Edging for Walkways

Timbers

• The soft, warm color of timber is a natural contrast for casual walkways. Composed of pressure-treated wood, landscape timbers last for many years without rotting. Installing timber edging is a simple process of laying a gravel foundation to support the wood and burying the timbers halfway into the ground. Timbers are a practical choice for straight or angular paths, and go well with the granular look of crushed stone or river rock walkways.

Stones

• Naturally resistant to erosion and weather, stone edging accentuates the strength and permanence of a stone or tile walkway. Fieldstones and flagstones are two examples of common edging choices. They are as easily set along a curved edge as a straight one. Sink medium-sized stones partially in the ground side by side, with smaller stones wedged between. Stones block grass from encroaching on walkways and add a rustic element to a yard.

Bricks and Pavers

• Laid end to end or side by side, brick and paver edging has a formal, polished appearance. Cut or molded into the standard rectangular shape, bricks or pavers are fitting choices for walkways leading to symmetrical English-style gardens, or through a neatly manicured lawn. Set the materials over a gravel base, and pack stone dust between the joints to lock the materials in place. Bricks and pavers add color to a walkway made of decomposed granite, poured concrete or stone tiles. The uniform appearance can frame a walkway design without detracting attention from the landscape.

Plastic and Metal

• If you're a novice do-it-yourselfer or are trying to create a simple, organic looking walkway, plastic or metal edging serves the same function as other edging without adding to the appearance of your walkways. The edging strips are fastened into the ground with nail spikes and hug the original shape of the walkway. Edging strips are a good fit for loose rock material, but are not strong enough to restrain stone and paver block walkways.