How to Edge Along the Sidewalk

Measure the edging material you will use with a tape measure. Measure out from the end of the sidewalk to the width of the edging material plus 2 inches and mark this point with a stake.

Lay ropes along both sides of the sidewalk at the distance marked with the stake.

Excavate the area between the ropes and the sidewalk. Continue digging with a shovel until the trench is equal to half the depth of the edging material plus 4 to 6 inches for the base.

Tamp the soil down with a tamping tool to stabilize the ground.

Fill the trench 3 inches deep with ¾ inch aggregate and tamp it down. The aggregate will facilitate drainage from beneath the sidewalk and prevent the edging from sinking.

Add 1 inch of course sand over the aggregate to level the foundation surface.

Set the edging material along the inner wall of the trench from one end and work across. Tap the pavers, stones or bricks with a mallet to embed them in the sand. Butt them against each other, and add more sand beneath to adjust the levels until adjacent pavers are level.

Pack stone dust between the joints or into gaps between natural stones once the trench is lined with edging. Moisten the stone dust so it will cling to the material as it dries.

Backfill the gap between the edging and the grass with pea gravel and tamp the gravel down. Pea gravel will improve drainage and help lock the edging in place.