If you’ve ever tried to keep lawn, mulch and garden beds in their own lanes, you’ll know edging makes a massive difference. It keeps everything tidy, stops grass creeping where it shouldn’t, and gives the whole yard a more finished look. But with so many materials out there, choosing the right one can get confusing fast.
What is the best edging for a garden?
The best garden edging for most homes is steel edging (galvanised or YardSteel corten) because it’s durable, low-maintenance, creates clean lines, and suits both modern and traditional yards. It holds its shape, resists weather, and keeps lawn and garden beds separated better than timber, plastic, or basic pavers.
Steel (galvanised or corten)
Pros: slim profile, very durable, keeps turf and mulch separated, great for crisp modern beds.
Cons: pricier upfront; corten will rust to a patina (that’s the point).
Best for: neat, long-lasting edges where you want a sharp line and low maintenance.
Aluminium
Pros: lightweight, won’t rust, easy to install.
Cons: not as rigid as steel in soft soil, can dent.
Best for: DIY jobs and curved beds.
Concrete, pavers or stone
Pros: permanent, very robust, good for heavy-traffic areas. Can look classic or modern depending on finish.
Cons: expensive and labour-intensive to install; can be overkill for simple beds.
Best for: driveways, formal gardens, or if you want a permanent, maintenance-free border.
Timber (treated sleepers or timber boards)
Pros: natural look, cheap and easy to work with.
Cons: rot and termites over time unless properly treated; sleepers can leach tannins into soil.
Best for: rustic gardens, raised beds, short-term or budget projects.
Plastic or recycled composite edging
Pros: very cheap, simple to install, flexible for curves.
Cons: can warp, look cheap, not long-lasting in hot sun unless UV-stable.
Best for: temporary solutions or tight budgets.
Living edging (low-growing plants)
Pros: softens hard edges, wildlife-friendly, low-tech.
Cons: takes time to establish, needs maintenance and can blur lines.
Best for: cottage gardens or soft, natural borders.
How to choose - quick checklist
- Want permanence & low maintenance? Go corten steel or stone.
- On a budget? Go plastic.
- Working in termite country (hello Australia)? Avoid untreated timber.
- Want the neatest look? Galvanised Steel gives the sharpest line.
Basic installation tips (no nonsense)
- Dig a narrow trench the depth of the edge plus 30–50mm for firming.
- Make sure everything is level along the run, slopes need stepping or pegging.
- Secure metal with spikes at regular intervals; backfill and compact soil or sand.
- For timber, use treated boards and a damp-proof layer if you want longer life.
- Seal joins where you don’t want soil to escape; allow overflow points for irrigation runoff.
Final call
If you want one recommendation: steel edging (galvanised or corten). It’s tidy, long-lasting and suits most Aussie yards - modern or traditional. If budget’s tight, plastic will do the job, and if you want a natural look, stone or living edging is the go.
Pick the edge based on function first, then look. You’ll save time and money, and your garden will actually look like you meant it.