The Cheapest Way to Edge a Lawn in Colorado
Finding the perfect balance between budget constraints and aesthetic appeal can be challenging regarding lawn edging. As the owner of A Better Edge in Colorado, I’ve seen countless homeowners and businesses struggle with this decision.
While many options are available, understanding the actual upfront and long-term cost is essential for making an informed choice.
Understanding Landscape Edging Options
Landscape edging is the defining line between outdoor elements, creating clean boundaries between lawns, garden beds, walkways, and other features. Beyond aesthetics, proper edging prevents material migration, reduces maintenance, and can even enhance property value.
When considering cost, it’s essential to evaluate not just the initial expense but also the lifespan of the material, maintenance requirements, and installation complexity. Let’s explore your options from most affordable to most premium.
Plastic Edging: The Entry-Level Option
Rubber & Plastic edging is the most budget-friendly option, with materials typically ranging from $1-$6.50 per linear foot. These edgings come in various forms:
- Basic black plastic strips
- Decorative faux stone designs
- Interlocking sections for easier Installation
Pros:
- Very low initial cost
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- DIY-friendly Installation
- Available at most home improvement stores
Cons:
- Expected lifespan of only 1-3 years before significant deterioration
- Prone to cracking in Colorado’s extreme temperature fluctuations
- Requires frequent repositioning as it tends to push up from frost heave
- Limited aesthetic appeal
Our Landscape Services team rarely recommends plastic edging for anything beyond temporary solutions, as the frequent replacement needs make it more expensive than more durable alternatives.
Metal Edging: A Step Up in Durability
Metal edging, typically made from steel or aluminum, represents a middle-ground option with material costs ranging from $3.40 to $9.40 per linear foot.
Pros:
- Clean, minimalist appearance
- More durable than plastic (3-20 years depending on type)
- Flexible versions can create curved designs
- Relatively simple Installation
Cons:
- Steel varieties can rust over time (unless galvanized or powder-coated)
- Sharp edges can be hazardous, especially with children
- May require special tools for cutting and shaping
- Can be displaced by aggressive root growth
Metal edging is particularly popular for modern landscape designs that desire a sleek, unobtrusive border. Our Landscape Services professionals can install metal edging that withstands Colorado’s challenging climate while maintaining its appearance.
Wood Edging: Natural Appeal at a Moderate Price
Wood options like pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood typically cost $4-$16 per linear foot for materials.
Pros:
- Natural aesthetic that complements traditional landscapes
- Can be used to create raised borders
- Easily cut and shaped for custom designs
- Moderate DIY difficulty level
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance (sealing, staining)
- Susceptible to rot and insect damage
- 7-20 year lifespan depending on wood type and care
- Can warp or split with moisture exposure
Cedar and redwood naturally resist decay better than pine, though at a higher price point. Properly treated wood can be an excellent mid-range solution for Colorado’s dry climate with occasional heavy moisture.
Stone and Brick: Traditional Elegance
Natural stone and brick edging materials cost between $16 and $70 per linear foot, making them among the more premium options.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability (50+ years with proper Installation)
- Timeless aesthetic appeal
- Can be used for both straight and curved designs
- Increases property value
Cons:
- Higher material cost
- Labor-intensive Installation ($36-$100 per linear foot installed)
- Heavy materials require significant physical effort
- May require mortar for stability
Stone and brick edging creates a classic, enduring border that complements traditional and contemporary landscapes. Their longevity makes them cost-effective despite the higher initial investment.
Concrete Edging: The Professional Solution
Concrete edging comes in various forms, from poured-in-place to precast sections, and material costs typically range from $8 to $30 per linear foot.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability (20-30+ years)
- Customizable in color, texture, and shape
- Creates clean, defined borders
- Prevents grass invasion effectively
- Can include decorative elements
Cons:
- Professional Installation recommended
- Higher upfront cost ($20-$40 per linear foot installed)
- Difficult to modify once installed
- May crack in areas with extreme freeze/thaw cycles
Our Landscape Services specialize in concrete edging solutions explicitly engineered for Colorado’s climate. We use specialized concrete mixtures and installation techniques that minimize cracking even with significant temperature fluctuations.
Total Cost Comparison Table
| Edging Type | Material Cost (per linear ft) | Professional Installation (per linear ft) | DIY Difficulty | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $1-$6.50 | $10-$20 | Easy | 1-3 years | High |
| Metal | $3.40-$9.40 | $12-$24 | Moderate | 3-20 years | Low |
| Wood | $4-$16 | $16-$34 | Moderate | 7-20 years | High |
| Stone/Brick | $16-$70 | $36-$100 | Difficult | 50+ years | Low |
| Concrete | $8-$30 | $20-$40 | Difficult | 20-30+ years | Low |
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Edging
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote perfectly captures the reality of landscape edging. While plastic edging may seem attractively priced initially, consider these hidden costs:
- Replacement frequency – Replacing plastic edging every 1-3 years quickly exceeds the cost of more durable materials
- Ongoing maintenance – Repositioning, realigning, and repairing cheap edging consumes time and resources
- Property appearance – Deteriorating edging detracts from your overall landscape investment
- Effectiveness – Lower-quality edging fails to prevent grass invasion, creating more lawn maintenance work
Finding Your Best Value: Factors to Consider
The cheapest edging option isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest price tag. Consider these factors:
1. Calculate Cost Over Time
Divide the total installed cost by the expected lifespan to find the annual cost:
- Plastic: $15 installed ÷ 2 years = $7.50 per foot per year
- Metal: $25 installed ÷ 10 years = $2.50 per foot per year
- Concrete: $35 installed ÷ 25 years = $1.40 per foot per year
This calculation reveals that concrete has a higher upfront cost but provides the best long-term value.
