Best edging for pathways

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When it comes to choosing the best edging for pathways there are two main fundamentals to consider. Not only do edgings need to be durable, they must also work well with your landscapes theme.

Generally there are two main types of pathway edging; retaining edging and border edging. Retaining edgings typically are installed to retain aggregates such as gravel paths.

However border edgings are more associated with creating a visual frame or border around paving and other surfaces. It is very common to border pathways with an edging which provides some contrast or visual texture.

​A good example of this would be a brick edging retaining a gravel path. In this article I will list and describe the best edgings for pathways whatever your gardens design or theme. 

​1. Granite sets

Granite setts have long been utilised to surface and landscape the public realm.

Being an extremely hard wearing material, granite has become a favourite material for garden landscaping including paths. Granite setts can provide the perfect retaining edging for gravel surfaces.

These robust cubes of stone make very effective structural edging for pathways. Setts also create effective borders to paving especially where they can provide contrast.

​The light tones of granite work well with darker coloured paving and can fit almost any style. 
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​2. Kerb edgings

Kerb edgings come in a broad range of retaining edging and border paving products. These edgings are typically made from concrete or concrete aggregate with dye mixes.

Kerb edgings can be long and thin or cubed with chamfered or bull nose faces. Due to their mass and size kerb edgings are typically used for retaining edgings to pathways.

​This could be to retain gravel paths or hold back soil from a paths surface.  
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​3. Pathway edging

Pathway edgings are linear edging kerbs typically around 1 metre by 150mm wide. These pre-cast edging kerbs are perfect for creating long and straight retaining edges.

Path edging kerbs come in a wide range of colours and styles for every style. Some come with decorative rope top patterning while others have a bull nose finish.

​These edgings are extremely effective for retaining both soil and aggregates around and within pathways. They can also be used to edge driveways, flower borders and steps. 
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​4. Bricks

Bricks have always been an extremely effective edging material for a number of reasons. Firstly they come in a broad range of colours and styles fitting into most landscaping styles.

Secondly they are effective at forming retaining structures and even paved surfaces. This gives bricks a great amount of versatility and flexibility when building garden features. 

​Bricks are perfect for creating retaining edgings to gravel paths and other aggregates. They can also be used to frame pathway pavers as well as form steps and level changes. 
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​5. Cut paving edgings

When it comes to the best edging for pathways there are no strict rules. Consequently you are really free to utilise whatever edging material you wish.

This is so even if the material has not traditionally been used as edging. A good example of this is cutting paving slabs to form and shape edging borders.

This is a particularly good Idea with natural stone paving such as sandstone or slate. Slabs can be cut into thin strips, block shapes or squares. These can be set on to strong mortar bed to form unique edging for pathways.

​You may wish to cut some key groves into paving’s underside to bond well to the mortar below. 
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​6. Flexible metal edging

Flexible metal edging has become an extremely popular edging product particularly within modern gardens.

Not only can this sleek edging retain loose aggregates it can also provide a clean edge to paving. Flexible metal edging comes in lengths of around one metre which easily slot together.

​Gentle curves and organic shapes can be formed for more meandering garden paths. Most edgings come with vertical anchor strips which can be securely fixed into the ground. 
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​7. Block paving

Block paving has become one of the most diverse and varied paving materials in existence.

From contemporary, textured to cobble effect and elegant slim line blocks there is paver to match every taste. As block paving is designed for driveways it is both durable and easy to cut.

​This makes it a great choice for intricate curves or other challenging shapes. Block paving can be installed as flush edgings for pathways or to form decorative pathway, borders. 
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​8. Timber edging

Timber is not always the most permanent of edgings when it comes to pathways. This is because even treated and stained timber eventually rots and degrades.

As timber expands and shrinks due to its moisture content it does not work well with masonry materials. However timber edging can be a satisfactory way to edge gravel pathways.

​This can be achieved with a few different external timber landscaping products including deck boards, gravel boards and treated 6x2 timber.

Deck and gravel boards are the best for forming curved and meandering path edging. Straight pathway edging however is best formed with more ridged and treated 6x2. 

The curved edging in the image below I installed utilising 150mm fencing gravel boards. 

​Thank you for reading our article on the best edging materials for pathways. Below I will link to some other articles you may find helpful. 

If you require garden landscaping, pathway construction or garden edging installation services contact us here. Based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire we undertake most landscaping services and projects large and small. Our landscaping services cover:

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

Our typical landscaping projects include: 

​paving, patios, driveways, paths, edging, raised beds, garden drainage, lawn drainage, gardening, fencing, new lawns, garden walls, ponds, re-levelling, planting, wildlife gardens and vegetable gardens. 

Contact us here

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