Edging is the single cheapest thing you can do to make your landscape look professional. A clean edge between lawn and beds makes everything look intentional.
Why Edging Matters
Without edging:
- Grass creeps into beds
- Mulch washes into lawn
- Beds look undefined and messy
- Mowing is harder (no clear boundary)
With edging:
- Crisp separation between zones
- Mulch stays in place
- Mowing is faster (run one wheel along the edge)
- Entire landscape looks maintained
Metal Edging
1. Steel Landscape Edging
The professional's choice. Thin (1/8") black steel strips stake into the ground for a clean, barely-visible line.
Cost: $2–$4/linear foot | Lifespan: 20+ years
Installation: Dig a 4" trench, set edging, stake every 3–4 feet
Pros: Near-invisible, extremely durable, creates the cleanest line
Cons: Will rust (this is intentional — develops patina), sharp edges during install
2. Aluminum Edging
Same clean look as steel without rust. Silver color that can be painted. Lighter weight.
Cost: $3–$6/linear foot | Lifespan: 30+ years
3. Corten Steel Edging
Weathering steel that develops a beautiful orange-brown patina. Popular in modern landscape design.
Cost: $6–$12/linear foot | Lifespan: 50+ years
Stone Edging
4. Natural Flagstone Border
Flat stones set into the ground along bed edges. Organic, natural look.
Cost: $5–$15/linear foot | Lifespan: 100+ years
Installation: Set stones on a compacted gravel base, fill gaps with polymeric sand
5. Cobblestone Edging
Small rounded or squared stones set in a row. Classic European look.
Cost: $8–$15/linear foot | Lifespan: 100+ years
6. Stacked Stone Wall Edging
Low dry-stack stone walls (6–12" high) defining beds. Doubles as a retaining wall on slight slopes.
Cost: $15–$30/linear foot | Lifespan: 50–100+ years
Concrete & Brick
7. Poured Concrete Curbing
Machine-extruded concrete curbs in various profiles (flat mow strip, rounded, stamped). Done by specialty contractors.
Cost: $5–$12/linear foot | Lifespan: 20–30 years
8. Brick Soldier Course
Bricks set on end in a row. Traditional look that pairs with brick homes.
Cost: $5–$10/linear foot | Lifespan: 30–50 years
Installation: Dig trench, set on compacted gravel, tamp level
Budget Options
9. Black Plastic Edging
The most common DIY option. Flexible plastic with stakes.
Cost: $0.50–$1.50/linear foot | Lifespan: 3–5 years
Honest take: It works short-term but buckles, pops out of the ground, and looks cheap after 1–2 winters. If budget is tight, use it as a temporary solution and upgrade later.
10. Trench Edging (Free)
Cut a V-shaped trench 4" deep along bed edges with a half-moon edger. No material needed.
Cost: $0 (just labor) | Maintenance: Re-cut every 4–6 weeks
The most overlooked option. A freshly cut edge looks amazing and costs nothing. The downside is maintenance — you need to re-cut regularly.
11. Wood Timber Edging
Pressure-treated 4×4 or 6×6 timbers staked into the ground.
Cost: $2–$5/linear foot | Lifespan: 5–10 years
12. Composite Timber Edging
Looks like wood but made from recycled plastic. Won't rot. More expensive upfront but lasts 25+ years.
Cost: $4–$8/linear foot | Lifespan: 25+ years
Cost Comparison Table
| Edging Type | Cost/ft | Lifespan | DIY? | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $2–$4 | 20+ yr | Yes | Modern/clean |
| Aluminum | $3–$6 | 30+ yr | Yes | Clean/minimal |
| Corten steel | $6–$12 | 50+ yr | Yes | Modern/rustic |
| Flagstone | $5–$15 | 100+ yr | Yes | Natural |
| Cobblestone | $8–$15 | 100+ yr | Moderate | Classic |
| Poured concrete | $5–$12 | 20–30 yr | No | Formal |
| Brick | $5–$10 | 30–50 yr | Yes | Traditional |
| Plastic | $0.50–$1.50 | 3–5 yr | Yes | Budget |
| Trench | $0 | Ongoing | Yes | Clean |
| Wood | $2–$5 | 5–10 yr | Yes | Rustic |
Installation Tips
- 1Call 811 first — utility locate before digging
- 2Use a garden hose to lay out curves before digging
- 3Compact the base — tamp gravel/soil under edging to prevent settling
- 4Set edging 1/2" above soil level in beds, flush with lawn
- 5Use contractor-grade stakes (not the cheap ones in the box)
A Yardcast design includes edging recommendations matched to your home style, yard size, and budget.