Hiding plywood seams for floating bench

6 years ago

Hi all,

I’m planning on building this floating bench out of white oak plywood. It will span over 15 ft. Therefore, I will require 2 sheets. Would anyone know the best way to hide the seams between cuts in order to make it look seamless. Otherwise, I may consider a different finish. Thanks!

Featured Answer

Super Lumen

6 years ago

So you are talking about butting two end grain cuts on the plywood up against each other?

The real answer is: don't use plywood. Any sort of joinery that involves hiding a joint like that is going to involve taking the surface down once it's joined, and you will just burn through the top layer of oak on the plywood doing it. Get 16 ft oak in 1x stock and edge glue if needed. Then you will have to sand or use a routing jig, or large planer to get a perfectly flat top.

If you don't have all that specialized woodworking equipment I suggest finding someone to make your top piece for you. For a woodworker who has the equipment, it is a quick simple job, and the oak won't be that pricey. For someone who does not have the equipment for doing joinery like this your chances of success in getting a good looking seam are low.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
Cover it in solid surface if you want very inconspicuous seams please.
aspiringdiyer
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Joseph. Sorry I’m not familiar with solid surface. Is that a type of material?
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mainenell
6 years ago
It is Corian or equivalent.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
That certainly will not give the look of wood . You might want to lok at veneers they can be applied to look very good with invisible seams , takes a bit of practice so get a piece to practice with.This is what it loooks like and comes

in rolls I also is a much better choice than plywood for your project since it comes in lots of choice of the wood.
aspiringdiyer
Original Author
6 years ago
Ok thanks all! At this point, I think going with a Roman clay/concrete finish may be a simpler way to go.
rwiegand
6 years ago
Use solid lumber rather than plywood. You can then have either no joints (you may have to hunt a bit for 16 footers, but they are available) or staggered joints that will look fine.
PRO
Creative Design Cabinetry
6 years ago
Match up the grain as best as possible. Glue and bisquit or draw bolt. If done properly, it really wont be noticable. If you're painting, real simple.