What Can I Use to Separate Lawn and Paver?

Plastic

• One of the easiest edging materials to install is L-shaped plastic edging made from polyvinyl chloride or from 100-percent recycled high-density polyethylene plastic. These materials are strong and durable, and they have a flexible design for forming curves or angles. The molded edging is held in place with spikes driven into the ground through pre-formed holes in the base.

Aluminum

• A similar design of L-shaped edging made of rust-proof aluminum is also available. Aluminum edging has the same benefits as plastic edging but with superior strength. However, it is less flexible than plastic for forming curves or angles and less forgiving if adjustments are needed during installation. Like its plastic counterpart, this type of edging becomes invisible when installed and soil is backfilled up to the pavers.

Concrete

• Preformed concrete edging comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, making it easy to match with your pavers. Concrete edging blocks are set into a trench filled with wet cement and leveled during installation. Once the concrete is set, the blocks hold the pavers in place. Lay edging blocks flush with the top of the pavers to form a mowing strip when it adjoins a lawn.

Brick

• New or recycled bricks can be also used to edge pavers. Similar to installing concrete edging blocks, the bricks are set into wet cement and mortared together for a secure hold. The bricks can either be laid lengthwise along the edge of the pavers, or at a 90-degree angle for a wider border. Set the bricks at the same height as the pavers where they abut a lawn.

Treated Wood

• Another option for edging pavers is to build a frame from pressure-treated lumber. Wood edging works where there are no curves -- only straight edges or angles. The edging is secured by attaching treated wooden stakes or lengths of rebar driven into the ground and attached to the wooden frame with nails, screws or, in the case of rebar, with C-shaped clamps attached to the wood. The top edge of the boards should be level with the top of the pavers.

HDPE Lumber

• Consider using HDPE lumber to edge pavers instead of wood. This product, made from recycled plastic, is strong and lasts almost indefinitely. Installation is the same as for wood lumber; however, screws are recommended for attaching stakes as they hold better than nails. The benefits of using plastic lumber rather than treated wood are its longevity, non-toxic nature and use of recycled rather than new materials.