Alexei Volkov
Plastic garden edging is a flexible, lightweight, and low-maintenance option that is easy to install. Unlike brick edging, it requires no heavy digging or tamping and is more forgiving on slopes, so you don't have to worry about drainage issues. To install plastic edging, you will need to cut a line in the soil, place the edging at the appropriate depth, and secure it with stakes or nails hammered into the ground. You can also backfill with soil or crushed stone to improve the stability of the edging. While plastic edging may have less visual appeal than brick and can shift in colder climates, it is a more modern and durable option that can save you time and effort compared to the labour-intensive process of installing brick edging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Plastic garden edging has less eye appeal than brick or stone. |
| Installation | Plastic edging is lightweight and simple to install. It requires no heavy digging or tamping. |
| Durability | Plastic edging tends to shift in colder climates and may be a poor restraint for a gravel path. |
| Safety | Plastic edging may be unsafe for locations with pedestrians or pets due to the possibility of cuts and lacerations. |
| Maintenance | Plastic edging requires virtually no maintenance compared to traditional brick border edging. |
| Design | Plastic edging is flexible, making it ideal for curved designs. |
| Drainage | Plastic edging is more forgiving on slopes, so drainage issues are less of a concern. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning the layout
First, decide on the purpose and desired look of your edging. Do you want to create a border for a garden bed, add a polished look to your patio, or define the edges of a pathway? Determining the purpose will guide your layout decisions.
Next, survey the area and decide on the specific path or boundary you want your edging to follow. Consider starting your edging at a fixed point, such as your house, and working toward an open area. This approach allows for adjustments to the length of the edging if needed. If you're creating a straight edge, mark the corners of the area with garden stakes and run a string line between them. For a curved design, you can use a garden hose to map out the curve and keep it in place as a guide.
When planning the depth and placement of your edging, consider the surrounding landscape features. For example, if you're installing edging around a concrete pool skirt, you may need to dig a trench slightly lower than the height of the brick to accommodate screening or a paver base. Experiment with installing a few bricks at different depths to find the most visually appealing result. Remember that in-ground edging, including plastic and brick options, can be placed at varying depths to achieve your desired effect.
If you're creating a garden bed within your edging, plan for the type of soil and amendments you'll use. You may need to add garden soil and incorporate elements like peat moss, manure, or fertilizer to nourish your plants. Cultivate the soil within the edged area to prepare it for planting.
Finally, consider the overall design and layout of your outdoor space. Edging can be a design element that ties your landscaping together. Think about how the colour and texture of the bricks will complement or contrast with the surrounding elements, such as flower beds, mulch, or fencing. Ensure that your layout decisions align with your personal style and the functionality you aim to achieve.
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Cutting a line in the soil
Plastic brick edging is a great way to add a polished look to your garden. It is also a more straightforward process than brick edging, which requires heavy digging and tamping.
To install plastic brick edging, you'll first need to cut a line in the soil where the edging will be inserted. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with this process:
- Start by deciding where you want your edging to go. It's a good idea to begin at a fixed point, such as your house, and work towards an open area. This will allow you to adjust the length of the edging if needed.
- Mark the path of your edging with stakes and a string line if you want straight edges. If you prefer curves, you can use a garden hose to map out the design and keep it in place.
- Once you're happy with the layout, use a shovel or edger to cut along the marked line. Make sure to cut straight up and down, following the stakes and string line or garden hose if you're creating a curved design.
- Remove any excess grass and soil from the cut line. You can use a shovel or a cultivator for this step, depending on the size of the area.
- Tamp down the bottom of the cut line with a tamper or the short edge of a board. This will create a firm base for your plastic brick edging.
- Check that the edging fits snugly and straight into the cut line. You may need to adjust the depth of the cut or the amount of soil at the bottom to ensure a secure fit.
By following these steps, you'll be able to cut a precise line in the soil for your plastic brick edging, ensuring a neat and professional finish for your garden project.
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Placing the edging
Plastic brick edging is a great way to add a polished look to your garden or patio. It is flexible, lightweight, and simple to install, making it ideal for curved designs. Here is a step-by-step guide to placing your plastic brick edging:
Planning the Design
Before you begin installing, spend some time planning the design of your edging. Do you want clean, straight lines or soft curves? Use a garden hose to map out the desired design. Once you are satisfied with the shape, mark your path with stakes and a string line for straight edges, or keep the hose in place if you prefer curves.
