A well-defined border transforms ordinary yards into polished outdoor spaces. Landscape edging separates lawn areas from flower beds, garden borders, and pathways while adding structure to your garden design. The right edging material prevents grass from creeping into unwanted areas and keeps mulch exactly where you want it.
Choosing the best lawn edging depends on your garden style, budget, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Some homeowners love the rustic charm of natural stone, while others prefer the clean lines of metal strips. Each option has distinct advantages for different landscape projects.
Why Landscape Edging Matters
Edging creates clear boundaries that make mowing easier and reduce the need for a string trimmer along garden beds. Beyond practical benefits, the right border enhances your home’s curb appeal and gives your outdoor space a finished appearance.
Good edging also helps with erosion control by keeping soil in raised garden beds and planting beds where it belongs. When installed properly, it prevents soil erosion during heavy rain and keeps your beautiful garden looking intentional rather than overgrown.
1. Natural Stone Edging
Stone landscape edging brings timeless elegance to any garden space. Flagstone, river rock, and fieldstone create organic borders that complement cottage-style gardens beautifully.
Costs vary depending on the stone type and whether you hire professional help. Expect to pay $8 to $25 per linear foot for materials and installation. Natural stone requires minimal maintenance once installed, though you might need to reset stones occasionally if ground movement occurs.
The irregular shapes of natural stones work wonderfully for curved flower beds. Larger stones double as seating along garden paths, adding function to their aesthetic appeal.
2. Brick Edging
Classic brick edging delivers old-world charm that pairs well with traditional homes. You can lay bricks flat, stand them upright, or angle them diagonally for different effects.
Brick costs roughly $4 to $10 per linear foot for materials, with installation adding another $5 to $8 per linear foot if you hire help. This edging material lasts for decades with proper installation.
Benefits include:
- Durability: Brick withstands harsh weather conditions
- Versatility: Works with straight or curved garden borders
- Classic appeal: Complements historical and traditional architecture
You’ll need a stable base for brick edging to prevent shifting. A trench filled with sand provides good support and allows for drainage.
3. Metal Edging
Steel edging and aluminum edging offer sleek, modern borders that virtually disappear into your landscape. The thin profile creates sharp edges without overwhelming your garden design.
Steel options, including weathering steel, develop a rust patina over time that many homeowners find attractive. Aluminum stays bright and won’t rust, making it perfect for contemporary gardens.
Metal edging typically costs $3 to $10 per linear foot. Professional installation adds $2 to $5 per linear foot. This is a long-lasting solution that handles curves effortlessly and requires minimal maintenance.
4. Plastic Garden Edging
Plastic edging provides an affordable option for budget-conscious homeowners. Modern plastic products look much better than older versions and come in various colors and styles.
Expect to pay $0.50 to $3 per linear foot for plastic materials. Many products qualify as no-dig edging, using stakes that push into the soil without extensive trenching.
Plastic works well for gentle curves in flower beds and around trees. The material flexes easily but may not hold up as long as stone or metal in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Some products contain recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly choice.
5. Wood Edging
Wood brings warmth and rustic charm to garden beds. Landscape timber, railroad ties, and cedar boards create raised beds and borders that blend naturally with plantings.
Treated wood resists rot better than untreated options. Cedar naturally repels insects and handles moisture well without chemical treatment. Wood edging costs $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the timber type.
Installation is straightforward for most DIY enthusiasts. However, wood requires more maintenance than stone or metal and will need replacement eventually, even with treatment.
6. Concrete Edging and Curbing
Poured concrete and concrete curbing create permanent borders with clean, professional lines. Precast concrete blocks offer another option that’s easier to install yourself.
Professional poured edging costs $6 to $15 per linear foot. The process involves pouring concrete into forms to create continuous borders. You can add color or texture for custom looks.
Concrete provides excellent erosion control and creates a substantial barrier preventing grass from invading planting beds. This low-maintenance option lasts for decades with minimal care.
7. Rubber Edging
Recycled rubber edging offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Made from recycled tires, this material handles temperature changes better than plastic and provides good flexibility.
Rubber costs $2 to $6 per linear foot and installs easily using stakes or adhesive. The material absorbs impact well, making it safe for areas where children play.
Recycled rubber edging comes in various styles that mimic stone or wood. It’s lightweight, making it simple to install edging yourself without help. A rubber mallet is typically all you need for installation.
8. Living Edging
Living edging uses low-growing plants to create natural borders. Boxwood, lavender, liriope, and mondo grass all work beautifully as living borders.
Initial costs depend on plant choices and spacing, generally running $3 to $10 per linear foot. Plants need regular watering while establishing, but create a lush, natural edge once mature.
This option suits cottage-style gardens particularly well. Living borders soften hard landscape features and add color or texture throughout seasons. They do require ongoing maintenance through trimming and occasional replacement of dead plants.
9. River Rock and Gravel
Loose stone creates casual, natural-looking borders perfect for informal gardens. River rocks range from small pebbles to larger stones, letting you customize the appearance.
Materials cost $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on stone size and type. You’ll need landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds and keep rocks from sinking into the soil.
This option drains well and works beautifully around drought-tolerant plantings. The stones shift over time, so expect some maintenance to keep borders looking tidy.
10. Stone Landscape Edging with Retaining Walls
For sloped properties, stone retaining walls serve double duty as edging and erosion control. Stacked stone or interlocking blocks create terraced garden beds that add dimension to your landscape.
Costs vary widely based on wall height and materials, typically ranging from $15 to $40 per linear foot. Taller walls may require professional engineering to ensure stability.
These structures prevent soil erosion while creating distinct planting areas at different levels. They turn challenging slopes into functional garden space.
Making Your Choice
The best lawn edging balances your budget, maintenance preferences, and garden style. Stone and metal offer long-lasting borders with minimal upkeep. Wood and living edges provide natural warmth but need more attention. Plastic and rubber work well for new garden projects where you’re still experimenting with layouts.
Labor costs for professional installation typically match or exceed material costs. However, the time saved and professional results often justify the expense.
Let Us Handle Your Landscape Edging Project
Reading about edging options is one thing. Actually installing landscape edging that looks professional and lasts for years takes skill and the right tools. At Easy Green Landscaping, we’ve installed every type of border imaginable, from classic brick to modern steel edging.
We help homeowners select edging materials that complement their homes and fit their landscape design budgets. Our team handles all the details, from trenching to ensuring proper drainage, so your borders stay put through harsh weather.
Why spend your weekend wrestling with edging stones when you could be enjoying your beautiful garden? Call us at (303) 766-3304 or message us here to discuss your landscape edging project. We’ll create the polished outdoor space you’ve been imagining.