How to Install Metal Edging Like a Pro

First things first, take measurements to gather how much material you'll need (stakes and edging). Also take note of where curves or bends are that you'll need to account for, which could impact what garden edging idea you go with.

This is also a good time to calculate when and how many cuts you may need to make with a handsaw. You can do this before you install or cut as you go.

A local landscaping professional can also give you ideas on how or where to install metal edging.

You’ll want to install metal edging so it sticks about 1/2 inch out of the ground. First, you’ll need to dig a trench where the metal landscape edging will be installed that's around 1/2 inch shorter than its height to achieve this. (Take into account step #3 when calculating the final number.)

Using a half moon shovel here can save you time as you won't take up large chunks of dirt. They cost about $30 at home improvement stores. Standard metal edging materials are usually 3 or 4 inches tall.

Placing sand at the bottom of your trenches is helpful for drainage. It also prevents water pooling, your edging from settling crooked after the first big rainstorm, and helps prevent bugs and critters prone to puddles from calling your garden or plant bed their new home.

A small distribution of sand (half an inch) at the bottom is plenty. Hand pack it firmly before inserting the edging.

Insert your metal landscape edging (or unravel if it's corrugated steel) into the trench you've laid out. If you haven't made cuts yet, make them now with a handsaw and insert your edging into the trench after.

Use a mallet to install the stakes or top pins into the metal edging. Make sure you buy stakes for the metal you've chosen if they don't come with it. Steel edging stakes, like the metal itself, will cost more. But they're designed to hold durable steel in place.

Every 3 to 4 feet is a good guideline. Don't use a regular hammer or metal edge to hammer them in or you'll dent your new edging.

Depending on the metal landscape edging you bought, it might have a sharp edge to the top that could damage your feet if you step on it. If there's a chance that, say, little kids may step on it and get injured, it's a good idea to soften these edges.

If needed, add dirt back to the trenches you've dug and pack it in firmly with your hands. This usually applies to garden bed edging, which may have lost some dirt during the process.