Landscape edging: The ultimate guide to an outdoor oasis

A well-designed outdoor space is a sanctuary that enhances your property's aesthetics, provides a relaxing retreat, and increases its value. One often overlooked but essential aspect of crafting a stunning landscape is proper edging.

Landscape edging serves not only as a visual enhancement but also as a practical solution to maintain your garden's structure and beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of landscape edging, exploring its various types, materials, installation methods, and the transformative impact it can have on your outdoor oasis.

The Importance of Landscape Edging

Proper landscape edging should not be overlooked when looking to maximise the aesthetics and functions of your outdoor space. It helps to create distinct boundaries between various elements, such as lawns, flower beds, pathways, and driveways. This separation not only adds visual appeal but also prevents the spread of grass, weeds, and gravel keeping your garden neat and tidy.

But what are your options when it comes to choosing landscape edging? And what is best for your requirements?

Edging can come in many shapes, sizes, materials and colours. They first option that customers need to pick is the material they would like to use.

Woods such as timber are natural materials that harmonize well with grass and gardens. Its cost is low, its installation is fast and simple, it is abundant and comes from renewable sources. Nevertheless, it can bend and crack easily and this can make it look ugly and even dangerous. It is treated to prevent decay, but even pressure-treated wood will decay in the moist conditions of landscape edging. Rotting wood will attract mould and fungus giving an unwanted and unclean appearance. Wood will usually need to be changed every ten years.
Stone is also another natural option that will be pleasant in rural area. However, the stone would have required chemicals in the treatment process and may need more chemical layers for maintenance which is not ideal for the environment.
Concrete is a common material for more durable landscape edging. It can be used with any kind of soft or hard landscaping such as driveways, paths and parking areas. But concrete edging can also crack, crumble and flake with frost or mechanical forces. If this is serious, the edging parts will need to be replaced.
Plastic edging is one of the cheapest edging materials to choose from. It has pros and cons. This option is good for being a quick short-term fix. Due to its weaker and less durable properties compared to metal it tends to deteriorate and lose its appearance much faster.
In addition, in terms of sustainability, everyone is trying to reduce the amount of plastics they use as once it breaks down it can be harmful to our environment and wildlife. When it comes to recyclability, plastic is much more complex to recycle, and reuse compared to metals.
Metal edging – aluminium for light- to medium-duty use in areas with pedestrians and steel for heavy-duty use in areas with vehicles are great choices for saving money as they last longer than other materials. Its benefits combine to make it the go-to option for those seeking durability, eco-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal all in one.

Steel or aluminium? Which metal edging should I pick?

There are two metal landscape edging options to choose from:

Option 1 – Aluminium, also known as the Green Metal due to it is environmentally friendly properties, has several advantages for landscape edging.

Sustainable – Aluminium can always be recycled at end of life, making it an eco-friendly choice for your outdoor space.
Durable - It is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Light Weight - Aluminium is easy to handle and install, making it a convenient choice for DIY projects.
Aesthetics - It provides a sleek and modern appearance and is available in various finishes to complement different landscape designs.

One drawback, however, is that aluminium is weaker than steel, so it is not suitable for heavy-duty needs where there may be multiple collisions with machinery or where there is a high foot fall.

Option 2 – Steel, is at the very pinnacle of landscape edging and scores the highest in all factors.

Durable – Steel is a very robust and strong metal which ready for more demanding environments. It is the strongest edging and can handle heavy impact, making it suitable for areas prone to high foot traffic or regular collisions from lawn maintenance equipment.
Finishing – Brushed steel can be given an anodised finish which allows designers to produce the authentic look of brushed stainless steel at a cost-effective price. There is also the possibility of a bronze finish for those customers wishing to maintain a natural look. However, steel is prone to rusting unless it is galvanized or coated with a protective finish, so proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity.
Sustainable – Similar to aluminium’s sustainable properties mentioned above, steel edging products have the same benefits. It is worth noting that all of our products at Kinley are manufactured in the UK from 100 % recycled metals. For more information, you can review Kinley’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability.

Is it hard to install landscape edging?

This answer depends on the material you select but metal edging has been engineered for rapid and convenient installation. Due to its lightweight nature, it can be installed by one person. The design of fittings and connections are simple and slot in easily. Connections between lengths of edging are well hidden to provide seamless joints without unwanted visible overlaps.

Compared to concrete edging, metal edging does not need the same solid base as concrete edging and can be laid on compacted earth, in addition, metal edging does not need to be laid on a bed of wet cement and in several instances, it does not require the need for concrete haunching.

Metal landscape edging solutions by Kinley

Metal edging is the ideal way to add shape and style to your landscape or garden. It is made of strong aluminium and steel, so it will endure for years with little to no care needed. Installation is fast and easy, so you can admire your lovely garden in no time. With its neat, smooth lines, Kinley provides a contemporary look that will improve any outdoor space.

We are a leading UK designer, innovator, and manufacturer of steel and aluminium landscape edging products. For more information on our full range of products, inspiration for your future projects and technical resources to help you specify and install metal edging, email us at sales@kinley.co.uk or call 01580 830688 and speak to one of our advisors.