Aluminum has become a widely popular material for garden edging for several reasons. First and foremost, it looks great! Aluminum's color and finish make it a timeless addition to virtually any garden. Whether your garden's aesthetic is rustic or trendy and modern, you can achieve the desired look with aluminum.
Another notable benefit of using aluminum for garden edging is the fact that aluminum does not rust. Aluminum will corrode slightly over time, but it does not rust as other metals do. This characteristic of aluminum means that the structural integrity of your garden edging will be preserved regardless of environmental conditions.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of aluminum garden edging and how they can be best employed in a garden. We will also provide an in-depth walkthrough for how to install aluminum edging in your garden and landscape. Lastly, we will list some products to consider to start your own aluminum edging project!
Corrugated Edging
Corrugated garden edging is a form of edging that makes use of strips of aluminum that have a pronounced wavy pattern. Corrugated edging is generally used to line perimeter areas or small flower beds, but it is also sometimes used to contain centrally located troughs.
Depending on the finish of the aluminum, this is a great way to give a garden an older, more rustic look. This style of aluminum garden edging makes any plants in any part of a garden pop! The only potential downside to corrugated aluminum for garden edging is that it can be difficult to find it in taller dimensions. It is also intended to be mostly above the surface due to its aesthetic appeal, which means it will offer slightly less strength and structural integrity than other aluminum edging options out there.
Corrugated edging is an excellent choice for your landscape and will add a unique aesthetic to it. It's stylish yet functional.
In this case, corrugated aluminum is used to edge a small flower bed with dainty hydrangeas. The wavy, hemmed pattern complements smaller plants. The color and finish of aluminum truly make any plant stand out.
CeilingConnex Corrugated Garden Edging
These strips of corrugated aluminum edging are sold in a variety of dimensions. They are also available in a number of finishes, so you can choose the color that will best suit your garden's aesthetic.
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Corrugated Garden Edging
If your garden aesthetic is more antique in nature, this is an excellent option for your garden edging. The edges of the aluminum are hemmed, meaning they are folded over to lay flush against itself.
This product comes in a few different lengths: 4 inches x 10 feet, 6 inches x 10 feet, and 12 inches x 10 feet. Pick which one will work best for you.
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Permaloc Edging
Permaloc garden edging is a form of edging made up of rigid aluminum strips with anchor stakes that hold the aluminum in place. Long stakes can be placed through either side of the edging to ensure that it is secure.
One of the common uses of permaloc garden edging is to separate large mulched areas from adjacent foliage or grass, but it can also be used as a more rigid option to line the perimeter of simple flower beds.
Permaloc edging does an incredible job of staying firmly in place. The only downside to this method is that the installation time can be somewhat lengthy.
Using Permaloc edging precisely defines the space; choose this material to create a strong barrier between your lawn and your walkway. The rigidity and design of this kind of edging ensure that walkways will remain straight for years to come. Additionally, given aluminum's weather resistance and overall resilience, you do not have to worry about your walkway liner rusting and corroding!
Dimex EasyFlex Aluminum Landscape Edging Kit
These strips of aluminum permaloc garden edging are available in four different colors, so you can buy the one that will look best in your garden. This particular form of permaloc garden edging uses long nails to hold the edging firmly into the ground.
People that have used this garden edging say that it looks great once installed and that it is still easy to bend around corners if need be.
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ProFlex Edging
ProFlex edging is a type of edging that is made of rust-free, warp-free, and crack-free aluminum. You can create soft, curving edges or sharp, 90-degree angles with it.
This type of edging works very well for keeping pavers and concrete stable and secure, a perfect choice for a garden edge, patio, or walkway. Choose from a variety of color options.
The negative side of using this type of edging is that it will require many stakes for stabilization. This will require a more lengthy installation process.
Like the photo above shows, you can install this edging easily with a rubber mallet. Quickly and easily define the space between your lawn and garden with this kind of aluminum garden edging. Once the stakes have been driven, simply cover the interior portion with mulch or topsoil!
ProFlex Paver Edging Project Kit
Get this ProFlex edging kit to create a durable edge in your landscape. You'll receive all the hardware necessary to complete this project when you order this item. 48 feet of material is included.
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EasyFlex Edging
Easyflex aluminum edging is a landscape solution that is both time-tested and nearly maintenance-free. Because of its aluminum construction, it won't become brittle and break or rust. You can easily keep your garden weed-free by using this edging.
The installation process is simple and easy, making it an excellent choice if you don't have much time to devote to your landscaping project. You can choose from a variety of colors to match your landscape aesthetic.
On the downside, you may have to dig a small trench in which you place your EasyFlex edging.
