Installing Steel Garden Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIYers

Steel garden edging is one of the best ways to define your garden beds, paths or lawn borders while keeping everything in place long-term, and it’s a fantastic way to give your garden a neater and more professional finish. It’s stronger than plastic, neater than timber and, with a bit of planning, it's DIY-friendly. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to go about installing garden edging using steel, giving you the confidence to take it on yourself.

 

Flex Garden Edging in Corten Steel. Image supplied by Straightcurve

Why Choose Steel Garden Edging?

Unlike plastic, which can easily warp or shift over time, steel is designed to last, providing a crisp, durable boundary that keeps your soil, mulch or gravel in place. It’s commonly used around:

• Lawn edges

• Raised or in-ground garden beds

• Gravel paths and walkways

• Decorative features and tree surrounds

The sleek look of steel edging also suits any garden style, whether you’re after clean modern lines or something a little more natural.

At Australian Landscape Supplies, we offer easy-to-install steel garden edging for weekend DIYers with the same high quality that landscapers trust.

 

Tools & Materials Checklist

Before you begin, gather everything you need:

• Steel edging (with included stakes or pins)

• Shovel or trenching tool

• String line and spray paint (for marking your layout)

• Rubber mallet or hammer

• Spirit level

• Hacksaw or chop saw (for cutting, if needed)

• Safety gear: gloves and safety glasses

• Optional: decorative pebbles, pre-fabricated corner pieces, connectors
  

 

We also stock stakes, connectors and matching accessories – available both online and in-store – to make the job easier.

Don’t forget to use gloves and safety glasses, and follow good lifting techniques to avoid injury. Safe Work Australia’s guide to manual tasks has tips on safe handling when working in the garden.

 

Flex Garden Edging in Corten Steel. Image supplied by Straightcurve

How to Install Steel Garden Edging

1. Measure and Plan Your Layout

Start by measuring the total length of edging you’ll need. Use a string line or spray paint to mark out where your edging will go. Pay special attention to curves, corners or changes in direction, as these may require extra planning or prefabricated corner pieces, like the weathered steel corner pieces we stock.

Tip: If you’re edging a garden bed, consider leaving a small overlap for mowing strips or border planting.

 

2. Dig a Trench

Using a shovel or trenching tool, dig a shallow trench along your marked line. Aim for a depth of around half the height of your steel edging strip. This gives enough support while still allowing the edging to sit slightly raised for a visible, defined finish.

If the soil is compacted or full of roots, take your time. Working in sections can make it easier.

 

3. Position the Edging

Place the steel edging into the trench. Adjust the depth so that the top edge sits flush with your lawn, path or garden surface, or slightly higher if you want more of a raised profile.

Use a spirit level to check that the edging is even along the run. For curved areas, gently bend the steel by hand before placing it into the trench.

 

Flex Garden Edging in Corten Steel. Image supplied by Straightcurve

4. Secure With Stakes or Connectors

Once positioned, secure your edging using stakes, pins or screw-in connectors, depending on the kit you have.

• Insert stakes through the fixing holes and tap them in using a rubber mallet or hammer.

• For kits with screw connectors, follow the instructions to tighten joins and stabilise the edging.

• Add extra stakes at corners or curves; this helps the edging stay firm over time.
  
  

If needed, trim edging lengths with a hacksaw or chop saw. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when cutting steel.

 

5. Backfill and Compact

Once the steel edging is firmly in place, it’s time to backfill the trench. Depending on your garden design, you can use soil, mulch or gravel to suit the surrounding area. Gently fill around the edging, taking care to maintain level alignment as you go. 

Use your boot or a tamper to lightly compact the material. This step helps lock the edging in place and prevents future shifting. With the fill compacted, you’ll start to see the crisp, defined finish that steel garden edging is known for.

 

6. Make Adjustments as Needed

With the edging installed and the trench backfilled, take a moment to check for final adjustments. Look along the straight sections to ensure the alignment is even and level – pay attention to height consistency, particularly where the edging meets paving, turf or other landscaping elements. 

Around corners and curves, make sure the edging feels secure and stable. If you spot any uneven areas, lightly tap the steel with a mallet or adjust the stakes to bring everything back into line.

Flex Garden Edging in Corten Steel. Image supplied by Straightcurve

Pair It With the Right Finish

Once your edging is installed, don’t forget the finishing touches that you can get from us. To complete the look:

• Use decorative pebbles for a tidy path border

• Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Top up your beds with quality garden soil to promote healthy plant growth

 

Rigid Garden Edging in Corten Steel. Image supplied by Straightcurve

Helpful Tips for Success

• Cutting steel edging: Use a hacksaw or chop saw and always wear safety gear.

• Tight corners: Use pre-fabricated corner pieces where possible. These are available in weathered and galvanised finishes.

• Safety first: Steel can have sharp edges, especially if cut. Always wear gloves.

• Ground conditions: For very rocky or sloped sites, installation can be trickier. Consider professional help if needed.

When to Consider a Professional

While most garden edging projects are manageable with a bit of time and effort, some situations might be better handled by a pro. You may want professional help if:

• You’re working with tight, decorative curves

• Your design involves a lot of joins or transitions between materials

• The edging needs to match existing infrastructure precisely
  
  

We can connect you with experienced local tradespeople from our network. Just reach out, let us know what you need, and we’ll handle it from there.

 

Ready to Get Started?

With a bit of planning and the right tools, installing garden edging can be a satisfying weekend project that transforms your space. Whether you’re edging a new path or framing your veggie patch, steel edging gives you a sharp, long-lasting result that’s worth the effort.

Browse our range of easy-to-install steel garden edging, connectors, corner pieces and bulk landscaping supplies, all available online or at our Eagle Farm location.

Ready for an upgrade? Get in touch with us through phone, chat or email today!