Introduction: Understanding Your Edging Options
Selecting the right edging material is one of the most impactful choices when planning your landscape design. As the owner of A Better Edge, I’ve installed countless landscape borders using various materials, and the two most popular choices continue to be natural stone and concrete edging. Each offers distinct advantages in aesthetics, durability, installation requirements, and—perhaps most importantly for many homeowners—cost.
In this guide, I’ll explain the actual cost differences between natural stone and concrete edging options, helping you make an informed decision about your landscape projects. We’ll examine the upfront expenses and long-term value considerations that might affect your choice.
The Appeal of Natural Stone Edging
Natural stone edging has been used in Landscape Services for centuries, and good reason. Its timeless appeal creates a distinctive border that complements traditional and contemporary landscape designs.
Types of Stones Commonly Used for Edging
Natural stone edging comes in several varieties, each with its price point:
- Fieldstone – Irregular, rustic stones that create a casual, organic border
- Cut stone – Precisely shaped stone pieces for a more formal appearance
- Cobblestone – Classic, rounded stones often used in European-inspired designs
- Flagstone – Flat, broad pieces ideal for creating clean lines
- Granite – Among the most durable stone options, with a premium price
Natural stone offers unmatched variety in texture, color, and character. No two stone edging installations look alike, making it a favorite choice for homeowners seeking a unique landscape feature.
Concrete Edging: Versatility and Consistency
Concrete edging has evolved dramatically, offering more than just the basic gray curb. Modern concrete edging can be:
- Poured on-site in continuous forms
- Pre-cast in various shapes and sizes
- Stamped with patterns that mimic natural stone
- Stained or colored to complement your landscape
The versatility of concrete makes it an extremely popular choice for Landscape service providers like A Better Edge. We can create virtually any shape, curve, or design element using concrete, often cheaper than stone alternatives.
Cost Analysis: Natural Stone vs. Concrete Edging
Material Costs
The raw material costs for these edging options vary significantly:
| Material Type | Low-End Cost/Linear Ft | Mid-Range Cost/Linear Ft | High-End Cost/Linear Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Stone (Fieldstone) | $12 | $20 | $30 |
| Natural Stone (Cut Stone) | $16 | $28 | $40 |
| Natural Stone (Cobblestone) | $14 | $24 | $36 |
| Natural Stone (Granite) | $24 | $36 | $70 |
| Concrete (Poured) | $8 | $14 | $20 |
| Concrete (Stamped) | $10 | $18 | $26 |
| Concrete (Pre-cast) | $6 | $12 | $18 |
“Natural stone typically costs 30-80% more than concrete alternatives for the materials alone, but many homeowners feel the authentic appeal justifies the premium price.” – Chad, Owner of A Better Edge
Installation Costs
The labor costs for installing these different edging materials must also be considered:
Stone Installation Process
Installing natural stone edging is typically more labor-intensive than concrete options. The process involves:
- Excavating the installation area
- Creating a stable base (usually crushed stone or sand)
- Carefully placing each stone piece
- Ensuring proper alignment and stability
- Securing stones in place (often with mortar)
For stone edging, you can expect to pay between $36-$100 per linear foot for professional installation, depending on:
- Stone type and weight
- Installation method (dry-stacked vs. mortared)
- Site Accessibility
- Design complexity (straight lines vs. curves)
Concrete Edging Installation
Concrete edging installation varies based on the specific type:
- Poured concrete – Requires forming, mixing, pouring, and finishing
- Pre-cast concrete – Involves placing manufactured pieces in a prepared trench
- Stamped concrete – Includes additional steps for texturing and coloring
Installation costs for concrete edging typically range from $20 to $40 per linear foot, with specialized decorative work pushing toward the higher end of that range.
Total Project Costs
For a typical residential property requiring 150 linear feet of edging, here’s how the total costs compare:
| Edging Type | Materials Cost | Installation Cost | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Stone (Basic) | $1,800-$3,000 | $5,400-$9,000 | $7,200-$12,000 |
| Natural Stone (Premium) | $3,600-$6,000 | $6,000-$15,000 | $9,600-$21,000 |
| Concrete (Basic) | $900-$1,800 | $3,000-$4,500 | $3,900-$6,300 |
| Concrete (Decorative) | $1,500-$2,700 | $3,600-$6,000 | $5,100-$8,700 |
Long-Term Value Considerations
When comparing stones and concrete edging, it’s essential to look beyond the initial installation costs to consider the long-term value:
Durability and Lifespan
- Natural Stone Edging
- Expected lifespan: 50+ years with minimal maintenance
- Resistant to weathering, cracking, and fading
- May shift over time, requiring occasional resetting
- Virtually immune to frost damage when properly installed
- Concrete Edging
- Expected lifespan: 15-30 years, depending on quality and conditions
- May develop cracks in freeze-thaw cycles
- It can fade or discolor over time, especially colored concrete
- It may require sealing every 2-3 years to maintain the appearance
Maintenance Requirements and Costs
Natural stone edging requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and resetting of shifted stones. The annual maintenance cost for a typical installation averages $50- $150.
Concrete edging often requires more regular attention, including:
- Sealing (every 2-3 years)
- Crack repair
- Color refreshing for stained concrete
These maintenance tasks can add $100-$300 annually to the ownership cost of concrete edging.
