crossbanding

Crossbanding, also spelled cross-banding, is a term used primarily in woodworking and decorative veneer work to describe the use of narrow wood veneers laid across the surface at right angles to the main veneer or panel to form crossing bands. The technique creates a contrasting lattice or frame-like pattern and is often employed to accent borders, panels, or central motifs in fine furniture.

Technique and materials: Thin veneers of contrasting woods—such as ebony, holly, or satinwood—are cut into slender strips, typically ranging from about 1/8 to 1/2 inch in width. These strips are carefully laid in perpendicular directions to the primary veneer and glued in place. The assembly is then planed, sanded, and finished to read as a single surface. Beyond decoration, crossbanding can also contribute to the dimensional stability of thin veneers by distributing stress more evenly across the surface.

History and usage: Crossbanding is most closely associated with European cabinetmaking and marquetry from the 18th and 19th centuries, where it was used to create ornate borders, panels, and ever-changing light reflections on surfaces. Today, the technique is primarily seen in period restorations, reproductions, and established antique pieces, though some modern luthiers and craftsmen may employ similar concepts for decorative effects.

Related terms and distinctions: Crossbanding is related to banding, inlay, and marquetry and should not be confused with cross-bedding, a geological term describing angled sedimentary layers. In contemporary practice, crossbanding is largely historical and decorative, rather than a common manufacturing technique.