The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (2024)

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (1)

If you're thinking of revamping your lawn or garden,adding landscape edging is a relatively quick and affordable project. It can provide separation and contrast between grass, gardens, driveways, and walkways and is a great way to get your outdoor space ready for spring and summer.

Landscape edging comes in a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, metal, wood, stone, steel, and more. Choosing the right one for your lawn, says Kody J. Ketterling, lawn and garden expert and founder of K-IT Products, is all about preference and your ultimate goal in your landscaping project.

“Metal edging, for example, can be easy but can cause damage to equipment such as the blades of a lawn mower,” he says. “Plastic edging is usually the simplest and cheapest, but can be the hardest to install since it’s typically quite flexible and changes with the temperature.”

While the durability and versatility of edging can vary, we narrowed down some options so you can make the best decision for your needs. We researched top-rated products while evaluating them on their material, height options, ease of installation, and flexibility. We also consulted Ketterling for additional insight on what to look for when shopping for the right landscaping edging to beautify your lawn.

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look For

  • Why Trust The Spruce

What We Like

  • Doesn’t require digging to install

  • Suitable for all soil types

  • Available in multiple lengths

  • Made from recycled plastic

What We Don’t Like

  • Not available in various heights

Although the end result of landscape edging can be worthwhile, the installation process is not always simple. If you prefer a less laborious process while still maintaining a functional and manicured lawn, we recommend EasyFlex No-Dig Landscape Edging Kit as our top overall pick.

This edging does not require digging, although you do have to lightly score (create a shallow indent) the soil to place the spikes, and it’s available in three lengths, so you can use it for everything from creating a border around a single tree to an entire garden. We like that it can be installed in all soil types, and it’s made of a durable recycled plastic.

While this edging doesn't provide a deep border—it's slightly shorter than other options, and is not available in a variety of heights—we think it’s a versatile edging for a variety of lawns. This is also a great choice if you want something flexible to create curves, rounded corners, and straight lines in your landscaping project.

Material: Plastic | Height: 1.5 inches | Length: 100 feet | Installation Method: Score and spike

Best Value

Suncast Plastic Landscape Edging Roll

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (3)

What We Like

  • 20 feet long

  • Resistant to sun damage

  • Creates a deep border

What We Don’t Like

  • Stakes are not included

If you’re looking to cover plenty of ground in your outdoor project while keeping your landscaping budget low, we recommend the Suncast Plastic Landscape Edging Roll. Each roll contains 20 feet of edging and has a five-inch height for a deeper border that’s still adaptable and durable. We especially like that this edging is made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic containing ultraviolet inhibitors to make it resistant to sun damage, so you never have to worry about uprooting your lawn or landscaping to replace it.

It’s important to note that stakes are not included; however, they may not be needed due to this edging’s height. Even if you do require stakes, we think it’s worth the value if your lawn needs a tall and durable edging that will last for several years.

Material: Plastic | Height: 5 inches | Length: 20 feet | Installation Method: Dig, stake, cut

Best for Gravel

Master Mark Terrace Board Lawn Edging

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (4)

What We Like

  • Wood grained look

  • Works as a weed shield

  • 40 feet long

What We Don’t Like

  • The stakes may or may not be included

Whether you prefer a gravel lawn or just want a more drought-friendly landscape, choosing the right edging can help give it a neat and uniformed appearance. We think the Master Mark Terrace Board Lawn Edging is the best for gravel since it has a textured, wood grained look and it works as a weed and grass shield so you can keep your gravel and garden completely separated.

We like that it is four inches high and is made of high-density polyethylene plastic, making it resistant to chipping, fading, rotting, and peeling. While we think this edging looks best with gravel, it also works with mulch and soil.

Although this product lists 10 stakes included with the coil, if you need more or some are missing Master Mark provides great customer service.

