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Metal landscape edging is like the frame around a beautiful painting — most people don’t consciously notice it, but without it, everything just looks… unfinished.
In this blog post we are talking about the best Metal Landscape Edging…
I’ve seen $20,000 landscape designs fall flat because someone cheaped out on the edging, and I’ve seen modest flower beds look like magazine spreads because the homeowner invested in quality metal borders.
Here’s the deal: metal landscape edging beats plastic every single time. It doesn’t warp in the sun, it won’t crack when your teenager accidentally backs over it with the mower, and unlike those flimsy roll-out borders from the big box store, it actually stays put for decades.
We’re talking 20-30 years of service here, folks.
Whether you’re trying to separate your lawn from your mulch beds, create crisp pathways, or keep gravel from migrating into your grass, metal landscape edging is the workhorse solution that pros reach for — and after reading this guide, you’ll know exactly which one deserves your hard-earned money.
Metal Landscape Edging- How We Test
Before we dive into the reviews, let me pull back the curtain on how we actually evaluate this stuff.
At Yates Landscaping Company, we don’t just read Amazon reviews and call it a day (though we do read plenty of those too).
Over the past three years, our crew has installed literally miles of edging across residential and commercial properties throughout our region. We test products in real-world conditions — clay soil, sandy soil, rocky soil, freeze-thaw cycles, blazing sun, you name it.
Here’s our process in a nutshell:
- Hands-on installation testing: We install each product ourselves, timing how long it takes, noting tool requirements, and documenting any “gotchas” that the manufacturer’s instructions conveniently forget to mention.
- Durability monitoring: We track how products hold up over 12+ months, checking for rust, bending, separation at joints, and color fading.
- Value assessment: We calculate true cost-per-foot including any necessary accessories (stakes, connectors, etc.) and weigh that against performance.
- User feedback integration: We survey our installation clients at the 6-month and 1-year marks to gather long-term satisfaction data.
We’re not sponsored by any of these brands. When a product sucks, we say it sucks. When it’s worth every penny, we shout it from the rooftops. Our reputation at yateslandscapingcompany.com depends on giving you the straight truth — no fluff, no paid placements, just honest recommendations from people who actually install this stuff for a living.
Metal Landscape Edging- Our Top Picks At a Glance
| Rank | Product | Best For | Material | Height | Price Range* | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dimex EasyFlex Aluminum Edging | Overall Best Value | Aluminum | 4″ | $ | ⭐ 9.4/10 |
| #2 | Colmet Steel Landscape Edging | Heavy-Duty Commercial | Steel | 5″ | $$ | ⭐ 9.2/10 |
| #3 | EverEdge Classic Steel Edging | Curved Beds & Gardens | Steel | 4″ | $$ | ⭐ 9.0/10 |
| #4 | Vigoro Steel Lawn Edging | Budget-Conscious DIYers | Steel | 5″ | $ | ⭐ 8.7/10 |
| #5 | Core Edge Flexible Steel Edging | Professional Landscapers | Steel | 6″ | $$$ | ⭐ 9.1/10 |
| #6 | Oly-Ola Edg-King Aluminum | Coastal/Salt Air Areas | Aluminum | 3.5″ | $$ | ⭐ 8.5/10 |
| #7 | Master Mark Plasteel (Hybrid) | Beginners & Soft Soil | Steel-Core/Plastic | 5″ | $ | ⭐ 8.2/10 |
*Price indicators: $ = Under $2/ft | $$ = $2-4/ft | $$$ = $4+/ft
The 7 Best Metal Landscape Edging Products
#1. Dimex EasyFlex Aluminum Landscape Edging — Best Overall Value
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: 100% recycled aluminum
- Height: 4 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: 1/8 inch
- Length per piece: 8 feet
- Profile: L-shaped with integrated stakes
- Color: Natural mill finish (weathers to soft gray)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Price: Approximately $1.50-$1.80 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
If I could only recommend ONE metal landscape edging product to a friend, this would be it. The Dimex EasyFlex has earned its spot at the top of our list through sheer consistency and user-friendliness.
