Homemade Lumber Edgers

Types and Planning

• For homemade garden edging, there are several different types of lumber edgers to choose from. Some are lengths of lumber that are set flush into the ground. Others feature vertical pieces of lumber that form miniature fences. Taller walls are known as retaining walls and need special structural support that edgers don't require. If your garden will contain tall plants or feature terracing, consider vertical fence edgers. Otherwise, horizontal lumber edgers are a simpler option.

Construction

• Building lumber edgers consists primarily of cutting individual boards to size and labeling or arranging them prior to installation. A circular saw, miter saw or table saw may be appropriate based on the size of the lumber, which can range from slats that are just a few inches wide for fence edging to large railroad ties that you plan to set into your yard. You may choose to cut all of your edgers to the same size for a uniform look or alternate between several different sizes. Curved edgers are another option if you have access to a steam box for softening and bending the lumber.

Finishing

• Lumber edgers are often left natural to highlight their grain and natural color, which blends well with plants and other landscaping elements. However, you may also choose to paint edgers. Staining and varnishing is another option that protects the wood while maintaining its natural character. Pressure-treated lumber will produce edgers that are already able to withstand the moisture, sunlight and temperatures of permanent outdoor installation.

Installation

• To install your homemade lumber edgers, first dig a trench at the edge of the garden plot or walkway you want to section off. Tamp down the loose soil with a trowel before inserting the lumber edgers and filling in the space behind them for support. If you use large lumber edgers, sink wood stakes behind them every 5 inches for support. There's no need to use concrete or structural posts since the edgers aren't actually bearing any load. Leave small gaps between edgers to allow for their natural expansion over time.