Material: HDPE plastic | Height: 4 inches | Length: 40 feet | Installation Method: Dig, stake

Best Metal

LAVEVE Corrugated Metal Garden Edging

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (5)

What We Like

  • Available in various heights and lengths

  • Silver, copper, and black finishes

  • Flexible and durable

What We Don’t Like

  • Edges are quite sharp

Metal edging is an excellent option for those who want something more durable than plastic without the higher price tag. We recommend LAVEVE Corrugated Metal Garden Edging for its various heights and lengths to fit all kinds of landscaping projects. This edging is available in a silver, rusted copper, and black finish so you can choose the best one for your lawn or garden, and it’s flexible so you can shape it in any form. Plus, the durable metal means it can withstand harsh heat and other elements.

While we do like the wavy corrugated design, it’s important to keep in mind that since this edging is made of metal, the edges are quite sharp and should be handled with care when installing. With the right tools and a bit of patience, however, this edging can add a modern touch to your landscape.

Material: Metal | Height: 8 inches | Length: 10 feet | Installation Method: Dig, cut, stake

Best Plastic

Grass Barrier Landscape Edging 10" Depth

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (6)

What We Like

  • Made of recycled plastic

  • Shields grass and other invading roots

  • Can last over 100 years

What We Don’t Like

  • Long installation process

If you're looking to install your edging more than a few inches deep, we think the Grass Barrier Landscape Edging is your best bet. The 10-inch height provides a deep barrier against grass, weeds, and invading roots while maintaining your soil, gravel, or mulch in place. Best of all, it’s made of pliable and flexible recycled plastic that lasts for more than 100 years so your landscaping project will look well-maintained for generations.

Due to its material, this edging may take some time to lay flat completely to install. This means installing it in cold weather may not be feasible, and you’ll need several hours to a couple of days of sun to make it pliable. Additionally, its 10-inch height will require more time digging. Despite these concerns, we think this edging is worth the extra maintenance, especially if you want a long-lasting product that keeps roots away.

Material: Recycled plastic | Height: 10 inches | Length: 20 feet | Installation Method: Warm up, dig, cut, secure with soil

Best Recycled Rubber

Eco Border No Dig Landscape Edging

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (7)

What We Like

  • Comes in a six-pack

  • Made of recycled materials

  • Doesn't require digging

What We Don’t Like

  • Bending it can be a challenge

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly landscape edging, we think the Eco Border No Dig Landscape Edging is one of the best landscape edgings since it’s made of recycled tires. This means it won’t crack under pressure or extreme weather conditions (although this does mean it's a bit of a challenge to bend during installation) and is reusable for every season.

While you may have to score the ground, this edging does not require digging. Each piece is four feet long, but this edging comes in a six-pack for a total of 24 feet and includes all the necessary hardware so you can complete your landscaping project with ease.

Material: Recycled tires | Height: 3 inches | Length: 4 feet | Installation Method: Dig, cut, stake

Best Wood

Greenes Cedar Natural Lawn Edging

The Best Landscape Edging To Make Your Garden, Lawn, and Walkways Stand Out (8)

What We Like

  • Rot-resistant

  • Adds curbside appeal

  • Flexible enough to curve

What We Don’t Like

  • Splinters can be common

While most landscape edging tends to be installed a few inches into the ground, others act more as a fence to create a more striking curbside appeal. We love the Greenes Cedar Natural Lawn Edging because it’s made of cedar wood, making it naturally resistant to rot and some insects, and it creates a charming yet effective barrier around your flower beds, gardens, or yard.

If you’re looking to show off this edging as much as possible, you only need to score or lightly dig the soil and then stake these in place.

During the installation process, you may run into some splinters, but with some extra care and regular maintenance, this landscape edging will look beautiful in your front or back yard for years to come.

Material: Cedar wood | Height: 6 inches | Length: 10 feet | Installation Method: Dig, stake

What We Like

  • Lightweight

  • Realistic appearance

  • Doesn’t require digging

What We Don’t Like

  • You may need several sets to get more height

Natural stone edging, while beautiful, can push your budget over the edge and may require a professional due to its weight. If you want the stone edging look without the natural stone cost, we recommend Dalen StoneWall Border. This edging is made of plastic, which means it’s lightweight and durable, but each “stone” is also hand-painted to maintain a realistic look and texture.

We like that the installation process doesn’t require digging—simply secure the border with a hammer or mallet—and it’s made with waterproof materials.

