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Edging Calculator

Calculate edging materials and cost for your landscape borders

Total Edging

104.0 ft

Pieces

13

Stakes

39

Total Cost

$332

Units

Number of curves (adds 2 ft each for extra material)

$
$
Total Length

104.0 ft

Pieces Needed

13

Stakes/Pins

39

Total Cost

$332

Material Breakdown

Edging Typemetal
Section Length8 ft
Edging Height4.0 in
Total Length104.0 ft

Cost Breakdown

Material$312
Stakes/Pins$20
Material Cost$312
Stake Cost$20
Total Cost$332

Recommended Height Guide

Flower Bed4 in
Lawn Edge3–4 in
Patio Border4–6 in
Retaining6–8 in

Example Calculations

1Metal Edging for Flower Bed (100 ft, 2 curves)

Inputs

Total Length100 ft
Edging TypeMetal (8 ft sections)
Edging Height4 in
Curve Sections2
Stake Spacing3 ft
Cost per Foot$3
LaborNot included

Result

Total Edging104 ft
Pieces Needed13 sections
Stakes Needed39
Material Cost$312
Stake Cost$20
Total Cost$332

Total = 100 + (2 × 2) = 104 ft. Pieces = ceil(104 / 8) = 13. Stakes = ceil(104 / 3) + (2 × 2) = 35 + 4 = 39. Material = 104 × $3 = $312. Stakes = 39 × $0.50 = $20. Total = $312 + $20 = $332.

2Plastic Edging with Labor (200 ft, 4 curves)

Inputs

Total Length200 ft
Edging TypePlastic (20 ft rolls)
Edging Height4 in
Curve Sections4
Stake Spacing3 ft
Cost per Foot$1.50
Labor Cost per Foot$2

Result

Total Edging208 ft
Pieces Needed11 rolls
Stakes Needed78
Material Cost$312
Labor Cost$416
Total Cost$767

Total = 200 + (4 × 2) = 208 ft. Pieces = ceil(208 / 20) = 11. Stakes = ceil(208 / 3) + (4 × 2) = 70 + 8 = 78. Material = 208 × $1.50 = $312. Stakes = 78 × $0.50 = $39. Labor = 208 × $2 = $416. Total = $312 + $39 + $416 = $767.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much edging do I need for my garden bed?

Measure the total perimeter of your garden bed in feet. Add 2 extra feet per curve section to account for bending and overlap. For a 10 x 20 ft rectangular bed, you need 60 linear feet of edging.

  • Rectangle perimeter: 2 × (Length + Width)—a 10 × 20 ft bed = 60 ft
  • Circle perimeter: π × Diameter—a 10 ft diameter circle = ~31.4 ft
  • Add 2 ft of extra edging per curved section for bending and overlap
  • Order 10–15% extra to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs
  • Measure with a flexible tape or garden hose laid along the border line
Q

What type of landscape edging lasts the longest?

Steel/metal edging lasts 15-20 years and is the most durable option. Aluminum edging also lasts long but costs more. Plastic edging lasts 5-10 years, while rubber edging lasts 8-12 years.

  • Steel edging is the professional standard—thin profile stays invisible
  • Aluminum is worth the upgrade in coastal or high-humidity areas (no rust)
  • Plastic edging heaves in freeze-thaw cycles—stake deeply in cold climates
  • Brick and stone edging adds the most curb appeal but requires mortar or a gravel base
Edging TypeLifespanCost per ftPros
Steel15–20 years$2–$4Most durable, clean lines, professional look
Aluminum15–20 years$3–$6Rust-proof, lightweight, no maintenance
Rubber8–12 years$1.50–$3Flexible, eco-friendly (recycled tires)
Plastic5–10 years$1–$2Cheapest, easiest DIY install
Brick/Stone20+ years$5–$15Natural look, adds property value
Q

How far apart should edging stakes be placed?

For straight sections, place stakes every 3-4 feet. For curved sections, use stakes every 1-2 feet for a smooth bend. Add 2 extra stakes at each curve section for stability.

  • Straight sections: 1 stake every 3–4 ft is sufficient
  • Gentle curves: 1 stake every 2 ft for a smooth arc
  • Tight curves (radius < 3 ft): 1 stake every 1 ft to prevent kinking
  • Add 2 extra stakes at each transition point between straight and curved sections
  • Stakes cost about $0.50 each—buying extra is cheap insurance against shifting
Q

How deep should landscape edging be installed?

Most landscape edging should be buried 3-4 inches deep. For lawn borders, 3-4 inches is sufficient. For patio borders or areas with heavy foot traffic, use 4-6 inch deep edging for extra stability.

  • Edging should sit 1/2" to 1" above ground level to create a visible border
  • Dig a narrow trench with a flat spade—a clean trench makes installation 2× faster
  • Backfill and compact soil on both sides of the edging for long-term stability
  • In clay soils, dig 1" deeper to add gravel at the bottom for drainage
ApplicationRecommended DepthEdging Height to BuyWhy
Garden bed border3–4"4–5"Separates mulch from lawn
Lawn/path border3–4"4–5"Prevents grass creep
Patio border4–6"6"Holds pavers, resists foot traffic
Driveway edge5–6"6–8"Withstands vehicle tire pressure
Q

What is the cheapest type of landscape edging?

Plastic roll edging is the cheapest at $1-2 per linear foot. Metal edging costs $2-4 per foot, brick edging $3-6 per foot, and natural stone is the most expensive at $5-15 per foot installed.

  • Plastic is cheapest upfront but may need replacing in 5–7 years—factor in lifecycle cost
  • Steel edging at $2–$4/ft is the best value for 15+ year durability
  • DIY installation saves $2–$5 per ft compared to professional install
  • Buy edging in bulk rolls or contractor packs for 10–20% savings
Edging TypeMaterial per ftInstalled per ftTotal for 100 ft (DIY)
Plastic roll$1–$2$3–$5$100–$200
Rubber$1.50–$3$4–$7$150–$300
Steel$2–$4$5–$9$200–$400
Brick$3–$6$8–$14$300–$600
Natural stone$5–$15$12–$25$500–$1,500

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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