Preparing the Trench
After marking the path, you will need to prepare a trench for the bricks. Dig a flat-bottomed trench along the marked path, using a shovel or edger. The depth of the trench can be adjusted as needed, but ensure it is slightly lower than the height of the brick to allow for a paver base. Cut into the opposite side of the trench to remove any excess grass and soil. Tamp down the bottom of the trench with a tamper or a short edge of a board.
Testing the Fit
Before proceeding, it is essential to test the fit of your bricks. Drop several bricks into the trench to ensure they fit snugly and straight. This step will help you identify any adjustments needed to the trench depth or width.
Installing the Bricks
Now, you can begin installing the bricks. Set the bricks in the trench, using the Mason's line as a guide. Use a framing square to ensure the bricks are square, and a standard level to check that they are levelled. If you need to create a curve, use a pickaxe or mattock to dig a curving trench and adjust the bricks accordingly.
Securing the Bricks
Once the bricks are in place, secure them by backfilling the trench on both sides. Tap the bricks with a mallet to seat them firmly in place. For the final brick, use a sledgehammer to set it snugly in the trench.
Finishing Touches
After installing the bricks, add paver sand or gravel to the cracks to stabilize the border and keep everything in place. First, rub the sand into the cracks by hand, and then use a push broom to push more sand into the cracks. Repeat this process as needed until the border is secure.
By following these steps, you will be able to achieve a beautiful and functional plastic brick edging for your garden or patio.
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Securing with stakes
Plastic brick edging is a great way to add a polished look to your garden. It is a straightforward process that can enhance the look of your garden bed or border.
To install plastic brick edging, you will need to secure it with stakes. Start by marking the desired path of your edging with stakes and a string line. This will ensure a straight edge. If you prefer a curved edge, you can use a garden hose to map out the design instead.
Next, cut a line in the soil along the marked path using a shovel or edger. This is where your edging will be inserted. Place the plastic brick edging into the ground at the desired depth, following the instructions provided with your chosen product.
Finally, secure the edging in place by hammering stakes diagonally through the edging and into the ground at the appropriate angle. For a more secure installation, you can also backfill the trench on both sides of the edging and tap the stakes with a mallet to set them firmly in place.
By following these steps, you can easily secure your plastic brick edging with stakes, creating a beautiful and functional addition to your garden or landscape.
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Backfilling
First, prepare the trench. The trench should be flat-bottomed and slightly lower than the height of the brick to allow for the thickness of the plastic edging. Use a shovel or edger to cut straight sides, and a pickaxe or mattock to create a curving trench if you're installing the edging around a curve. Ensure the trench is the correct depth by placing the plastic edging inside and checking that it sits slightly above the base and is flush with the top surface of the pavers.
Next, backfill the trench. Use soil or additional base material to fill in the gaps around the edging. Pack the material firmly around the edging to provide stability and support. Make sure there are no gaps or voids left, as these can cause the edging to shift or become loose over time.
If you are installing the plastic edging around a pool or patio, you may wish to use paver sand or concrete to backfill the trench. This will help to hold the pavers in place and prevent spreading.
Finally, check that the edging is level and firmly pressed into the base material. Use a standard level to ensure that the edging is straight. If it is not, remove the edging and adjust the soil or base material until it is level.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic brick edging is flexible, lightweight, and easy to install. It is more forgiving on slopes and does not require heavy digging or tamping. It is also more durable than traditional brick edging.
There are three primary ways to install plastic brick edging: above ground, stake-driven, and in-ground. Above ground edging involves placing materials on top of the ground to create an immovable barrier. Stake-driven edging includes synthetic products such as rolls of flexible plastic edging. In-ground edging involves placing materials in the ground at a certain depth, with firmly packed dirt on either side for support.
First, cut a line in the soil where the edging will be inserted. Place the edging in the ground at the appropriate depth. Secure it with a stake that is hammered diagonally through the product and into the ground. You may also need to use a shovel to edge the trench and hammer down the plastic edge with stakes or nails.
