What is the best type of garden edging in the UK?

Metal lawn edging (such as Everedge or Corten steel) is the most popular professional choice for UK gardens. It creates a clean, crisp line between lawns and borders that lasts for decades. Timber edging is cheaper and works well for raised beds and rustic gardens. Stone edging suits traditional or cottage garden designs.

How far apart should timber edging stakes be?

Timber edging stakes should be placed at 600mm (2ft) centres. This provides adequate support to keep the edging boards straight and prevents them from bowing under soil pressure. At corners and curves, add extra stakes for additional support. Use 25mm x 50mm x 450mm pointed stakes for standard 150mm high edging boards.

How much extra edging do I need for curves?

For gentle curves, add approximately 10-15% extra for metal and plastic edging. For timber edging which is less flexible, add 20% per curve as you may need shorter pieces and more stakes. Thin metal edging bends easily for curves, while timber may need to be kerfed (saw-cut) on the back to curve smoothly.

How deep should garden edging be?

Metal lawn edging should be buried 75-100mm (3-4 inches) into the ground, leaving 25-50mm visible above the lawn surface. Timber edging is typically 150mm tall with 75mm below ground. Stone edging kerbs should be set on a concrete bed at least 100mm deep for stability.

Do I need joiners for metal garden edging?

Yes, metal lawn edging typically requires joiner clips or sleeves at each joint between sections. These keep adjacent lengths aligned and prevent gaps from opening over time. Most metal edging brands sell matching joiners. Some systems use an overlap design that does not require separate joiners.

TradeCalcs

Garden Edging Calculator — How Much Edging Do I Need?

Calculate edging strips, stakes and fixings for metal lawn edging, timber borders, stone and plastic garden edging.

Total Edging Length

Total perimeter to edge

Edging Type

1m lengths

Number of Curves / Corners

Adds extra for wastage around bends

Price Per Strip/Length (optional)

Enter price for a cost estimate

How We Calculate This

Our garden edging calculator works out the number of edging strips or lengths you need based on your total perimeter measurement, plus the stakes, pins and joiner pieces required for a secure installation.

The formula

Edging strips = (Total length + Curve allowance) ÷ Strip length (rounded up)

Stakes = Total length ÷ Stake spacing + 1 (rounded up)

Joiners = Number of strips - 1 (for types that use joiners)

Standard edging sizes

Metal lawn edging: 1m lengths, 1 stake per metre
Timber edging: 1.2m or 2.4m lengths, stakes at 600mm centres
Stone/concrete edging: 600mm (24") lengths, bedded on mortar
Plastic edging: 1m flexible lengths, stakes at 500mm centres

Curve allowance

Metal/plastic: ~15% extra per curve
Timber: ~20% extra per curve (less flexible)
Stone: ~10% extra per curve

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.