Introduction: Defining Your Outdoor Space
Welcome to the comprehensive Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide for 2025. As outdoor spaces evolve into extensions of our homes, the importance of crisp, clean lines between different landscape elements has never been more crucial. Professional landscape services recognize that edging isn’t just functional—the finishing touch elevates your entire property’s appearance.
Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or seeking professional landscape services, this definitive Edging Buyer’s Guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining landscape edging in 2025.
Take the guesswork out of your landscaping project—Call Chad, our Edging Buyer’s Guide.
Understanding the Purpose of Landscape Edging
Before diving into material options in our Edging Buyer’s Guide, it’s essential to understand why landscape edging matters:
- Definition and containment – Keeps mulch, gravel, and other materials in designated areas
- Weed prevention – Creates barriers that minimize grass and weed infiltration
- Visual appeal – Provides clean separation between different landscape elements
- Structural support – Prevents erosion and maintains the integrity of beds and pathways
- Property value enhancement – Professional-looking edging instantly boosts curb appeal
With these benefits in mind, the Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide now examines the various materials available in 2025.
Types of Landscape Edging Materials
Metal Edging: Durability Meets Design Flexibility
Metal edging remains one of the top choices for discerning homeowners in 2025. The Edging Buyer’s Guide reveals that landscape services professionals often recommend metal edging for its price and Concrete for its aesthetic and durability.
Aluminum Edging
Pros:
- Lightweight yet long-lasting (20+ year lifespan)
- Rust-resistant
- Easily forms curves and straight lines
- Modern, minimalist appearance
Cons:
- Flexes easily – Does not maintain lines well
- Requires regular re-pinning in freeze/thaw climates
- Often pops out
- Premium price point ($16-$30 per linear foot installed)
- Can be damaged by heavy equipment
- Can be a sharp knife in the ground
Steel Edging
Pros:
- Better strength
- A minimalist, contemporary look
- Available in multiple finishes (galvanized, powder-coated, Cor-Ten)
- Long-lasting (15-30 year lifespan)
Cons:
- Higher price point ($20-$40 per linear foot installed)
- Can also be a hidden, sharp edge
- Requires regular re-pinning
- Can develop rust without proper finishing
“Metal edging creates the cleanest definition between materials and often outlasts the rest of the landscape. For clients looking for a long-term investment, it’s my top recommendation.” – Chad, Owner of A Better Edge Landscape Services
Ready to elevate your garden? Call us today for your personalized Edging Buyer’s Guide—Chad and consultation.
Hi-end Landscape Edging Cost
Here is a detailed table summarizing high-end landscape edging options in 2025, including materials, pricing, features, and ideal applications:
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) | Key Features | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | $15.50 – $24.50 | Elegant, weather-resistant, highly durable, premium aesthetic | High-end gardens, formal landscapes, luxury outdoor spaces |
| Stainless Steel | $10.00 – $20.00 | Rust-resistant, extremely durable, sleek, modern appearance | Low-traffic areas, contemporary designs, humid or wet environments |
| Natural Stone | $10.00 – $30.00 | Timeless aesthetic, heavy and durable, resistant to weathering and erosion | Walkways, stairways, formal gardens |
| Stamped Concrete | $14.00 – $28.00 | Customizable patterns, durable, low maintenance | Lawns, Elegant patios, Rock or paver pathways, and garden borders, residential and commercial use,Curved garden beds, modern landscapes |
| Galvanized Steel | $5.00 – $12.00 | Corrosion-resistant, strong structural integrity | Low-traffic areas without pets or children and garden borders |
| Aluminum | $5.00 – $10.00 | Lightweight, rust-resistant, flexible for curves | Money-saving needs without pets or children |
| Brick | $5.00 – $15.00 | Classic look, durable and weather-resistant | Traditional gardens, walkways, Dry climates (over concrete base) |
Notes:
- Granite is the most expensive option due to its luxurious appearance and resilience.
- Stamped concrete is a strong contender for high-end projects requiring safety, durability, and modern looks. A customizable premium option for intricate designs
- Natural stone offers timeless elegance but requires professional installation due to its weight.
- Stainless steel provides an option that doesn’t rust quickly and can be a DIY but most often is used professionally. Not for use with kids and pets.
- Galvanized steel and aluminum are more affordable metal edging options with durability but require regular maintenance. Not for use with kids and pets.
- Brick edging combines affordability with a classic aesthetic. Unless installed on or in concrete it will move and allow grass migration quickly.
These materials are ideal for homeowners and professionals seeking high-quality solutions for landscaping projects in 2025.
