How to Finish a Raw Wood Edge

I finished building a pedestal for my washing machine to sit on (with some shoe storage underneath), but I needed to ‘finish’ off the exposed raw edges of the wood before I stain and seal it.

This is what I mean by the raw edge...

I used a 3/4” red oak plywood for the pedestal, and I made a matching one to go under my dryer. 

To finish the edges I needed these supplies...

- Veneer edging (red oak) 

(I got mine from Home Depot, but here’s some examples on Amazon: Veneer Edging)

- Scissors 

- Sand block (or sandpaper)

- Iron

Start out by measuring the length of edging you need and cut it off with some scissors.

Line up the veneer edging with the edge of the wood, and press the iron against it for a few seconds.

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Move the iron along, pressing the edging down as you go.

Grab something hard and flat and rub it along the veneer edging to make sure it sticks properly.

Trim any excess edging.

This particular edging was slightly wider than my plywood, so I used an exact-o knife to trim the excess.

Next you’ll want to sand all of the wood to make it smooth, and stain, or paint, to your liking.

I created a video going through the process as well if you’d like to check it out!