Metal landscape edging is sometimes also used to separate gravel areas from plant beds. It may also be used to cordon off a tree. In fact, it has many applications. Today we’ll take a look at the coolest ways to style your garden with metal edging and some pros and cons of this material but first
What Is Metal Edging?
Metal landscape edging is used to create a clean boundary between two sections of an outdoor area. When placed around a lawn, it can prevent the grass from growing outwards beyond its perimeter, helping to maintain neat borders. When placed alongside a gravel section, it can help keep the stones confined to where they belong.
Pros Of Metal Edging
Strength
Metal is renowned for having excellent strength. This is particularly the case with steel – which is able to withstand a lot of ground movement and is unlikely to lose its shape when knocked. Steel edging is great for retaining walls and equally great for subtle driveway borders due to its strength. Aluminum is known for being a bit softer. However, it will still hold its shape for a long time in many cases.
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
Because metal edging can be manufactured to be very thin while still retaining its strength, it can possess a subtlety that other forms of edging lack. A slightly protruding metal edge separating a lawn and gravel path could have an almost invisible effect, while simultaneously maintaining a clean straight line between the grass and gravel. Of course, metal edging doesn’t have to be subtle and there are ways to turn it into a statement (such as decorative cast iron), however those who want a minimal look will find that metal is the best solution.
Water Resistance
Unlike wood and some forms of brick, metal does not soak up water. It will not rot or spall and will keep its shape. Yes, most types of metal do corrode in the water. But generally the types of metal used for landscape edging won’t wear away, instead simply developing a patina. This weatherproof quality makes metal a popular option.
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
Although it depends on the quality of the metal, both steel and aluminum edging can typically be expected to last over 20 years. This is a lot longer than wooden edging, which usually lasts 5 to 10 years. If well maintained, metal edging can last for decades. Many warranties cover metal edging for 10 to 15 years.
Easy Installation
While some forms of metal edging can be quite intricate and therefore fiddly to install, most forms of metal edging are easy to put in the ground. As mentioned already, some have spikes or stakes to help secure them in. You’ll find plenty of videos online teaching you how to install them.
Cons Of Metal Edging
Corrosion
Most forms of metal do corrode over time. Applying finishes and regularly reapplying them may prevent this, provided that you’re willing to keep on top of this maintenance. Steel edging will typically start to rust after 6 months. Fortunately, most types of steel used for edging such as corten steel rust but don’t wear away. Instead, they develop a red hard patina. Some people don’t like this rusted look, but for others it can actually be one of the main visual attractors of corten steel, helping to give it a naturally aged and earthy look. Aluminum meanwhile does not rust, but can still develop 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 come at a higher cost than other types of landscape edging. This is particularly the case when buying large panels or decorative cast iron edging. There are cheaper versions of metal edging on the market, but they are usually less durable.
No DIY
While it’s possible to make your own DIY wooden edging using some scrap wood and a saw, DIY metalworking is a lot harder. You will usually have no choice but to buy metal edging off the shelf.
Less Decorative
While you can buy decorative cast iron options, the majority of metal edging is not designed to be a statement feature. The likes of wooden edging and stone edging may be better for this purpose.
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.