Mid-range Landscape Edging Cost
Here’s a table of mid-range landscape edging options based on the 2025 data:
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | $5.00 – $15.00 | Classic look, durable, weather-resistant | Traditional gardens, walkways |
| Concrete (Poured) | $10.50 – $22.00 | Customizable, durable, low maintenance | Driveways, garden borders, Lawns, Residential and Commercial |
| Metal (Steel/Aluminum) | $5.00 – $12.00 | Modern look, flexible, corrosion-resistant | Low-traffic designs. |
| Stone | $10.00 – $30.00 | Natural aesthetic, heavy-duty, long-lasting | Formal gardens, rustic landscapes |
| Wood | $7.00 – $15.00 | Rustic charm, customizable, biodegradable | Natural settings and raised beds |
| Rubber | $4.00 – $8.00 | Flexible, safe for children/pets, eco-friendly | Playgrounds, family-friendly gardens |
Stone and Brick Edging: Classic Appeal with Modern Applications
This traditional option continues to be popular in the 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide due to its versatility and timeless appearance.
Natural Stone
Pros:
- Exceptional durability (50+ year lifespan)
- Unique, one-of-a-kind appearance
- It complements almost any landscape style
- It can be used for both edging and retaining walls
Cons:
- Labor-intensive installation ($36-$100 per linear foot installed)
- Heavier weight makes DIY installation challenging
- Limited flexibility for curves
Brick
Pros:
- Classic, structured appearance
- Available in multiple colors and styles
- Moderate durability (30-40 years with proper installation)
- Works well for both straight and gently curved areas
Cons:
- More expensive than plastic or wood ($28-$60 per linear foot installed)
- Requires skilled installation for best results
- It can become uneven in a short time without proper base preparation
Concrete Edging and Curbing: Seamless Solutions
A popular option in the Edging Buyer’s Guide for those seeking continuous, uninterrupted edging.
Pros:
- Fully customizable shapes and designs
- Seamless appearance without joints
- Natural appearance from experienced installers
- Works great for lawns and retention.
- Color and texture options are available
- Great durability (15-30 years)
Cons:
- Machine-extruded installation requires professionals ($20-$40 per linear foot)
- Difficult to modify after installation
- Can crack in freeze/thaw cycles without proper mix design and installation
Wood Edging: Natural Warmth With Maintenance Considerations
The 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide shows wood edging remains popular for rustic and cottage-style gardens.
Pros:
- A natural aesthetic that blends with landscapes
- Easy to cut and shape
- Budget-friendly initial cost
- Works well for raised beds and garden borders
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan (7-15 years, depending on wood type and treatment)
- Regular maintenance required
- Splintering can be dangerous for children and pets
- Susceptible to rot, insects, and weathering
- Mid-range installation costs ($14-$28 per linear foot installed)
| Wood Type | Average Lifespan | Maintenance Level | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | 10-15 years | Moderate | $16-$24 |
| Redwood | 15-20 years | Low | $20-$40 |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | 7-12 years | High | $12-$16 |
Plastic and Composite Edging: Budget-Friendly Modern Options
The 2025 Edging Buyer’s Guide reveals significant improvements in these materials over previous years.
Plastic Edging
Pros:
- Inexpensive ($6-$14 per linear foot installed)
- Lightweight and easy to install for DIYers
- Available in a few colors and styles
- Resistant to rot and insects
Cons:
- Shortest lifespan (1-10 years)
- Can become brittle with UV exposure
- Less rigid than other materials
- May rise during freeze/thaw cycles
Composite Edging
Pros:
- Combines the appearance of wood with enhanced durability
- Resistant to rot, insects, and weathering
- Moderate lifespan (10-20 years)
- Relatively low maintenance
Cons:
- Mid-range cost ($16-$30 per linear foot installed)
- Limited style and color options
- Can fade over time in direct sunlight
Rubber Edging: Eco-Friendly Safety Options
A newer contender in the 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide, particularly for playgrounds and pet-friendly areas.