What makes this stuff special is the integrated stake design. Unlike traditional edging where you’re hammering separate stakes and praying they don’t bend, the Dimex system has stakes built right into the profile. You literally just lay it out, step on it to push the stakes into the ground, and move on. On a recent 200-foot installation we did for a client in moderately compacted clay soil, our crew finished in under 2 hours — that’s roughly half the time of traditional steel edging.
The aluminum construction means zero rust, which is huge if you live anywhere with decent rainfall or humidity. I’ve pulled up Dimex edging that was installed 8 years ago, and it looked almost identical to the day it went in. No corrosion, no pitting, no ugly orange streaks bleeding into your mulch.
Now, is it perfect? No. The 4-inch height is adequate for most applications, but if you’re dealing with aggressive grass roots (looking at you, Bermuda) or want to contain deeper mulch beds, you might wish for something taller. The aluminum is also more flexible than steel, which is great for curves but means it can get dinged by heavy equipment or enthusiastic weed-whacking.
Pros:
- ✅ Fastest installation of any product we tested — truly beginner-friendly
- ✅ Will never rust, even in wet climates or near sprinklers
- ✅ Lightweight enough to handle solo without back strain
- ✅ Curves beautifully without kinking
- ✅ Great price-to-performance ratio
- ✅ Eco-friendly recycled material
Cons:
- ❌ 4″ height may be insufficient for deep-rooted grasses
- ❌ Aluminum is softer than steel — can bend under heavy impact
- ❌ Natural finish isn’t as “invisible” as powder-coated black steel
- ❌ Stakes can pull up in very sandy or loose soil without additional anchoring
Who Should Buy This?
Buy the Dimex EasyFlex if you’re a homeowner doing your own installation, you want something that’ll last decades without maintenance, and you value your time (and your back). It’s particularly ideal for flower beds, tree rings, and pathways where you want clean lines without the hassle of heavy steel.
Skip it if: You need commercial-grade durability for high-traffic areas, you’re edging a driveway where cars might drive over it, or you need more than 4 inches of containment height.
Verdict: For 90% of residential applications, this is the sweet spot. It’s the product I install on my own property, and that’s saying something.
#2. Colmet Steel Landscape Edging — Best Heavy-Duty Commercial Option
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: 10-gauge COR-TEN weathering steel
- Height: 5 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: 1/8 inch (heavy-duty gauge)
- Length per piece: 8 feet or 16 feet
- Profile: Flat strip with separate stake pockets
- Color: Raw steel (develops rust patina over 6-12 months)
- Warranty: 15-year structural
- Price: Approximately $2.80-$3.50 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
When a commercial client calls and says, “I need edging that’ll survive a zombie apocalypse,” I point them to Colmet. This is the stuff you’ll see framing high-end commercial plazas, municipal parks, and serious residential installations where “good enough” isn’t good enough.
The 10-gauge COR-TEN steel is the star here. COR-TEN (also called weathering steel) is the same material used on modern architecture and shipping containers — it develops a stable rust patina that actually protects the metal underneath rather than eating through it. After about a year, it settles into a gorgeous deep reddish-brown that looks intentional and high-end. No painting, no sealing, no maintenance.
We installed 1,200 linear feet of Colmet at a local botanical garden three years ago, and it still looks pristine. Groundskeepers run riding mowers over it, kids climb on it, and it just… doesn’t care. The 5-inch height provides excellent grass root containment, and the heavy gauge means you can actually create a sharp 90-degree corner without the metal crumpling.
But let’s be real — this stuff is heavy. A 16-foot section weighs about 35 pounds, and you’ll need a sledgehammer or dead-blow mallet to drive the stakes. My foreman jokes that installing Colmet is his gym membership. You also need to be precise with your layout because once it’s in, it’s in — this isn’t edging you casually pull up and reposition.
