Best edging for gravel surfaces

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​Gravel is one of the most versatile and cost effective landscaping surfaces available. However, as a loose aggregate locating the best edging for gravels can be challenging!

Gravel can easily displace and escape its designated location. Therefore the best edging for gravel surfaces will be robust and permanent.

There are so many plastic edging products on the market that are just too flimsy for retaining gravel. Consequently, I have identified 5 materials which I feel are the very best for retaining gravel.

​All of these will require some level of cost and labour to install. However, they are a permanent solution which will last the test of time and save you money in the long run. 

Granite setts

​I am putting forward granite setts here but any natural stone sett is ideal for retaining gravel. Not only are setts strong they have a 100mm width which can catch any displaced gravel.

Any escaped gravel can simply be swept back onto the gravel surface without falling into surrounding areas.

Setts are laid on a solid, mortar, bed making them strong enough to retain large quantities of aggregate. It is typical to also apply a triangular mortar haunch to the edge of setts.

​This strengthens their vertical profile and enhances their retaining capabilities. 
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Block paving

Block paving is not to everyone’s taste but there are many paving products which come under this category.

For edging gravel I find the three sizes types such as Marshalls tegula pavers are perfect. These grey pavers have a cobble effect and laid as edging can look very effective.

These like granite setts will need to be based with a compacted sub-base. They will also need to be bedded down onto a strong and consistent mortar bed.

​These pavers typically have a width of around 160mm making them very effective at containing loose gravel. Why not read our step by step guide on how to lay block paving as edging here. 
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Brick edging

​​Bricks are a favoured building material for building all sorts of landscape features. Bricks not only have an effective visual texture there colours never face and are easy to keep clean.

There are two options when laying bricks as gravel edging; single course or double course. A single course is simply a brick laid lengthways in a continuous edging.

This will provide you an edging with a width of about 100mm. However a double course will normally consist of a series of bricks laid on their side.

​This will provide much wider gravel edging of around 200m. Such a wide edging (as shown below) is an effective way to keep gravel contained. 
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Gravel boards

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Gravel boards are a staple way to provide cost effective and fast edging solutions in landscaping. These treated timber boards are traditionally manufactured for fencing installations. The boards are fixed under fencing panels and cladding to prevent contact with the soil below.

However, these boards can also create effective edging for gravel. Gravel boards are very flexible making them great for creating curves and organic shapes.

There are some drawbacks however to using timber gravel boards. Firstly they are thin which means gravel will find it easier to escape. Being made of timber they will eventually degrade after around 15 years. 
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Flexible metal edging

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If you want a near invisible, flexible and contemporary style edging for gravel, flexible metal edging is the best choice.

Even though this edging is very thin it is extremely strong and weather resistant. I always say broader edgings are best for gravel but flexible metal edging is the most inconspicuous option.

​This edging typically comes with vertical prongs that can be tapped down into the soil. Alternatively, for extra strength, these can be set into concrete to enhance their retaining strength. 
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Core edge stainless steel edging

​Thank you for reading our suggestions for the best edging for gravel surfaces.

​If you require garden edging services or landscaping services do not hesitate to contact us. We serve most of Buckinghamshire with typical project areas including; 

Amersham, Aylesbury, Bovingdon, Chalfont, Chesham, Hyde Heath, Great Missenden, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Penn, Beaconsfield, Tring, Gerrard's Cross and Denham.

Below I will link to some other articles you may find useful;

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