2. Evaluate Your Property’s Needs
Different areas of your landscape may benefit from different edging approaches:
- High-visibility areas (front yard, entryway): Invest in premium edging
- Utility areas (side yards, garden beds): Mid-range options may suffice
- Temporary landscapes: Budget options might be appropriate
3. Consider Your Long-Term Plans
If you plan to:
- Sell your home soon: Premium edging can enhance curb appeal and property value.
- Stay long-term: Invest in durable materials that will serve you for decades.
- Frequently redesign your landscape: Choose more flexible edging options
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While DIY installation can reduce initial costs, professional Installation often provides superior results and longevity. Our Landscape Services team finds that proper installation accounts for approximately 50% of an edging system’s lifespan.
Professional installers provide:
- Proper ground preparation
- Precise cutting and fitting
- Appropriate anchoring techniques
- Seamless transitions between sections
- Expert knowledge of local soil and climate conditions
For most homeowners, the sweet spot is often a mid-range material professionally installed, rather than a premium material poorly installed or an economy material that will need frequent replacement.
Cost-Saving Tips Without Compromising Quality
If budget constraints are a primary concern, consider these strategies:
1. Phase Your Project
Instead of edging your entire property at once, prioritize high-impact areas first. Our Landscape Services team can help you develop a phased approach that fits your budget while providing a cohesive overall design.
2. Combine Materials Strategically
Use premium materials in apparent areas and more economical options in less prominent locations. For example:
- Concrete edging along front walkways and driveways
- Metal edging for garden beds
- Wood for rear property borders
3. Consider Seasonal Timing
Scheduling Installation during slower seasons (late fall or winter in Colorado) can sometimes result in better pricing as contractors look to fill their schedules.
4. Prepare the Ground Yourself
If you’re hiring professionals, ask if you can reduce costs by handling the preliminary site preparation yourself, such as removing existing edging or excavating the installation path.
Popular Edging Styles in Colorado
Our Landscape Services have identified several edging styles that perform exceptionally well in Colorado’s unique climate:
1. Concrete Mower Strip
This wider concrete edging (4-12 inches) creates a clean border that allows lawn mowers to roll along the edge, eliminating the need for string trimming. While the upfront cost is higher ($25-$45 per linear foot installed), the maintenance savings are substantial.
2. Concrete Flagstone Borders
Combining concrete’s durability with natural stone’s appearance, these borders offer excellent value ($18-$40 per linear foot installed) while complementing Colorado’s natural landscape aesthetic.
3. Steel Edging with Concrete Backing
This hybrid approach uses the clean look of steel edging reinforced with a concrete backing for enhanced stability. At $16-$30 per linear foot installed, it offers an excellent balance of aesthetics, durability, and value.
4. Commercial-Grade Plastic Composite
Unlike basic plastic edging, commercial-grade composite materials offer significantly improved durability (8-15 years) at a moderate price point ($8-$18 per linear foot installed).
Specialty Features That Add Value
Sometimes, investing slightly more in specialty features can dramatically enhance your landscape’s functionality and appeal:
1. Integrated Lighting
Adding low-voltage lighting to concrete edging increases initial costs by $10-$20 per linear foot but creates dramatic nighttime visual appeal and improved safety.
2. Concrete Walls with Integrated Seating
Integrated seating elements can be incorporated into standard concrete walls for slightly more than standard concrete walls, creating functional spaces that eliminate the need for separate outdoor furniture.
3. Drainage Solutions
Our Landscape Services can incorporate drainage channels into concrete edging for properties with water management challenges, preventing erosion and water damage while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Making Your Final Decision
The cheapest way to edge your lawn ultimately depends on your specific circumstances. Consider:
- Your total budget: What can you reasonably invest now?
- Long-term plans: How long will you benefit from this investment?
- Maintenance tolerance: How much ongoing work are you willing to perform?
- Aesthetic preferences: What style best complements your property?
For most Colorado homeowners, the most cost-effective approach is often:
- For budget-conscious homeowners: Commercial-grade metal edging professionally installed ($15-$33 per linear foot total)
- For best long-term value: Concrete edging professionally installed ($28-$70 per linear foot total)
- For DIY enthusiasts: Cedar edging with proper treatment ($12-$25 per linear foot materials only)
Conclusion
While basic plastic edging will always be the cheapest immediate option, the truly economical choice considers longevity, maintenance, and appearance over time. Our Landscape Services team at A Better Edge can help you evaluate these factors for your property and needs.
For most Colorado properties, investing in quality materials and professional Installation provides the best return on investment through extended lifespan, reduced maintenance, and enhanced property value. Whether you choose concrete, metal, wood, or stone, selecting the proper edging for your needs will ensure your landscape looks its best for years.
Ready to explore your edging options? Contact our Landscape Services team for a personalized consultation and free estimate tailored to your property’s requirements.
More info about Establishing Your Lawn can be found on Denver Water’s page.