Pros:
- ✅ Absolute tank-level durability — commercial-grade through and through
- ✅ COR-TEN patina is genuinely beautiful and maintenance-free
- ✅ 5″ height handles aggressive grass and deep mulch beds
- ✅ Separate stake system allows for precise leveling adjustments
- ✅ Available in 16-foot sections for fewer seams on long runs
- ✅ 15-year warranty gives serious peace of mind
Cons:
- ❌ Heavy — requires two people or serious upper body strength for long runs
- ❌ Raw steel can stain concrete/pavers during the initial rusting phase
- ❌ Higher price point than aluminum options
- ❌ Not ideal for tight curves — better for straight lines and gentle arcs
- ❌ Initial installation is labor-intensive
Who Should Buy This?
Choose Colmet if you’re doing a high-end residential install, commercial property, or anywhere that edging will face real abuse. It’s also the best choice if you love the industrial/rustic aesthetic that weathered steel provides.
Skip it if: You’re a solo DIYer without help, you’re working on a tight budget, or you need to make lots of intricate curves and circles.
Verdict: This is the “buy it for life” option. If you install it correctly, your grandchildren will be admiring those clean edges.
#3. EverEdge Classic Steel Landscape Edging — Best for Curved Beds & Gardens
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: Powder-coated galvanized steel
- Height: 4 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: 1.6mm (approximately 16-gauge)
- Length per piece: 8 feet
- Profile: Flat strip with built-in spike system (3 spikes per 8-foot section)
- Color: Brown, black, or green powder coat
- Warranty: 10-year
- Price: Approximately $2.20-$2.80 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
EverEdge has developed something of a cult following in the landscaping community, and after installing hundreds of feet of it, I totally get why. This is the curved bed champion — if your landscape design has sweeping arcs, kidney-shaped islands, or circular tree rings, EverEdge is your best friend.
The secret sauce is the built-in spike design. Each 8-foot section comes with three heavy-duty spikes pre-attached and ready to hammer in. But here’s the genius part: because the spikes are part of the strip (not separate pieces), you can bend and shape the edging before anchoring it, getting your curves exactly right while it’s still loose. Then you hammer the spikes, and everything locks into place perfectly.
The powder-coated finish is another win. Unlike raw steel that needs time to develop a patina, EverEdge looks finished the day you install it. The brown color is particularly popular because it disappears visually against mulch and soil — your plants become the star, not the border.
We used EverEdge extensively on a recent project with a client who had a very organic, flowing garden design with zero straight lines. The installer (who’s been doing this for 15 years) said it was the easiest curved installation he’d ever done. We completed a 300-foot winding border in a single afternoon.
The trade-off? That 4-inch height and 16-gauge thickness make it less suitable for heavy-duty containment. In areas with aggressive grass or where lawn equipment might bump it, you may find it shifts slightly over time.
Pros:
- ✅ Unmatched flexibility for curves, circles, and organic shapes
- ✅ Pre-attached spikes make solo installation genuinely possible
- ✅ Powder coat looks great immediately — no “ugly rust phase”
- ✅ Color options let you match or hide the edging
- ✅ Moderate weight — manageable for most DIYers
- ✅ Excellent customer support from the manufacturer
Cons:
- ❌ 4″ height is borderline for deep-rooted grasses
- ❌ Thinner gauge than Colmet — can bend if hit hard
- ❌ Powder coat can chip if struck with metal tools
- ❌ Pre-attached spikes limit stake placement flexibility
- ❌ Premium price for the convenience factor
Who Should Buy This?
EverEdge is perfect for gardeners with curved beds, anyone who values aesthetics immediately after installation, and DIYers working alone who need the installation to be as straightforward as possible.
Skip it if: You need maximum durability for high-traffic areas, you want the industrial steel look, or you’re on a tight budget.
Verdict: For curved applications, this is the gold standard. The convenience justifies the price.
#4. Vigoro Steel Lawn Edging — Best Budget Metal Landscape Edging
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Height: 5 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: Standard residential gauge
- Length per piece: 20 feet (rolled)
- Profile: Flat strip with separate anchoring stakes
- Color: Green powder coat
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Price: Approximately $0.90-$1.20 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Vigoro is a Home Depot house brand. And usually, when I hear “house brand landscaping product,” my eyes roll so hard I can see my own brain. But Vigoro steel edging is the exception that proves the rule — it’s actually pretty darn good for the money.
