How to Lay Brick Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Brick Edging in Your Garden

Laying brick landscape edging is an effective way to define garden beds, create clean lawn borders, and add a polished look to your outdoor spaces. The process may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little preparation, it’s a doable DIY project that can last for years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve professional results.

Tips 1:

Start by planning your design. Use a garden hose or string to lay out the intended boundary lines, giving you a visual guide and ensuring smooth, graceful curves or straight edges where necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Brick Landscape Edging

1. Gather Tools and Materials

You’ll need bricks (consider pavers for durability), landscape fabric, gravel or sand, a shovel, a rubber mallet, a level, and a masonry saw (if you need to cut bricks).

2. Mark Out and Excavate the Trench

Dig a trench along your marked line, about twice as wide as your bricks and deep enough to allow the bricks to sit just above ground level. The depth usually ranges from 4 to 6 inches depending on brick size.

3. Prepare the Base

Add a 2-inch layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of the trench. This provides drainage and makes leveling easier. Use a tamper to compact the base before laying the bricks.

4. Lay the Landscape Fabric

Place landscape fabric along the trench to prevent weeds from growing between bricks.

5. Set and Level the Bricks

Place your first brick at one end of the trench and tap it gently with a rubber mallet to seat it. Use a level to ensure it’s even. Continue laying bricks, making sure each one is tightly butted against the next and level along the length and width.

6. Fill and Finish

Once all the bricks are in place, fill the spaces on both sides with soil and tamp it down firmly. This secures the bricks and gives the edge a neat finish. If desired, sweep sand into the joints to stabilize the bricks further.

As a designer, I find that details like brick edging not only serve functional purposes—such as keeping mulch in place and grass at bay—but they also visually organize the yard, creating seamless transitions between different landscape elements. If you’re looking to visualize your outdoor design before breaking ground, consider leveraging a 3D floor planner to play with layout possibilities and choose the best brick patterning for your space.

FAQ

Q: What type of brick is best for landscape edging?

A: Use durable clay or concrete pavers designed for outdoor use. They resist weathering and are easy to cut for curves or corners.

Q: How deep should I bury bricks for edging?

A: Typically, bury bricks so their tops sit just slightly above ground level—about 2/3 of the brick should be buried for stability.

Q: Does brick edging require maintenance?

A: Brick edging is low-maintenance, but check for shifting bricks periodically and reset as needed. Weeds can be minimized with landscape fabric.

Q: Can brick edging be curved?

A: Yes, bricks can be carefully laid to follow gentle curves. For tight curves, you may need to trim bricks for a smooth look.

Q: Should I use mortar or keep bricks dry-laid?

A: Dry-laying is sufficient and allows for easy future adjustments. Mortar can be used for a permanently fixed edge, though it complicates repairs.