indicated in the form of letters:
- The Z-edge is a 45-degree beveled surface;
- The H-end is made in a classic design in the form of a step;
- The F-shape is quite difficult to make, but looks impressive;
- The V-shaped edge is characterized by rounded soft shapes;
- The A-end is a rounding at a certain radius;
- O-this profile looks very rich, but it is difficult to execute;
- L-represents a peculiar semblance of a rock falling down. Great for kitchen countertops, bar counters and window sills. This type of edge is safer for small children;
- The D-lack of corners gives it a surprisingly aesthetic appearance. The beveled edge provides a visually refined appearance, hiding the standard thickness of the tabletop and maintaining mechanical strength.
To process the edges, various chamfers are used, which protect the surface and make it less traumatic. They prevent the appearance of cracks and chips. The chamfers can be figured, classic, quarter or half circle. Their choice depends on the style of the countertop and the overall interior design.
PVC profiles for finishing edges of furniture
The type of edge fastening can also be overhead or mortise. A PVC profile is mechanically connected, which stands out from the background of a regular edge with a more durable coating. There are two types of such profiles.
T-shaped PVC profile U-shaped PVC profile
U-shaped invoice
Used by both professionals and home workers. It is placed on the cut of the slab and secured with glue applied to the inside. A rigid U-shaped edge is difficult to mount on curved surfaces - this is the main difficulty of working with it. But there is also a flexible profile of this type, but its wear-resistant characteristics are much lower.
T-shaped mortise
It is considered a very reliable edge material. It has spikes that are inserted into a specially created recess in the center of the edge of the slab. To cut into this profile, a rubber hammer is used; it drives the edge into the grooves.
Advantages
Overlay and mortise edges do a good job of masking visible flaws in the ends: they hide all the irregularities, chips and cut inaccuracies. A wide range of profile colors allows you to successfully integrate them into interior design.
Manufacturing edging technology
In production, the process of applying an edge to the end parts of laminated chipboards depends on the complexity of the manufactured structure and is mostly automated to ensure high-precision processing. This is due to compliance with the requirements of industry GOST and the need to perform large volumes of work.
There are two types of edge banding machines:
- rectilinear. Used for edging products only in a straight line. The process of applying edge material is based on the detailing and starts immediately after sawing the particle board;
- curvilinear. To work on the machine, you first need to cut out the parts - for this you use a manual milling cutter. Formatted products are fed to the equipment and lined according to specially prepared patterns.
All further work on removing overhangs by professionals is also carried out on machines.
