How to Install Garden Edging

Published on: 15 July 2020

Sleeper edging stones in garden

Whether it's freestyling foliage or flower beds in need of a clean-up, we know it can be difficult to stay on top of all the elements of your outdoor space.

Yet, with the partition perfection of garden edging, it's easy to keep your garden neat and tidy. These finishing touches section off lawns, patios and paths, while keeping grass and flower beds in check.

Plus, they're more than just practical. From smooth sleepers to rope-top edging, you can adapt your edging stones to suit your outdoor décor however you like. And did we mention they're easy to install?

Read below for how to install garden edging yourself.

Please note: The information below is for straight garden edging only; curved or arced edging requires a different method.

Step 1: Laying a concrete base for edging

Before you install any edging stones, you need to get your foundation clear. This means grabbing a shovel, clearing away those pesky weeds and setting a medium-strength concrete bed.

What you need

  • Wooden pegs
  • Rubber mallet
  • String
  • Measuring tape
  • Shovel
  • Compactor/tamper
  • Concrete (ready-mixed or handmade)

How to lay a concrete base for edging stones

  1. Firstly, mark out the area where you are going to lay your edging stones (around 150-250mm wide), using wooden pegs and string.
  2. Dig the area to accommodate a concrete base of 100-150mm.
  3. Remove any roots, weeds, and stubborn stems.
  4. Then, compact the bedding area before pouring in your concrete.

Step 2: Laying edging stones

With your concrete base prepared, it's time to slot in your edging stones. However, you can't hurriedly line them up and call it a day; you need to build a concrete haunch to stop them from wobbling.

What you need

  • Edging stones
  • Rubber mallet
  • Spirit level
  • Measuring tape
  • Compactor/tamper
  • Trowel/spade

How to install garden edging stones

  1. Following the string line, slot the edging stones into the concrete bedding.

TOP TIP: Some stones are laid upright while others are designed to be laid flat . Review this element before setting your garden edging into concrete.

  1. Tap down each edging stone gently with a rubber mallet. Ensure at least half of the stone is above the concrete level. Use a spirit level to check the stone is in line with the string.
  2. On the outer-side of your edging stone, set a concrete haunch at 100-150mm wide and approx. 125mm high. This will keep your edging stones in place and prevent them from coming loose.
  3. Compact the concrete tightly and smooth the haunch with the back of a trowel or spade. The haunching should be 25-50mm below the top of the edging stone, of which must accommodate at least half the edging's depth.
  4. Leave the concrete to dry – and that's all there is to it!

Have a question about installing garden edging or want to learn more about our patio slab styles ? Head over to Simply Paving to view our range of garden and lawn edging, and if you have any question then you can get in touch with us on 0800 032 6306 or start alive chat.