Pros:
- Made from recycled materials
- Flexible and impact-absorbent
- Safe for children’s play areas
- Moderate durability (10-15 years)
Cons:
- Limited aesthetic appeal for formal landscapes
- Mid-range cost ($14-$30 per linear foot installed)
- Limited style options
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Landscape Edging
The 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide recommends evaluating the following factors before making your decision:
1. Climate and Environmental Conditions
Different materials perform better in various climates:
- Hot, dry climates: Metal, stone, and concrete edging resist sun damage
- Cold, wet climates: Concrete, Aluminum, composite, and certain plastics resist freeze/thaw damage
- Coastal areas: Aluminum and composite resist salt damage better than steel or wood
2. Maintenance Requirements and Expectations
Be realistic about the maintenance you’re willing to perform:
- Low maintenance: Stone, composite, and Concrete edging
- Moderate maintenance: Brick and stone edging
- Higher maintenance: Plastic, Metal and Wood edging
3. Landscape Style and Design Coherence
Your edging should complement your overall landscape design:
- Modern/contemporary: Concrete in dark colors like black. Metal edging, particularly aluminum or steel
- Traditional/formal: Brick or cut stone edging, Concrete with brick or tile look
- Cottage/rustic: Wood or natural stone edging, (concrete is a potential here with a good artist)
- Child-friendly spaces: Concrete or Rubber edging
4. Technical Requirements
Consider the practical aspects of your specific site:
- Soil type and drainage patterns
- Root systems of nearby trees and shrubs
- Slope considerations
- Traffic patterns (foot, vehicle, equipment)
Installation Insights: DIY vs. Professional Landscape Services
The 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide includes important considerations about installation:
DIY Installation Considerations
- Tools required: Shovel, rake, level, mallet, cutting tools specific to your material
- Time investment: Typically, 1-3 days for an average residential property
- Skill level required: Varies by material (plastic is easiest, stone is most challenging)
- Cost savings: Approximately 40-60% compared to professional installation
Professional Landscape Services Installation Benefits
- Experience and expertise: Proper depth, secure anchoring, precise cuts
- Efficiency: Typically completed in 1 day for average residential property
- Equipment access: Specialized tools for complex materials and conditions
- Warranty protection: Most landscape services offer installation guarantees
Installation Costs by Material (Professional Services)
| Material Type | Average Labor Cost Per Linear Foot | Total Installed Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $10-$16 | $16-$30 |
| Metal | $16-$30 | $36-$70 |
| Stone/Brick | $36-$50 | $64-$100 |
| Wood | $14-$26 | $26-$54 |
| Concrete | $20-$40 (includes material) | $20-$40 |
| Rubber | $14-$24 | $28-$54 |
Long-Term Value Assessment
When using this Edging Buyer’s Guide to evaluate long-term value, consider the following:
- Initial installation cost
- Expected lifespan
- Maintenance requirements and costs
- Replacement difficulty
- Impact on property value
The following calculation can help determine the annual cost of ownership:
Annual Cost = (Material Cost + Installation Cost) ÷ Expected Lifespan in Years + Annual Maintenance Cost
Maintenance Guidelines by Material
The 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide includes these maintenance recommendations:
Metal Edging
- Annual maintenance: Check for shifting, raising, sharp edges or damage, Grass or weeding from migration of the lawn
- Periodic tasks: Touch up paint on powder-coated versions every 3-5 years, Pouding in of stakes
- Replacement indicators: Severe bending, central rust perforation
Stone and Brick
- Annual maintenance: Check for shifting or sinking
- Periodic tasks: Repoint mortar (if applicable) every 5-10 years
- Replacement indicators: Broken units, significant settling
Wood
- Annual maintenance: Check for rot, sand, apply sealant
- Periodic tasks: Replace individual pieces as needed, sanding
- Replacement indicators: Soft spots, splintering, pest damage
Plastic and Composite
- Annual maintenance: Ensure proper positioning, check for cracking
- Periodic tasks: Clean with mild detergent if desired
- Replacement indicators: Brittleness, severe fading, breakage
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
The 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide highlights these environmentally conscious choices:
- Reclaimed materials: Repurposed brick, stone, or wood
- Recycled content: Many metal and plastic edgings now contain recycled materials
- Local sourcing: Concrete, Stone, and wood from local sources reduce transportation emissions
- Permeable solutions: Edging systems that allow water infiltration
Trends in Landscape Edging for 2025
This Edging Buyer’s Guide wouldn’t be complete without noting current trends:
- Mixed material installations: Combining Concrete with stone for visual interest
- Bright edging: Products with integrated low-voltage lighting
- Weathering steel: Cor-Ten and similar metals with controlled rust patina, enhanced sealants for concrete
- Minimalist profiles: Thinner, less obtrusive edging that defines without dominating
- Custom colorways: More color options in metal and composite materials
Conclusion: Making Your Final Selection
As this 2025 Landscape Edging Buyer’s Guide demonstrates, selecting the proper edging involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, durability, and budget. Professional landscape services can provide invaluable guidance for complex projects, while determined DIYers can achieve excellent results with careful planning and execution.
Remember that quality edging is an investment in your property’s appearance and value. By choosing the right material and ensuring proper installation, your landscape edging will define and enhance your outdoor spaces for years.
“A quality landscape border can be the frame that turns your poster into a work of art.
-Chad Livingston, A Better Edge”
For personalized recommendations tailored to your specific landscape needs, consider consulting with local landscape services professionals who can assess your property’s unique characteristics and help you select the perfect edging solution from this Edging Buyer’s Guide.
Contact Chad from A Better Edge, your edging buyer’s guide in Colorado. For a one-on-one consultation, contact us today.
Check out Zillow for houses in Denver that have professional landscape edging.