What you’re getting here is no-frills, functional metal landscape edging at a price that won’t make your wallet cry. The 20-foot rolls are convenient for long straight runs (fewer seams = fewer weak points), and the 5-inch height is genuinely useful for grass containment. The green powder coat is… well, it’s green. It blends okay with grass but looks a bit weird against brown mulch.
I installed Vigoro at my brother-in-law’s house two years ago because he specifically said, “I want metal edging but I’m not spending $400 on it.” Total cost for his entire front yard? Under $120. And you know what? It still looks fine. The edges are crisp, the grass stays where it belongs, and nobody driving by would guess it was the budget option.
That said, you get what you pay for. The steel gauge is noticeably thinner than Colmet or Core Edge. When you unroll it, it has a “memory” from being coiled that takes some wrestling to straighten out. The separate stakes are functional but basic — I’ve had a few bend during installation, and you’ll want to buy extras.
Pros:
- ✅ Cheapest legitimate metal edging on the market
- ✅ 20-foot rolls minimize seams on long runs
- ✅ 5″ height is better than many premium options
- ✅ Widely available at big box stores — no special ordering
- ✅ Green color blends with grass reasonably well
- ✅ Good enough for light-to-moderate residential use
Cons:
- ❌ Thinner steel — won’t survive heavy abuse
- ❌ Coiled memory makes initial layout frustrating
- ❌ Basic stakes are prone to bending
- ❌ Green color looks odd against mulch or gravel
- ❌ Shorter 5-year warranty
- ❌ Can show rust at stake holes and cut edges over time
Who Should Buy This?
Vigoro is ideal for first-time homeowners testing the waters, rental properties where you need functional but not fancy, and anyone who needs to edge a large area on a small budget.
Skip it if: You want a “set it and forget it” 20-year solution, you need to make tight curves, or you care about the premium aesthetic.
Verdict: It’s the Toyota Corolla of metal landscape edging — not exciting, not fancy, but it’ll get you where you need to go reliably and affordably.
#5. Core Edge Flexible Steel Landscape Edging — Best for Professional Results
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: Heavy-gauge COR-TEN weathering steel
- Height: 6 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: 8-gauge (exceptionally heavy)
- Length per piece: 8 feet
- Profile: Flat strip with precision stake pockets
- Color: Raw steel (weathering finish)
- Warranty: 20-year structural
- Price: Approximately $4.50-$5.50 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
Core Edge is what happens when engineers who actually install landscaping products design edging. This is the premium professional’s choice — the stuff you’ll find framing luxury estates, high-end commercial properties, and anywhere the budget allows for the absolute best.
The standout feature is the 6-inch height. Most residential edging tops out at 4-5 inches, but Core Edge gives you a full 6 inches above ground. Why does that matter? Because it means you can contain deeper mulch beds, handle the most aggressive grass species, and create a more substantial visual barrier between different landscape elements. That extra inch makes a surprising difference in the finished look.
The 8-gauge steel is the thickest we’ve tested — literally twice as thick as some competitors. When you hold a piece of Core Edge, it feels like a weapon. You could probably stop a small car with this stuff. The stake pockets are precision-engineered with pre-drilled holes that perfectly align with their heavy-duty stakes, making installation surprisingly precise for such heavy material.
We used Core Edge on a recent project for a client who wanted to separate a gravel driveway from a lawn area where delivery trucks occasionally drove over the edge. Three years later, zero deformation. The stuff just laughs at abuse.
Of course, all this quality comes at a cost. Core Edge is the most expensive option on our list, and it’s also the heaviest. You’ll need a helper, proper tools, and probably a full day for anything beyond a small project.
