metal garden edging faqs

Which metal edge height should I use?

As a guide we recommend burying half of the edge in the ground when edging driveways and paths. For edging borders we recommend burying a third of the edge in the ground.

Therefore the amount of visible upstand required dictates the height of the edge required.

(Our 75mm high edge is generally only recommended for edging borders).

If in any doubt please call or forward details of your project.

metal lawn edging
steelscapes guide

Which garden edging thickness should you choose?

We offer two metal edge thicknesses, 3mm and 6mm. The main attribute of the 3mm metal edge is its flexibility and ability to be bent by hand so if you looking to achieve particularly tight curves across your garden or wish to form a lot of angles by bending the steel yourself then we recommend the 3mm edge.

The staking and joining system is the same for both thicknesses.

However our 6mm edge is both more robust and rigid although can still accommodate curves. The extra 3mm makes a surprisingly large difference and as we pride ourselves in offering what believe is the most secure garden edging system on the market we would recommend 6mm where possible. To quantify the flexibility of our 6mm edge, it can be flexed to form a complete circle with a radius of 2.5 metres, this is tight enough for most borders with driveways tending to have even more gentle curves.

In terms of cost comparison, our 6mm garden edge is approximately 12% more than our 3mm edge.

We have summarised the main differences below:

3mm thick metal garden edging

Can be bent manually to form corners handle angles

Reduced cost

Easier to handle

Supplied in minimum 2m lengths

6mm thick metal garden edging

More robust

Easier to form straight lines

Increased lifespan

Available in 3m lengths

We are happy to advise on the two options and provide a quote for both.

We get often get asked if the 6mm garden edge will form curves? The answer is yes it will. The photo above shows 6mm edging along a curved path, which was achieved with little resistance. As a guide, 6mm thick edging can comfortably form a complete circle with a diameter of 5 metres. The 3mm edging can form a circle with a diameter of 2.5 metres. If in any doubt, please get in touch.

What about the metal edging corners?

We provide prefabricated metal edging corners to create crisp 90 degree bends, they come with fixings to attach seamlessly to the rest of the edging.

There are two corner options. An external corner for applications where the external face (wide 270 degree angle) will be on show, therefore the fixings are on the inside (bottom photo) these are most common on raised beds for example.

An internal corner, where the inside face (90 degree angle) will be on show, therefore the fixings are set on the open (270 degree) face, see the photo below.

Please note the 3mm thick edge can be bent by hand. We offer corner pieces for those not wishing to do this and clients looking for a sharper 90 degree angle than can be achieved by hand.

Steel Internal Edging Corner Sections
Steel Internal Edging Corner Sections

What lengths does the metal garden edging come in?

Our 3mm thick edge comes in standard minimum 2 metre lengths. In some areas for large orders we can supply 4 metre lengths.

Our 6mm thick edge comes in standard 3 metre lengths. For large orders we can supply 6 metre lengths. Longer lengths therefore fewer joins is generally faster to install.

What if I need to cut the garden edge and rejoin?

It’s straight forward to rejoin a cut edge, our edging can be cut with a hack saw although a grinder is recommended for the 6mm edging to save time. Cutting the edge will remove the welded bolts which form the joining system so if you need to rejoin an end you have cut we recommend using our joining kit. The kit includes all the fittings you need to connect the edge you will need a drill.

There is more information on the corner pieces and joining kits on the price list and buying guide page.

self fit edging joining kit

Joining kit to reconnect ends cut by customer

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is typically 3 to 4 weeks from receipt of payment. If the order is required sooner, let us know and we will advise if an earlier dispatch is possible, or alternatively ask us about an express delivery service.

How do I order metal edging?

We will always prepare a quote by hand for your approval before you purchase. To do this you can simply call us with your requirements or fill out the same day quote form.

How do you deliver my order?

For the majority of orders, we use self-employed couriers. While this results in us subsidising a portion of most deliveries this allows us to avoid load restrictions imposed by larger firms enabling us to supply longer lengths for easier customer installation. We have also found this a more reliable means of delivery and at the same time supports small businesses. As a result, your edging will be off loaded by hand so please advise if you intend to move the edge via mechanical means and will set your delivery onto bearers.

Metal lawn edging available throughout the Uk

How long metal garden edging take to weather to brown?

Your edging will be supplied “fresh” with little or no rusting. It takes 6 to 9 months for the steel to weather completely.

How long does the steel edging last?

There are factors which vary the lifespan of steel edging but as a guide our 6mm edge will last in excess of 25 years and 3mm in excess of 20 years.

Does the metal edging require any maintenance?

No, it really doesn’t and we generally advise against painting our edging simply because we feel the steel should look like steel and the weathered brown patina is a desirable feature. Painting introduces a maintenance element as it would need to be done every few years.

What type of steel is our edging made from?

Our edging is typically constructed from mild steel. We can supply corten garden edging as well as stainless steel edging. Please enquire for pricing on these.

At what level should the edge be installed when used for lawn edging?

In most cases recommend installing the edge to the height of the soil so the grass layer rises above the edge, this allows the grass edge to be trimmed with edging sheers or a strimmer.

When should the metal garden edging be installed during a landscaping project?

When landscape edging, there are two ideal opportunities to install our edge. Either early on during the grounds works process when driveways and paths have been excavated but before a subbase has been laid, the edging will then be used to retain hardcore / type 1 etc. and the levels built up inside the edge, this gives a clear framework and levels to work to. Alternatively, later once the hardcore base has been laid, the edge should be set into the hardcore layer so it’s advisable to do this before compacting to enable a shallow scrape to be created easily. The hardcore can then be compacted and final surface laid. We recommend building ground levels up on both sides of the edge during construction to prevent heavy machinery such as vibrating rollers placing lots of pressure on one side of the edge with little support from behind.

When edging new borders and it is advisable to do so prior to planting. New lawns should ideally be edged before the final soil levelling (raking) as the steel can be used as a guide to the soil levels.

To enquire or order – we will always prepare you a personalised quote on the same day during working hours. Just fill in the same day quote form.