Hide edges in plywood and other materials

Panels constructed of hardwood-faced plywood have pretty faces, but the laminated edges simply are not presentable on cabinetry or other projects. Veneering is a possible solution—if you have the materials and tools to do the job.

To disguise the plywood layers, cut beveled strips from the material with your tablesaw or radial-arm saw set at 45° as shown in Drawing A. Make a second cut perpendicular to the first one as shown, and discard the resulting scrap. Finally, glue the first strip in place as shown in Drawing B. This procedure also extends the face-grain pattern onto the edge. You also can use this technique to disguise freshly sawed edges on weathered barn boards used for picture frames.
—Howard Pieplow, West Allis, Wis.