Concrete Edging for Gardens: Installation and Cost

Garden edging gives planting beds, lawns, and pathways a clean, defined boundary and helps contain mulch, gravel, and soil where it belongs. Concrete edging — whether precast kerb-style sections or poured in situ — is one of the most durable options available to UK homeowners, and is routinely specified by landscapers for projects where longevity matters more than flexibility or ease of change. It is a practical consideration during garden redesigns, driveway makeovers, and front-garden hard-landscaping schemes.

Key points

• Standard precast concrete edging sections comply with BS EN 1340 (Concrete kerb units — Requirements and test methods) and typically measure 915 mm long × 150 mm tall × 50 mm wide, though dimensions vary by product range.
• Planning permission is not generally required for garden edging under 1 m in height, but new front-garden hard surfaces over 5 m² in England may trigger sustainable drainage requirements under Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
• A compacted sub-base of at least 75 mm of MOT Type 1 hardcore, plus concrete haunching on the rear of each section, is the standard installation method for stable, long-lasting concrete edging.
• Indicative supply-and-install costs for precast concrete garden edging range from £12 to £30 per linear metre, depending on type, ground conditions, and region. (Indicative UK costs, last reviewed 2026-05-05.)
• Check for underground services (gas, water, electricity, drainage) before any excavation — call LSBUD (0800 096 8699) or use the online portal to request a search.

Types of concrete garden edging

Several styles of precast concrete edging are commonly available from UK builders' merchants and landscaping suppliers:

Indicative UK supply costs, last reviewed 2026-05-05. Prices vary by manufacturer, finish, and supplier.

How much does concrete garden edging cost in the UK?

Total installed cost depends on several factors:

• Type of edging selected: Standard precast is the most cost-effective; decorative or in-situ poured edging is more expensive.
• Linear metres required: Most domestic gardens need 15–60 m of edging to define main lawns, beds, and paths.
• Ground preparation: Rocky, heavily compacted, or waterlogged ground requires more excavation labour.
• Region: Labour rates are typically higher in London and the South East than in the Midlands or North.
• Access: Narrow side passages, established planting, or restricted site access may add to preparation time and cost.

Indicative installed cost ranges (supply and labour, last reviewed 2026-05-05):

Costs are indicative and exclude VAT unless stated. Request itemised quotes specifying the same product and base specification for a fair comparison.

How concrete garden edging is installed

A professional landscaper will typically follow these steps:

1. Mark out the edge line using a string line for straight runs or a garden hose to establish curves before committing to excavation.
2. Excavate a trench — typically 100–150 mm wide and deep enough to seat the edging at the desired finished height above ground level (usually 25–50 mm proud of an adjacent lawn).
3. Lay a compacted sub-base of at least 75 mm of MOT Type 1 hardcore or sharp sand, depending on edging type and ground conditions.
4. Set the first section in a bed of concrete mix (typically a 6:1 ballast-to-cement ratio), checking level and line.
5. Continue laying sections with consistent 10 mm joints, tapping each into position and checking level as the run progresses.
6. Haunch with concrete on the rear (non-visible) face of each section to lock it against lateral movement.
7. Leave to cure — at least 24–48 hours before any disturbance; full structural strength is reached after approximately 28 days.
8. Backfill and reinstate surrounding ground, top-dressing lawn edges where the turf has been disturbed.

In-situ poured concrete edging follows a similar sequence but uses temporary timber or metal formwork to shape the pour, removed after initial set.

Decision guide: which edging option suits your garden?

• Choose precast flat-top or bullnose concrete if you want a durable, low-maintenance boundary for a formal lawn or planting bed at a reasonable cost.
• Choose in-situ poured concrete if you have complex curves, non-standard dimensions, or a continuous channel drain that precast sections cannot accommodate neatly.
• Choose recessed channel edging if the area is also a run-off point from a driveway or patio and drainage management is a priority.
• Choose decorative imitation stone edging if the garden is formal or traditional in character and a plain grey finish would look out of place.
• Choose a different material entirely (steel, brick, or treated timber) if the design is contemporary, you need a particularly slim profile, or budget is tight and longevity is a secondary concern.
• Consult a landscaper before specifying if the edging is adjacent to established trees, forms part of a sustainable drainage scheme, or sits within a larger hard-landscaping project.

