How much edge banding do I need?
Last updated 23 October 2026
To work out edge banding, add up the length of every banded edge, then add about 50 mm per edge for trimming the overhang. Here is the formula, a worked example, and the way board suppliers mark banded edges.
The formula
For each part:
edging = quantity × (Edge L × length + Edge W × width + banded edges × allowance)
- Edge L is how many long sides get banding (0, 1 or 2), and Edge W how many short sides.
- The allowance covers the banding that overhangs each end of an edge and is trimmed off. 50 mm per edge is a safe figure for hand application; edgebanders often need less. Ask your supplier what they allow.
Add the parts together, then round up to how the banding is sold: by the metre, or in rolls.
Worked example: a base cabinet
These are the 16 mm melamine parts from the cut list guide, with the front edges and all four door edges banded, and 50 mm allowance per edge.
| Part | L × W (mm) | Qty | Edge L / W | Edging (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 720 × 560 | 2 | 1 / 0 | 1.54 |
| Bottom | 568 × 560 | 1 | 1 / 0 | 0.62 |
| Shelf | 566 × 520 | 1 | 1 / 0 | 0.62 |
| Door | 716 × 596 | 1 | 2 / 2 | 2.82 |
| Total | 5.60 m | |||
So this cabinet needs about 6 m of 22 mm banding. For a kitchen, add the cabinets together and keep a few metres spare for a mistake or a repair.
Choosing the banding
- Width: 22 mm for 16 mm and 18 mm board, trimmed flush after application. Thicker boards need wider banding.
- Thickness: thin (about 0.4 mm) PVC or melamine edging for shelves and hidden edges; 1 to 2 mm ABS or PVC for doors, worktops and edges that take knocks.
- Colour: match the board or pick a contrast, and order it with the board so it matches the batch.
Edging on a supplier cutting list
South African board suppliers usually ask for each part as Length (A), Length (B), quantity, and the banded sides as Edge L and Edge W, with the edging colour and type for the job. They then cut and band the parts for you, so you don’t need to buy banding separately.
Kerf works out edging totals for free: mark Edge L and Edge W on each part and the summary shows the metres per board, with the allowance you choose. Pro makes the supplier cutting list in that same format.
Common questions
How do I calculate edge banding?
For each part, add up the lengths of the edges that get banding, multiply by the quantity, then add an allowance of about 50 mm per banded edge for trimming the overhang at each end. Total all parts and add a little extra for mistakes.
What width edge banding do I need for 16 mm or 18 mm board?
Use 22 mm wide banding for 16 mm and 18 mm board. The extra width is trimmed flush after it is applied. Thicker board, such as 25 mm or 32 mm, needs wider banding.
What does Edge L and Edge W mean on a cutting list?
Edge L is how many of the long sides (the sides along the length) get banding: 0, 1 or 2. Edge W is the same for the short sides along the width. Together they say which edges of a part are banded.