How to install timber edging step by step

How to install timber edging

1/24/2024

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Timber is one of the most affordable and easy to install garden edging materials. Not only does it have attractive natural tones it is also strong and flexible.

Even better, standard timber products such as gravel boards and 6x2 treaded boards can make perfect landscape edging.

This means timber edging is readily available and in keeping with other garden features and structures.

Generally there are two main types of timber landscape edging installed: Straight flush edging made from 6x2 or 4x2 treated timber or curvy flush edging made from treated 1 inch thick fencing gravel boards.

In this article I will explain how to install such timber edging step by step.

How to install straight timber garden edging

Tools you will need

Wood saw
Spirit level
String line
Tape measure
Hammer
Power drill
Drill bits
Set square
Spade
Wheelbarrow

Shopping list

6x2 treated timber
50mm x 50mm treated timber pegs
80mm external grade screws

Step 1: Marking out

Mark out where you want your new, straight, timber edging to go. It is typical to want your straight edging to travel at a right angle to square patios and seating areas.

If your boundary is not completely square you may want you’re edging to run parallel to your fences.

Mark out the final route of your edging with marker spray or a string line.

Step 2: Working out levels

As timber boards are cut into straight lines you will want to keep the top of your edging flush.

Consequently it is a good idea to work out the level of your completed height. This can be achieved with a tight string line and timber pegs.

Step 3: Excavation

Excavate a narrow channel along the route of your new timber edging.

The excavation should be the perfect depth and width to sink the edging flush with the surrounding ground.

Step 4: Setting your boards

Place your boards into the excavation and work them into their finished level and position.

Step 5: Pegging & Fixing

Once your boards are in position, tap pegs vertically flush at the back of the timbers using a hammer.

Tap the pegs until they are lower than the finished height of the straight edging.

When you are happy with the board’s position fix them to the pegs using external grade screws.

Step 6: Backfilling and levelling

When your edgings are fixed into position, backfill and level any loose soil around the timber edging.

How to install curved timber garden edging

Tools you will need

Wood saw
Spirit level
String line
Tape measure
Hammer
Power drill
Drill bits
Set square
Spade
Wheelbarrow

Shopping list

150mm x 25mm treated timber gravel boards
50mm x 50mm treated timber pegs
80mm external grade screws

Step 1: Marking out

Mark out where you want your curved timber edging to go. For delicate curves it is sometimes best to mark out shapes with a hose pipe first. When you are satisfied with the shape, mark out your edgings with a marker spray.

Step 2: Working out levels

As timber boards are cut into straight lines you will want to keep the top of your edging flush. Consequently, it is a good idea to work out the level of your completed height. This can be achieved with a tight string line and timber pegs.

Step 3: Excavation

Excavate a narrow channel along the route of your new timber edging. The excavation should be the perfect depth and width to sink the edging flush with the surrounding ground.

Step 4: Setting your boards

To make your gravel boards bend as much as possible you can cut score lines across your boards.

Cutting about a third to half way through every inch is enough to create very curvy boards. It is also easier to curve and bend gravel boards with a high moisture content.

If your boards are very dry try to soak them in a deep barrel for 24 hours first. Place your boards into the excavation and bend them along your curved route.

Step 5: Pegging & Fixing

Once your boards are in position, tap pegs vertically flush at the back of the timbers using a hammer.

Tap the pegs until they are lower than the finished height of the curved edging.

When you are happy with the board’s position fix them to the pegs using external grade screws.

Step 6: Backfilling and levelling

When your edgings are fixed into position, backfill and level any loose soil around the timber edging.

FAQ about timber garden edging

How do you curve timber garden edging?

The best way to curve timber edging is by cutting multiple scores into the timber across the grain.

Cut about half way into the boards every inch along its length, this will enable the boards more flexibility to form curves.

It may also be a good idea to soak your timbers as they are easier to bend when wet.

For curved timber edging it is best to use thin treated boards no more than an inch thick. Consequently, timber gravel boards are the best for making curved edging.

How do you fix timber garden edging?

The best way to fix timber garden edging is to timber pegs which have been tapped securely into the soil. Timber edging can then be screwed to the pegs using 75mm external grade screws.

How do you install timber garden edging on a slope?

For fixing timber edging on a slope there are two main options, run with the slope, or step down.

Running with the slope means laying your edging on an angle going with the sloping ground. The draw back with this is edging can look uneven on undulating ground. The second method is to step and down on the slope.

This involves keeping edging level across the top but stepping up and down with varying ground levels.

What is the best wood for edging a lawn?

Generally the best wood for edging lawns is dense, hardwood, timber or a treated soft wood.

If you want flush lawn edgings or mow strips timber between 25mm and 50mm is ideal.

For curvy timber edging gravel or decking boards are very effective. For straight lawn edging 6x2 treated timber is an effective choice.

Thank you for reading our article on how to install timber edging. Below I will link to some of our other edging articles you may find useful.

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The Author
Paul Nicolaides
BA (Hons) Dip

Paul Nicolaides has over 30 years of recreational gardening and 20 years of professional landscaping experience. He has worked for landscape contractors including design and build practices across London and the South East. In 2006 he qualified with a BA Hons degree and post graduate diploma in Landscape Architecture. In 2009 he founded Ecospaces an ecological landscaping practice which aims to improve social cohesion and reduce climate change through landscaping. In 2016 he founded Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners which designs and builds gardens across Buckinghamshire and the South East. This blog aims to provide easy problem solving information to its audience and encourage others to take up the joy of landscaping and gardening.