Pros:
- ✅ 6″ height is best-in-class for containment
- ✅ 8-gauge steel is virtually indestructible
- ✅ 20-year warranty is the longest in the industry
- ✅ Precision stake pockets make alignment foolproof
- ✅ COR-TEN weathering steel develops gorgeous patina
- ✅ Professional-grade results that justify the investment
Cons:
- ❌ Most expensive option — budget impact is real
- ❌ Extremely heavy — not a solo project
- ❌ Requires more excavation due to 6″ height
- ❌ Overkill for small, simple beds
- ❌ Raw steel can stain hardscapes during initial weathering
Who Should Buy This?
Core Edge is for serious landscapers, high-end residential projects, commercial installations, and anyone who believes “buy once, cry once.” If your budget allows and you want the absolute best, this is it.
Skip it if: You’re doing a small DIY project, you’re price-sensitive, or you don’t have help for installation.
Verdict: The Rolls Royce of metal landscape edging. Expensive, heavy, and absolutely worth it if you demand the best.
#6. Oly-Ola Edg-King Aluminum Landscape Edging — Best for Coastal & Salt Air Environments
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: Marine-grade aluminum alloy
- Height: 3.5 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: Heavy-duty extruded profile
- Length per piece: 10 feet
- Profile: L-shaped with integrated anchoring system
- Color: Mill finish or black anodized
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Price: Approximately $2.50-$3.20 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
Living near the coast is glorious — the ocean views, the sea breeze, the… rapidly corroding metal landscape edging? Yeah, salt air is brutal on steel. I’ve seen “heavy-duty” steel edging turn into orange lace within 3 years of coastal installation. That’s where Oly-Ola Edg-King comes in.
Oly-Ola has been making landscape edging since 1971, and they know their stuff. The Edg-King uses a marine-grade aluminum alloy specifically chosen for corrosion resistance. We installed this at a beachfront property in Florida where the previous steel edging had failed catastrophically after just two hurricane seasons. Five years later, the Oly-Ola looks like it was installed last month.
The extruded L-shaped profile is clever — it provides structural rigidity without the weight of steel, and the integrated anchoring system (similar to Dimex) makes for quick installation. The 3.5-inch height is on the shorter side, but for coastal gardens where you’re typically dealing with sandy soil and less aggressive grasses, it’s adequate.
One thing I love about Oly-Ola is the anodized black option. In coastal settings where you want the edging to disappear against dark mulch or volcanic rock, the black finish is gorgeous and stays that way — no fading, no chalking, no issues.
Pros:
- ✅ Marine-grade aluminum laughs at salt air and humidity
- ✅ Extruded profile is surprisingly rigid for aluminum
- ✅ Anodized black finish is stunning and permanent
- ✅ 10-foot sections mean fewer joints
- ✅ Lifetime warranty shows serious confidence
- ✅ Veteran company with excellent product support
Cons:
- ❌ 3.5″ height is the shortest on our list
- ❌ Premium price for aluminum
- ❌ Shorter profile less effective for deep root containment
- ❌ L-shape can be visible above ground depending on installation depth
- ❌ Not as “invisible” as flat strip designs
Who Should Buy This?
If you live within 10 miles of the ocean, in the humid Southeast, or anywhere corrosion is a concern, Oly-Ola is your answer. It’s also excellent for pool areas where chlorine exposure can attack lesser metals.
Skip it if: You need maximum height for containment, you’re in an arid inland climate where steel would work fine, or you’re trying to minimize costs.
Verdict: The coastal champion. Expensive, but replacing rusted steel every few years is way more expensive.
#7. Master Mark Plasteel Landscape Edging — Best Hybrid Option for Beginners
Specs & Key Details:
- Material: Steel core with recycled plastic coating
- Height: 5 inches (above ground)
- Thickness: Moderate
- Length per piece: 20 feet (rolled)
- Profile: Flat strip with separate anchoring stakes
- Color: Black or green
- Warranty: 12-year limited
- Price: Approximately $1.10-$1.40 per linear foot
The Real Talk Review:
Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first heard “Plasteel,” I thought it sounded like a Star Wars material and probably performed about as well as a prop lightsaber. But Master Mark’s hybrid approach actually solves a real problem for a specific group of people.
