Metal landscape edging is sometimes used to separate gravel areas from plant beds. It can also be used around trees. Today we’ll look at cool ways to style your garden with metal edging and some pros and cons of using this material.
What Is Metal Edging?
Metal landscape edging is used to make a clean line between different parts of your garden. It helps keep the grass from growing into other areas and keeps gravel in place.
Pros Of Metal Edging
Strength
Metal is very strong, especially steel. Steel can handle a lot of movement and won’t bend easily. This makes it great for walls and driveway borders. Aluminum is softer but still keeps its shape for a long time.
A stylish geometrical garden bed with agaves, a low metal edge and gravel show off modern and ultra-minimalist style.
A green lawn, a low polished black profiled and rocks look very eye-catchy and contrasting together.
This tall bright steel garden border adds color to the space and contrasts the greenery and dark foliage in the flower bed.
A low curved corten steel edge stands out a lot thanks to the black mulch placed on top the garden bed.
A relaxed feel in the garden is achieved with white gravel and a lot of greenery, and low metal borders add a bit of color and contrast.
This corten garden border contains a light on the end, and this is a very practical idea for any garden.
Light gravel, curved steel and dark soil make up a bold and contrasting combo for a Scandinavian outdoor space.
A green lawn featuring a creative edge of little topiaries and metal plus mulch as a transition to the stone paver patio.
Thin low metal stripes allow curving them the way you need making up very creative shapes for your garden.
Subtlety
Metal edging can be very thin but still strong. This makes it almost invisible while keeping a neat line between grass and gravel. If you want a minimal look, metal is a great choice. You can also find decorative metal edging if you want to make a statement.
Flexibility
Thin metal can be bent and shaped to fit the contours of your garden. This makes it great for curved paths and custom shapes that are hard to achieve with other materials.
Full Of Contrasts
Metal edging pairs well with various materials like stone, gravel, and bricks to create visually appealing contrasts. Corten steel, for example, develops a rustic patina over time, adding a unique aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with pale paving or lush greenery. This creates a balanced look that feels both modern and natural.
Water Resistance
Metal does not soak up water, so it won’t rot or break apart like wood or some bricks. Most metal used for edging won’t wear away in water but might develop a patina, which is a kind of weathered look.
Stylish low forged garden bed edge will add classic elegance and beauty to any garden.
Tall metal borders of rusty shades and white sand make up a very bold and catchy combo, with plenty of contrast.
Prevent any soil erosion in tall garden beds or parts using durable metal edging that is also quite easy to install.
Such an elegant and airy forged metal edge will be always a good idea for a more formal garden.
Elegant and sophisticated black forged metal garden bed edges will make your space look chic and beautiful instantly.
Ordering forged details, you may get any design that you want, here these are flowers.
Rusty forged metal low edging perfectly finishing the flower bed look cool, stylish and will be very durable and eye-catchy.
Grey steel and black pebbles are a chic modern combo for your garden, add greenery and it will refresh the look.
An elegant outdoor space with a wide path, long garden beds done with rusty metal edging, with greenery and lavender.
A whimsically shaped flower bed with bright blooms, topiaries and greenery and a small and low steel edge not to distract attention from the plants.
A bold and catchy round garden bed with lavender surrounded with a low thin metal edge not to spoil the look and to merge with light gravel around.
Durability
Good quality metal edging can last over 20 years, which is much longer than wood edging. If you take care of it, metal edging can last for decades. Many warranties cover metal edging for 10 to 15 years.
Easy Installation
Most metal edging is easy to install. Some types have spikes or stakes to help secure them. You can find many videos online showing how to install metal edging.
Modern Look
Metal edging provides a sleek, professional look that can enhance the overall appearance of your garden. It can be very thin yet strong, providing a clean, almost invisible line between different garden areas.
Cons Of Metal Edging
Corrosion
Most metals can rust over time. You can apply finishes to prevent rust, but you need to keep up with maintenance. Steel will usually start to rust after 6 months, but it will develop a hard patina instead of wearing away. Aluminum doesn’t rust but can get a cloudy gray patina.
Low metal edge is always a good idea as though it's quite low and small, it defines the border very well and makes it catchier.
A backyard flower bed with greenery and rusty metal edging plus light gravel that concrete the metal a lot.
A long and narrow garden bed with a low metal profile and black gravel will be a cool feature to boost the curb appeal.
Wooden decks separated with a garden bed with greenery and grasses and a low metal edge.
A breathtaking garden with neutral gravel, bold blooms and lush greenery, steps with metal retainers and leveled garden beds with matching metal edges.
If you want to define your path without making the borders too bold, consider low metal edging that matches your walkway in color.
Metal edging, dark mulch, pastel rocks add color to the yard, and metal is quite a durable idea.
Create a cohesive look in the front yard going for a staircase with metal retainers and matching garden bed edging along the steps.
A large veggie garden with neutral gravel and tall rusty metal garden beds is a lovely and fresh space.
Such a unique multi-level garden could be created with pm;y thin metal edging as other edging would have taken much more precious space.
Cost
Metal edging can be more expensive than other types of edging, especially large panels or decorative cast iron. There are cheaper metal options, but they are usually less durable.
Heat Retention
Metal can get very hot in the sun, which might not be ideal for all plants. The heat could potentially affect nearby plants, especially in very hot climates.
No DIY
You can make wooden edging yourself, but making metal edging is much harder. You usually have to buy metal edging from a store.
Less Decorative
Most metal options are not designed to be a standout feature. If you want decorative edging, wood or stone might be better choices.
Sharp Edges
Some metal edging can have sharp edges, which could be a safety concern, especially if you have children or pets. It’s important to ensure that all edges are smooth or properly covered.
Tall and thick rusty metal flower bed borders are a practical solution that will last very long.
A little round flower garden with allium and corten edging is a cool and bright decor feature for any garden.
A minimalist space with a large garden bed, with trees and greenery, a metal edge and some gravel around.
A tall metal edge will make your flower bed more defined and whatever species you plant there, it won't invade your garden.
Line up a path and prevent soil erosion with such bold borders and add grasses along for a more natural feel.
A modern patio done with stone, a living wall, a planter with greenery and lights plus metal edging and pebbles for a refined feel.
Tall rusty metal paired with stone, concrete or terrazzo will create a super bold and textural look in the space.
Low but thick metal profiles won't hide the beauty of the blooms from you, and the color of the borders contrasts the white pebbles.
Curved low metal, white rocks and greenery create a gorgeous contrasting combo for a modern garden.
Additional Design Ideas
- Use metal edging to create boundaries around flower beds or plant groupings. This not only keeps your plants contained but also adds a neat, organized look to your garden.
- Pair this sleek edging with natural elements like rocks, gravel, and wood to create a striking contrast.
- Create a multi-dimensional look by layering metal edging at different heights. This can be particularly effective for terraced gardens.
- For a rustic or industrial look, consider using weathered metal like Corten steel. Its natural rust finish can add a warm, earthy tone to your garden.
- Choose decorative metal options like cast iron with intricate designs to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden.
- Edging with cut-out patterns or laser-etched designs to add a unique and artistic element to your garden.