Aesthetic Longevity
A stone has a timeless appeal that tends to improve with age as it weathers naturally. While initially attractive, concrete may look dated as design trends change, and its appearance can deteriorate more noticeably over time.
Making the Right Choice for Your Landscape
When deciding between natural stone and concrete edging for your Landscape Services project, consider these key factors:
Budget Considerations
- Initial budget constraints
- If working with a tight budget, basic concrete edging offers the most economical option
- For mid-range budgets, decorative concrete or entry-level natural stone can work well.
- With generous budgets, premium natural stone provides unmatched quality and aesthetics.
- Long-term investment perspective
- Natural stone typically offers better value over decades of use
- Lower maintenance and replacement costs may offset the higher initial cost of natural stone
Design Compatibility
When selecting between stone and concrete edging, consider how each material complements:
- Your home’s architectural style
- Existing landscape features
- Other hardscape elements (patios, walkways, driveways)
- The overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve
Installation Practicalities
Some landscape situations may favor one material over another:
- Complex curves may be easier to achieve with poured concrete
- Sloped terrain might be better suited for natural stone’s adaptability
- Areas with poor drainage may benefit from the permeable nature of dry-stacked stone
- Obvious front yard applications often justify the premium cost of natural stone
Regional Variations in Edging Costs
It’s worth noting that natural stone and concrete edging costs can vary significantly based on your location. Local factors that influence pricing include:
- Material availability – Regions with abundant natural stone quarries typically offer lower prices
- Labor market conditions – Areas with higher living costs generally have higher installation rates
- Climate considerations – Freeze-thaw cycles may require deeper installation, increasing costs
- Local regulations – Some areas have specific requirements for landscape installations
For specific pricing in your area, I recommend contacting local Landscape Services providers like A Better Edge for personalized estimates.
Case Studies: Real-World Cost Comparisons
Residential Front Yard
A recent project we completed for a 2,800 sq. ft. home involved installing 120 linear feet of edging to define planting beds and separate the lawn from mulched areas.
- Natural Stone Option (Fieldstone):
- Materials: $2,400
- Installation: $5,040
- Total: $7,440
- Concrete Option (Stamped):
- Materials: $1,560
- Installation: $3,600
- Total: $5,160
The homeowners chose stone despite the higher cost, citing its authentic appearance and long-term value as decisive factors.
Commercial Property
We installed 350 linear feet of edging for a small office complex to define walkways and planting areas.
- Natural Stone Option (Cut Granite):
- Materials: $12,600
- Installation: $14,000
- Total: $26,600
- Concrete Option (Poured):
- Materials: $4,900
- Installation: $8,750
- Total: $13,650
The property manager selected concrete edging based on budget constraints and its clean, professional appearance.
Special Applications and Their Costs
Curved Edging
Creating curves with either material affects costs differently:
- Natural Stone: Curved designs may increase costs by 15-25% due to the need for cutting and fitting stones to the desired shape
- Concrete: Curves typically add 10-20% to the cost of concrete edging, depending on complexity
Raised Edging
When edging needs to serve as a small retaining wall (4-12 inches high):
- Natural Stone: Well-suited for this purpose, with costs increasing proportionally with height
- Concrete: May require specialized forms or pre-cast units, increasing costs by 30-50%
Integrated Lighting
Adding landscape lighting to your edging:
- Natural Stone: Can accommodate lighting fixtures nestled between stones, adding $15-$25 per linear foot
- Concrete: May require pre-planning for electrical conduits, adding $10-$20 per linear foot
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Many homeowners consider DIY installation to save on costs:
DIY Natural Stone Edging
- Material costs: Same as professional ($12-$70 per linear foot)
- Additional tools needed: $150-$300
- Time investment: 2-5 days for 100 linear feet
- Skill level required: Moderate to high
DIY Concrete Edging
- Material costs: Same as professional ($6-$26 per linear foot)
- Additional tools/forms needed: $200-$500
- Time investment: 2-4 days for 100 linear feet
- Skill level required: Moderate
While DIY installation can significantly reduce labor costs, the results often lack the refinement and durability of professional Landscape Services. For most homeowners, the investment in professional installation proves worthwhile, especially for stone edging, where proper technique significantly impacts longevity.
Conclusion: Making Your Decision
When choosing between natural stone and concrete edging, there’s no universal “right answer.” The best choice depends on your specific:
- Budget constraints
- Aesthetic preferences
- Property characteristics
- Long-term expectations
Natural stone edging offers unparalleled authenticity, character, and longevity but comes with a premium price tag. Concrete edging provides versatility, consistency, and cost-effectiveness, though it may not deliver the same long-term value or distinctive appearance.
At A Better Edge, we provide consultation services to help you evaluate these factors and determine which edging solution best meets your needs. Our Landscape Services include detailed cost estimates for stone and concrete options, allowing you to make a fully informed decision.
Remember that landscape edging is more than just a functional element—it’s an investment in your property’s appearance and value. Whether you choose the timeless appeal of natural stone or the practical benefits of concrete, quality installation is key to ensuring your edging enhances your landscape for years to come.
More info about Colorado’s Natural Stones can be found on the Geology page of the Colorado Geological Survey.