Plasteel is essentially a steel core wrapped in thick recycled plastic. You get the rigidity and longevity of metal with the flexibility and user-friendliness of plastic. For beginners who are intimidated by heavy steel or worried about rust but want something more substantial than pure plastic, this is a smart middle ground.
We tested Plasteel on a community garden project where volunteers of varying skill levels would be doing the installation. The feedback was universally positive — it’s lightweight enough for anyone to handle, the plastic coating means no sharp edges to cut yourself on, and it stakes down easily without special tools.
The 20-foot rolls are convenient for long beds, and the 5-inch height is genuinely useful. The black color is inoffensive and disappears reasonably well against dark mulch.
However, let’s be clear: this is not true metal landscape edging, and it doesn’t perform like it. The plastic coating can get nicked by sharp tools or rocks, exposing the steel core to moisture. In hot climates, the plastic can get slightly soft and lose some rigidity. And while it’s better than pure plastic, it doesn’t have the “heft” and permanence of real steel or aluminum.
Pros:
- ✅ Lightest and easiest to install of any “metal” option
- ✅ No sharp edges — safe for families with kids
- ✅ Plastic coating prevents rust even if the core gets nicked
- ✅ 5″ height is good for grass containment
- ✅ Eco-friendly recycled plastic content
- ✅ Very affordable with decent 12-year warranty
Cons:
- ❌ Not true metal edging — plastic coating compromises durability
- ❌ Can soften in extreme heat
- ❌ Plastic coating susceptible to cuts and abrasion
- ❌ Less rigid than pure steel — can flex under pressure
- ❌ Doesn’t have the premium look or feel of real metal
Who Should Buy This?
Plasteel is perfect for beginner DIYers, community projects, school gardens, and anyone who wants a step up from plastic but isn’t ready for heavy steel. It’s also good for temporary installations or rental properties.
Skip it if: You want genuine long-term metal performance, you need commercial-grade durability, or you want the aesthetic of real steel.
Verdict: A solid “training wheels” option. Better than plastic, not as good as real metal, but fills a legitimate niche.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Metal Landscape Edging
So you’ve decided to upgrade your yard with metal landscape edging — smart move. But before you whip out the credit card, let’s walk through the key decisions that’ll ensure you get exactly what you need.
Steel vs. Aluminum: The Eternal Debate
This is the first fork in the road, and it’s important to get right.
Steel is stronger, heavier, and generally less expensive per foot than aluminum. It feels substantial, holds its shape against impacts, and comes in heavier gauges for serious applications. The downside? It can rust unless it’s galvanized, powder-coated, or made from weathering steel like COR-TEN. In wet climates or near sprinklers, raw steel will eventually develop issues.
Aluminum is lighter, completely rust-proof, and often easier to install. It curves beautifully and is ideal for DIYers working alone. The trade-off is that it’s softer — it can bend if hit hard and typically costs more than basic steel. For most residential applications, aluminum is more than strong enough.
My recommendation: Choose steel if you need maximum durability, love the industrial/rustic aesthetic, or are doing commercial work. Choose aluminum if you want maintenance-free longevity, live in a wet or coastal climate, or value easy installation.
Height Matters More Than You Think
Metal landscape edging comes in various heights, typically from 3 to 6 inches above ground. Here’s how to choose:
- 3-4 inches: Good for decorative beds, pathways, and areas with well-behaved grass. Fine for most residential flower beds.
- 5 inches: The sweet spot for lawn-to-bed separation. Handles most grass species and provides adequate mulch containment.
- 6 inches: Best for aggressive grasses (Bermuda, zoysia), deep mulch beds, gravel driveways, and commercial applications.
Pro tip: Always install edging with about 1 inch below ground level. So a 4-inch piece actually needs a 5-inch trench. Factor this into your excavation plans.
Gauge/Thickness: What the Numbers Mean
Steel thickness is measured in gauge, and here’s where counterintuitive math applies: lower gauge = thicker metal.
