Articles
How to Install Paver Edging
April 30th, 2012
Paver edging (also known as paver restraints) is used to frame paved areas. It’s main purpose is to keep pavers in place, whether sandstone pavers, bluestone pavers, or any other type of pavers are being used. In this article, we look at the types of paver edging available and how to install paver edging.
Why use paver edging?
While paver edging is not always necessary, it’s often recommended for holding pavers in place and to reduce the chance of pavers shifting, especially in areas where there is a significant amount of vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Paver edging can also further simplify the installation process and allow for better precision and laying of pavers.
Paver edging is designed to withstand heavy traffic, just like stone pavers. Though some people choose to lay their own concrete paver perimeter, DIY concrete paver edging cannot be moved or shifted, while paver edging can be fairly easily uninstalled.
Types of paver edging
There is a variety of paver edging available, many made from plastic, steel, or lightweight aluminium. Paver edging can come in circular or curved shapes, straight and narrow shapes, or very large pavers suitable for industrial application. They’re usually sold in connecting units that allow users to tailor the edging as required.
- Curved. These may be slightly curved for gentling circular areas, or very rounded for spaces such as circular driveways.
- Straight. This type of edging is very straight, suitable for square or rectangular areas.
- Industrial. These paver edging types are designed for heavy areas with a lot vehicle traffic and are suitable for very thick pavers.
Paver edging usually comes in a design that allows grass and lawn to grow over the edging, so it tends to blend into the garden, driveway, or wherever the pavers are being used. Many people opt for layering sand or soil over the edging so that it’s completely disguised.
How to install paver edging
Just like laying pavers or stone cladding, paver edging is very easy to install. Follow these quick steps for a smooth installation process.
- Prepare. After setting out your driveway or deck design on paper, measure out the paver area and ensure that you’ve allowed sufficient space for the paver edging. Physically check that there’s enough space by laying out the pavers next to the edging in a ‘practice run’.
- Excavate the paver area. Dig out the area to be paved to your desired depth (this will depend on the thickness of your pavers and the depth of your foundation.
- Base. Lay your base (usually crushed stone or gravel) and compact it.
- Install the edging. Set down the edging according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Secure them with the spikes provided by the manufacturer, using a hammer.
- Adjustments. Where adjustments are required, cut the edging to fit uneven edges and secure with spikes.
Once your edging has been secured, install your pavers as required. If you want to change the shape of your paved area in the future — or should you need to readjust the paver edging — then edging can be removed by simply removing the spikes.
