If you’re looking for a simple way to instantly improve the look of your garden, lawn edging is one of the most effective and affordable upgrades you can make. As a professional gardener, I’ve used several edging types across UK gardens and some work a lot better than others.
This guide breaks down the best lawn and border edging options, how to choose the right one for your garden, and links to products I actually recommend. Whether you’re after a clean, modern edge or a rustic border, there’s something here to suit.
🌱 Why Use Garden Edging?
Installing edging along your lawn, borders or paths isn’t just for looks (though it helps!) — it makes maintaining a tidy garden much easier:
- Defines spaces: Cleanly separates lawn, beds, paths, and gravel areas
- Reduces maintenance: Stops grass creeping into borders or gravel into lawn
- Prevents soil spill: Helps keep mulch, bark or compost where it belongs
- Adds structure: Improves visual flow and gives the garden a finished look
Best for: Modern gardens, straight lines or gentle curves
Metal edging gives a crisp, professional look and lasts for decades. It resists rust, can be flexed to follow gentle curves, and is ideal for contemporary designs or minimal fuss gardens. Installation is slightly more involved, but the results are worth it.
Pros:
– Long-lasting (10+ years)
– Clean, architectural lines
– Great for lawns or beds
Cons:
– Higher cost
– Requires mallet and pins to install
Recommended product:
Best for: Gardeners on a budget, curved beds, easy DIY installation
Plastic edging has improved a lot in recent years. It’s flexible, light, and perfect for beds that snake around patios or ponds. Look for UV-stable plastic for durability. Installation is simple: peg it in with included spikes or metal pins.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Very flexible (great for curves)
– Lightweight and quick to install
Cons:
– Can shift over time if not pegged deep
– Less durable than metal or brick
Recommended product:
Best for: Cottage gardens, raised beds, informal borders
Wooden edging blends beautifully with informal borders and flower beds. It’s easy to work with and ideal for DIY gardeners. Use it to edge raised beds, soften pathways, or divide lawn and borders naturally.
Pros:
– Natural appearance
– Easy to cut and install
– Works well with bark or gravel paths
Cons:
– Needs treating or will rot
– Not as crisp or long-lasting as metal
Recommended product:
Best for: Pet owners, play areas, quick installs
Rubber garden edging is often made from recycled tyres. It’s flexible, soft underfoot, and easy to install without digging. Ideal for family gardens, soft play zones, or temporary setups. Not as sharp-looking as metal, but much safer for kids and dogs.
Pros:
– Made from recycled materials
– Very safe for kids and pets
– Simple spike installation
Cons:
– Less crisp in appearance
– Limited colour options
Recommended product:
🧱 5. Brick or Stone Edging – Permanent and Traditional
Best for: Traditional gardens, long-term landscaping, drive edges
Brick or stone edging is a more permanent solution and suits older properties or traditional garden styles. Lay it flat for mowing strips, or angle it for a more decorative look. Installation is more work, but it adds serious character and won’t budge for decades.
Pros:
– Longest lifespan
– Great for mowing strips
– Looks premium and classic
Cons:
– Heavier work
– Requires base prep or cement
Recommended product:
🛠 How to Install Garden Edging (Quick Guide)
Most edging types can be installed in a weekend with some basic tools:
- Mark out your line with a hose or string
- Use a half-moon edging tool to slice along the line (or a spade)
- Dig a shallow trench for your edging
- Insert edging and secure (pegs, spikes, concrete etc.)
- Backfill and firm the soil around it
Tool recommendation:
💡 Garden Edging Tips from Experience
- If you want crisp, long-lasting borders: go metal or brick
- For fast DIY installs on a budget: plastic is your friend
- Use a rubber mallet to tap edging into place without damage
- Choose UV-stabilised plastic or pressure-treated wood to avoid early breakdown
- Combine edging with mulch or gravel to reduce weeding even more
✅ Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Garden Edging
The best garden edging for your space comes down to style, budget, and how permanent you want the solution to be.
- Need a clean, modern look? Go metal.
- On a budget with curves? Choose plastic.
- Rustic cottage feel? Pick wood.
- Classic and long-lasting? Use brick.
- Pet-safe, flexible? Try rubber.
Whatever your choice, edging is one of the best-value upgrades you can make to your garden — both in appearance and practicality.