- 16-gauge: Light residential duty. Fine for decorative use but will bend under impact.
- 12-14 gauge: Standard residential/commercial. Good balance of strength and workability.
- 8-10 gauge: Heavy-duty commercial. Virtually indestructible but harder to work with.
For most homeowners, 12-14 gauge steel or standard extruded aluminum is the right choice. Only go heavier if you have specific durability concerns.
Installation Method: Built-In Stakes vs. Separate Stakes
This seemingly small detail makes a huge difference in your installation experience.
Built-in stakes (like Dimex and EverEdge) are faster to install and ensure consistent stake spacing. Great for DIYers and curved applications. The downside is less flexibility in stake placement — if you hit a rock where a stake is supposed to go, you’re improvising.
Separate stakes (like Colmet and Core Edge) take longer to install but allow precise positioning. You can add extra stakes in soft soil, avoid obstacles, and achieve perfect leveling. Preferred by pros for critical installations.
Color and Finish Options
- Raw/weathering steel: Develops a rust patina that’s beautiful but can stain nearby hardscapes during the first year. Best for rustic/industrial aesthetics.
- Powder-coated: Looks finished immediately, available in colors, but can chip if struck. Good for traditional residential looks.
- Mill finish aluminum: Natural silver-gray that weathers to soft gray. Low maintenance but visible.
- Anodized aluminum: Permanent color that won’t fade or chip. Premium look and price.
Cost Per Linear Foot: The Real Math
Don’t just look at the price per package — calculate your true cost per linear foot including all necessary accessories. Some products seem cheap until you realize stakes, connectors, and corner pieces are sold separately. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Product | Material Cost/ft | Accessories/ft | True Cost/ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimex EasyFlex | $1.50 | $0.20 | $1.70 |
| Colmet Steel | $2.80 | $0.40 | $3.20 |
| EverEdge | $2.50 | $0.30 | $2.80 |
| Vigoro | $0.90 | $0.30 | $1.20 |
| Core Edge | $4.50 | $0.50 | $5.00 |
| Oly-Ola | $2.50 | $0.20 | $2.70 |
| Master Mark Plasteel | $1.10 | $0.25 | $1.35 |
Tools You’ll Need
For most metal landscape edging installations, gather these tools before you start:
- Spade or edging tool for trenching
- Rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer (never use a metal hammer directly on edging)
- Level for ensuring straight runs
- String line for laying out straight sections
- Tape measure (obviously)
- Work gloves — metal edges can be sharp
- Safety glasses when cutting
- Metal snips or angle grinder for cutting to length
- Optional: Sod cutter for removing existing grass edges
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
After hundreds of installations, here are the errors I see most often:
- Trench too shallow: If you don’t bury at least 1 inch below grade, the edging will heave with freeze-thaw cycles and look terrible within a year.
- Not leveling as you go: It’s tempting to install a whole section then try to level it. Don’t. Level each piece as you install it, or you’ll be pulling it all up later.
- Skipping stakes in soft soil: If your soil is sandy or loose, use extra stakes. The manufacturer recommendations assume average soil.
- Cutting corners literally: For inside corners, you need to make a relief cut in the bottom of the edging so it can bend. Otherwise, it’ll buckle upward.
- Not accounting for expansion: In extreme heat, metal expands slightly. Leave a tiny gap (1/8 inch) between sections in very hot climates.
When to Call a Pro vs. DIY
You can absolutely install metal landscape edging yourself — most of the products on our list are designed with DIYers in mind. However, consider hiring a professional if:
- You’re edging more than 200 linear feet (it gets exhausting)
- Your soil is heavily compacted clay or solid rock
- You need perfectly straight lines over long distances
- The project involves complex curves and elevation changes
- You simply don’t have the time or physical ability
A professional installation typically runs $3-$8 per linear foot in addition to material costs, but the precision and time savings can be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does metal landscape edging last?