If you’re looking to create a raised garden or flower bed, you may need to invest in a few sets of this edging to get extra height. Still, we think it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants a simple installation and storybook house look.

Material: Plastic | Height: 6 inches | Length: 10 feet | Installation Method: Secure with hammer or mallet

Final Verdict

We think the best overall landscape edging is the EasyFlex No-Dig Landscape Edging Kit for its easy installation, flexibility, minimal look, and because it’s suitable for all soil types. If your landscaping project requires a large amount of edging, we recommend Suncast Plastic Landscape Edging Roll as the best value landscape edging.At 20 feet long and 5 inches high, it provides a long, deep border around your gardens or pathways.

What to Look for in Landscape Edging

Material

Landscape edgings come in an array of materials (such as metal, plastic, rubber, and stone), designs and shapes, and levels of resistance to the elements on lawn equipment such as lawn mower blades.

“Whatever landscape edging you choose, you can make it work,” says Kody J. Ketterling, lawn and garden expert and founder of K-IT Products. “Find a product that works best for the applications and be consistent with it so that you don't have every type of edging in and around your yard.”

Once you have your lawn or landscaping project mapped out, you can consider the materials and how they will benefit your goal. A flexible metal option, like the LAVEVE Corrugated Metal Garden Edging, our best metal pick, comes in a variety of heights, lengths, and colors; whereas the Greenes Cedar Natural Lawn Edging, our best wood pick, is made of natural cedar wood that does not offer as much flexibility or different height options, but adds a charming and organic touch.

Height Options

While landscape edgings can come in many heights, Ketterling recommends first determining how you want your project to look while considering its type. “If you want to prevent grass and weed from creeping in, you’ll need a taller edging,” he says.

If you don’t want a visible border, or maybe you’re planning on blending it with mulch or gravel, you may want a shorter edging between one and a half and three inches, like the EasyFlex No-Dig Landscape Edging Kit, our best overall pick. Separately, Ketterling says it’s important to consider trenching, digging, and scoring before installing your edging since this process can take a while, and how much you dig is directly correlated to the height of the edging.

Ease of installation

The end result of landscape edging may look neat and simple, but many varieties require a more intense installation process. This can include everything from digging, staking, cutting, and waiting for pieces of edging to warm up in the sun to become more flexible.

Ketterling explains that there are three common installation systems for landscape edgings: anchoring, interlocking, and stake-in.

  • Anchoring: These systems are built to last and stay in place, but require a prepared surface that is flat or smooth to install and hold the blocks in place. “This type of system is difficult to move or adjust, and usually requires a professional so that it’s installed correctly,” he says.
  • Interlocking: “These create a defined line so it can be bent or shaped for the design you want,” says Ketterling. “They’re easy to install and usually come in a variety of styles, materials, and heights, but these systems can easily be moved or knocked out of place, and allows for things underneath the interlock like weeds and grass to grow.”
  • Stake-in: According to Ketterling, this process is the easiest, least expensive, and most common. Simply put, you pound stakes through the edging to secure it to the ground so it provides stability. “It’s important to note that this edging doesn't last as long since it can wear out and lift out of the ground if the stakes are made of plastic,” he says. “You’ll have to replace the edging more often unless they’re made of metal, but these can damage the blades of a lawn mower.”

Some landscape edgings, like the Dalen StoneWall Border, our best stone pick, don’t have a true installation system and simply need to be secured into the ground with a hammer or mallet.

Flexibility

If you’re looking to integrate curved borders or irregular shapes in your landscaping project, you’ll want to opt for an edging that is easily bendable. Ketterling recommends considering durable, recycled materials such as rubber and certain types of plastic.

It’s important to keep in mind that some landscape edgings may need some time in the sun in order to become more pliable during the installation process, like our best plastic pick, the Grass Barrier Landscape Edging. Others, like our best recycled rubber pick, the Eco Border No Dig Landscape Edging, are made of tougher materials so you’ll need a bit more elbow grease when bending it to shape.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for The Spruce. She has mastered the art of plant maintenance with her collection of over seventy houseplants. To make this list, Daniela researched dozens of landscape edging types and read numerous customer reviews to provide the best options for those who want to change up their landscaping projects.

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