Composite Edging

What is Composite Edging?

• Composite edging is primarily high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic made from recycled milk jugs and other containers. Some manufacturers mix HDPE with wood fiber for improved strength. The material is sold either as strip edging or as synthetic lumber. Strip edging is typically 5 to 6 inches high and comes in rolls 20 to 60 feet in length. It often has a rolled top for strength and a V-shaped bottom edge to help keep it in place. Composite lumber is sold in the same dimensions as wood lumber.

Selection Considerations

• Cost and where you plan to use it are the two primary determining factors when considering which edging to choose. Strip edging is more economical and superior where a curved edge is desired. Composite lumber costs more, but it lasts longer, is better for high traffic areas and where more strength is needed such as when edging a gravel pathway, or when the edging calls for straight lines and sharp angles. Both products are about equal when it comes to ease of installation.

Installing Strip Edging

• Mark a line where you will install the edging then dig a trench several inches wide and an inch deeper than the height of the edging. Lay the edging into the trench, securing one end with a stake. Install stakes and backfill with soil as you proceed so the top edge is nearly flush with the finished soil level. Compact the soil along the inside edge forcing the edging outward; then water it in and add more soil if needed.

Installing Lumber Edging

• Mark a line where the edging will go. Dig a trench several inches wide and an inch deeper than the height of the edging. Place the boards in the trench with their narrow side up, then backfill so that the tops are at or slightly above the finished grade. Drive stakes in every 4 to 5 feet along the inside of the boards to an inch below the top edge. Attach the stakes to the boards. Backfill and compact soil around the edging and water it in.

Tips

• Strip edging often comes with stakes for installation or they can be purchased separately. For installing composite lumber edging, use composite or rot-resistant wooden stakes and galvanized or stainless steel siding nails or screws to attach the stakes to the lumber. Plastic lumber can be cut using regular carpentry saws; however if using a circular saw a carbide blade is recommended. Wear a dust mask and work in a well-ventilated area when cutting plastic lumber.