Quality steel edging lasts 20-30 years, while aluminum can go 30+ years. COR-TEN weathering steel and marine-grade aluminum are particularly long-lived. The key factors are installation quality and whether the material is appropriate for your climate. Even the best edging will fail prematurely if installed too shallow or in incompatible soil conditions.
Will metal landscape edging rust?
It depends on the material. Raw steel will develop surface rust, but galvanized, powder-coated, and weathering steel (COR-TEN) resist structural rusting. Aluminum never rusts. If rust is a concern in your area, choose aluminum, powder-coated steel, or COR-TEN.
Can I install metal landscape edging myself?
Absolutely! Most products on our list are DIY-friendly, especially those with built-in stakes like Dimex and EverEdge. Expect to spend 1-2 hours per 50 linear feet for your first installation. The main requirements are a willingness to dig trenches and some basic physical stamina.
What’s the best metal landscape edging for curves?
EverEdge is the standout for curves due to its flexible design and pre-attached stake system. Dimex EasyFlex is also excellent for organic shapes. Avoid heavy-gauge steel like Core Edge or Colmet if your design has lots of tight curves.
How deep should metal landscape edging be installed?
As a general rule, bury about 1 inch below finished grade. So for 4-inch edging, dig a 5-inch trench. This prevents heaving, keeps the edging stable, and creates a clean visual line. In areas with heavy frost, consider going slightly deeper.
Can metal landscape edging be cut to length?
Yes, all metal landscape edging can be cut. Use metal snips for thinner gauges (aluminum and light steel) or an angle grinder with a metal cutting blade for heavy-gauge steel. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting.
Is metal landscape edging safe for areas with kids and pets?
Yes, with caveats. The top edge of steel edging can be sharp. If you have small children who play in the yard, consider aluminum options (softer) or look for products with rounded top edges. Some homeowners add a thin bead of silicone along the top edge for extra safety, though this isn’t typically necessary.
What’s better: metal or plastic landscape edging?
Metal, without question, for long-term installations. Plastic edging becomes brittle in UV light, warps with temperature changes, and typically needs replacement every 5-7 years. Metal costs more upfront but pays for itself many times over in longevity and appearance.
How do I prevent metal landscape edging from staining my concrete or pavers?
If using raw or weathering steel, keep it at least 6 inches away from light-colored hardscapes, or install a physical barrier (landscape fabric or gravel strip) between the edging and the hardscape during the initial rusting phase. Once the patina stabilizes (6-12 months), staining risk drops dramatically. Powder-coated and aluminum options don’t have this issue.
Can lawn mowers drive over metal landscape edging?
Lightweight mowers can typically roll over low-profile edging without damage, but it’s not recommended as a regular practice. Heavy riding mowers can bend or dislodge edging. The best practice is to install edging at ground level so mower wheels can pass over it, but train anyone mowing your lawn to be careful near edges.
What’s the best time of year to install metal landscape edging?
Spring and fall are ideal — the soil is workable but not frozen, and you’ll have the edging in place before the main growing season. Avoid installation during ground frost or extreme summer heat (which makes hard soil even harder to dig).
Do I need to seal or paint metal landscape edging?
No — and doing so can actually trap moisture and cause problems. Powder-coated and anodized finishes are maintenance-free. Weathering steel should be left alone to develop its protective patina. Aluminum needs nothing. The beauty of quality metal landscape edging is that it’s genuinely low-maintenance.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right metal landscape edging comes down to understanding your specific needs: your soil type, your climate, your design curves (or lack thereof), your budget, and your willingness to DIY or hire out.
For most homeowners, Dimex EasyFlex hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and ease of installation. If you need heavy-duty commercial durability, Colmet or Core Edge are worth the investment. For coastal warriors, Oly-Ola is your corrosion-proof champion. And if you’re just testing the waters on a tight budget, Vigoro will get the job done.
Whatever you choose, remember: the edging is the frame that makes your entire landscape design pop. Don’t cheap out on the frame and expect the picture to look premium.
Got questions about your specific project? Drop us a line at yateslandscapingcompany.com — we love talking shop and helping folks get their yards looking sharp.
Happy edging!