How to Edge With Pavers

Lay a garden hose or rope on the ground along the outside edge of where you plan to install the landscape paver edge. If you are installing the edgers in a straight line, use a string tied to two stakes to create your edge line.

Use a spade to dig a trench along the line you set on the ground. Dig the trench deep enough to set the landscape pavers you are using for the project at the level you want them. Try to keep the trench the same depth.

Tamp the bottom of the trench with a solid object, such as the end of a piece of scrap 2-by-4-inch lumber.

Set the landscape pavers in the trench as close to the front edge of the trench as possible. Leave approximately one-third of the paver above grade level. Fit the ends of the individual pavers as close together as you can. Keep the tops of the edging level as you work. Set a carpenter's level on top of the edgers to help align them. Add or remove soil from the bottom of the trench, as necessary, to keep the pavers level.

Place enough soil on both sides of the pavers to hold them in place. Tap the top edge lightly with a rubber mallet to embed the pavers in the soil. Continue to use the level to monitor the evenness of the edging.

Score any pavers you need to cut by tapping a chisel with a hammer along the cut line on both sides of the paver. Lay the paver flat on the ground, place the chisel's tip along the score line and give the other end of the chisel a tap with the hammer to break the paver into two pieces.

Continue adding dirt behind the pavers if you are using them as the edge of a flowerbed.