Concrete edging vs alternative materials

Indicative UK costs, last reviewed 2026-05-05. Obtain quotes specific to your project.

Homeowner checklist before installation

• Measure total linear metres of edging required, adding 5–10% for cuts, corners, and wastage.
  
• Decide on the desired edging height above the adjacent surface — typically 25–50 mm for a lawn edge.
  
• Check for underground services before any excavation: use the LSBUD online portal or call 0800 096 8699.
  
• Confirm the profile, finish, and colour of your chosen edging before ordering — different manufacturers' products vary in dimension and appearance.
  
• If the edging borders a front garden that will be predominantly hard-surfaced (over 5 m² in England), check whether sustainable drainage is required under the 2015 Permitted Development Order.
  
• Identify whether any established trees are nearby — root protection zones may restrict excavation depth and position.
  
• Request at least two quotes from landscapers, specifying the same product and sub-base specification so you are comparing like for like.
  
• Confirm whether VAT is included in each quote and what the payment schedule is.
  

When to get professional help

Concrete garden edging is practical work that many landscapers handle as part of wider projects or as a standalone job. Professional input is particularly worthwhile if:

• The edging is adjacent to tree roots — a landscaper or arborist can advise on root protection zones and safe excavation depth to avoid damaging established trees.
• Ground conditions are poor — waterlogged soil, made ground, or significant gradient changes mean sub-base specification and drainage details need professional judgement.
• The edging is part of a new driveway or hardstanding — this may require sustainable drainage measures and, in some cases, planning permission for front-garden surfaces.
• The total run is substantial or involves level changes — accurate setting-out across long runs or changes in gradient is harder than it looks, and mistakes are expensive to correct once concrete has cured.

How Housey can help

Housey can connect you with experienced landscapers who can supply, install, and finish concrete garden edging — whether as a standalone job or as part of a wider hard-landscaping project. Request quotes, compare experience, and get your garden looking sharp.

Frequently asked questions

Does concrete garden edging need planning permission in the UK?

In most cases, no. Garden edging is typically low-level work that does not require planning permission. However, if you are forming a new predominantly hard-surfaced front garden over 5 m² in England, sustainable drainage may be required, and planning permission could apply. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure about your specific situation.

How long does concrete garden edging last?

Precast concrete edging, correctly installed on a compacted sub-base with concrete haunching, can last 20–40 years with minimal maintenance. Longevity is significantly affected by installation quality, ground movement, and frost cycles — edging set on inadequate foundations may lift or tip within a few years of installation.

Can I install concrete garden edging myself?

Precast edging sections are physically heavy and require accurate setting-out, excavation, and concrete haunching to stay in position. DIY installation is possible for straightforward straight runs on stable ground, but getting levels wrong is a common issue. Incorrectly laid edging can shift, tip, or present a trip hazard, so professional installation is worth considering for larger or curved layouts.

What is the difference between precast concrete edging and in-situ poured concrete edging?

Precast concrete edging sections are manufactured off-site in standard dimensions and laid into a prepared trench. In-situ concrete is poured directly into formwork on-site, allowing custom shapes and curves. In-situ work is generally more expensive due to labour and formwork, but offers greater design flexibility for complex or curved garden layouts.

How do I stop concrete garden edging from moving or lifting?

Proper haunching — applying a concrete mix to the rear face of each section after it is set at the correct level — is the primary method for preventing movement. The sub-base must also be adequately compacted before laying. Avoid disturbing the edging for at least 48 hours after installation; concrete reaches full structural strength after approximately 28 days.

Sources and further reading

• Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 — legislation.gov.uk
• BS EN 1340: Concrete kerb units — Requirements and test methods — BSI Group
• Planning permission: driveways and vehicle crossovers — Planning Portal
• LSBUD: Check underground services before you dig — LSBUD
• RHS: Garden edging and borders — Royal Horticultural Society