EasyFlex edging provides the perfect structure and separation for your landscape. Enjoy the way that the edging keeps out unwanted grass growth from your precious flower beds. This kind of edging is excellent because it is easy to bend to follow virtually any contour.
EasyFlex Aluminum Landscape Edging Project Kit
This landscape edging kit comes with four sections of edging that are each 6 feet in length. Available colors include black, silver, bronze, and brown.
Customers who have purchased and used this product have reported that it has a clean design and structure. They also liked that it was attractive and easy to install.
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How Much Does Aluminum Garden Edging Cost?
The price of aluminum garden edging varies depending on the style, length, and where it is purchased. Generally speaking, aluminum edging runs between $2.50 and $4.00 per foot.
Since aluminum is so easy to install on your own, you will end up saving quite a bit of money. You don't have to worry about hiring out the labor if you have the time to do it yourself. Installing your aluminum garden edging will be a great DIY weekend project.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Garden Edging
Aluminum is by far one of the best materials to use for garden edging. Some of its most notable pros are its weather resistance and rigidity. You can rest assured that aluminum edging will withstand the test of time in your garden regardless of the climate. Aluminum is also rust-resistant, giving you a very long life.
Because the material is flexible yet hardy, it allows you to easily manipulate its structure to provide the perfect garden edge you desire. It can be a straight edge or curved edge, making it ideal for any garden; take advantage of its versatile properties.
The only downside to using aluminum garden edging is that it can be somewhat time-consuming to install depending on the size and shape of the area you are lining. Luckily, we have provided an in-depth walkthrough of the installation process!
How to Install Aluminum Garden Edging
The process of installing aluminum garden edging can be daunting. This video provides an in-depth walkthrough of the aluminum garden edging installation process. If you have never installed this kind of edging, this video will equip you with the knowledge necessary to do so! We will also provide a written list of the steps below.
1. Get your tools ready
Before beginning, you will need a spade, a hammer, a rope, a hacksaw, and a rake.
2. Layout the area to be edged
Use the rope to mark where you want the edging to be placed. The rope allows you to outline the exact contour you desire. If need be, place weighted objects along the rope to ensure that it remains in place throughout the process.
3. Dig your trench
Using the spade, dig a trench along the rope border that is approximately four inches deep. If you want the aluminum edging protruding more from the ground, make the trench more shallow. If the area is covered by a lot of topsoil or grass, simply use the spade to remove or peel back the material one section at a time. Set the material aside for later.
4. Put the edging together
If you are using aluminum edging that attaches at the ends, it is recommended that you overlap both pieces by four inches to ensure structural integrity. Then, place the aluminum edging in the trench. The edging should protrude about a half-inch above the surface, or more if that is the aesthetic you desire. If the surface is uneven, you might need to cut a "V" shaped notch into the aluminum to allow it to bend with the contour of the ground's surface. The aluminum can be bent using a brick or other hard object for corners.
5. Cut the ends of the edging and insert the stakes
Simply cut the edging at either end to your desired length using the hacksaw. Then, use a hammer to drive the stakes through the holes in the aluminum edging at a 45-degree angle. Alternating the direction of the stakes will create the strongest hold. The longer the stakes, the more sturdy the hold will be.
6. Replace sod or topsoil using the rake
That's it. All Done! The process to install this kind of edging is relatively straightforward. It can be somewhat time-consuming, but with the right materials, anyone can do it!
Aluminum Edging Photos
Now that we have covered the different types of aluminum garden edging, here are some inspirational photos that will give you some creative ideas for your own garden and landscape!
Cobblestone Edge
This photo depicts proflex edging being used to secure paver stones and act as a buffer between the walkway and the garden. The long nails being driven through the holes into the ground will keep the aluminum from budging for years to come.
Rigid Border
In this garden, permaloc edging is being used to separate the small white rocks from the rest of the garden. Given the cumulative weight of the rocks, permaloc edging is the best choice for this application because it is sure to remain firmly in place.
Clean Flower Bed Divider
Aluminum edging is a great way to create a clean line separating grass from your flower beds. The best part is that the aluminum can be bent to follow the contour of any flower bed.
Stone Walkway Liner
Aluminum edging is arguably the best edging material for straight walkways. The nails help the edging stay in place, and the aluminum siding keeps the stone walkway straight and crisp.
Small Rock Containment
This setup demonstrates aluminum's rigidity and durability. You can rely on aluminum edging to hold its shape as it supports a considerable amount of weight. Small rocks like those pictured are guaranteed to remain firmly in place with aluminum edging.
Easy Install
The majority of aluminum garden edging is a breeze to install. This photo shows just how simple it can be!