Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Cheap landscape edging ideas usually come down to using inexpensive, widely available materials and installing them carefully. Recycled plastic strips, pressure-treated lumber, and simple stone or brick borders can all create clean lines without the cost of premium systems. The right choice depends on your bed shape, soil, and how much maintenance you want to do later.

Why Budget Edging Often Looks Messy

Most cheap edging fails for one of two reasons. Either the material is too light to hold its shape against soil pressure, or it is installed too high or too loose, so grass creeps over it within a season. A thin plastic strip set flush with the lawn will look fine for a few weeks, then lift and wave once the ground freezes and thaws.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Easyflex No Dig Landscape Edging Kit Options for Clean Lines (2026).

Edging also needs to be cut or trimmed to a consistent depth. Manufacturers of plastic and metal strips typically specify burying the top edge about 1 to 2 inches below grade so a string trimmer or mower can ride along the line without catching the top. Skipping that step is the fastest way to end up with a border that looks uneven.

Low-Cost Materials and How to Use Them

Several inexpensive options hold up well when installed correctly:

  • Recycled plastic strips. Lightweight and flexible, good for curved beds. Use stakes spaced every 12 to 18 inches and bury the top edge about 1 inch.
  • Pressure-treated lumber boards. Stiffer and longer-lasting than plastic. A 2×4 or 2×6 set on edge, staked at 2 to 3 foot intervals, gives a straight line. Use ground-contact rated lumber.
  • Brick or paver edging. Set pavers on a 1 inch bed of sand, with the top slightly above grade for a crisp separation. Reclaimed brick is often inexpensive if you can source it locally.
  • Rolled steel or aluminum strips. A budget-friendly metal option with a thin profile that disappears into the lawn once set properly.

Getting the Most From Inexpensive Edging

Cheap materials forgive mistakes less than premium ones, so preparation matters more. Before you install anything, follow these steps:

  1. Mark the bed line with a garden hose or spray paint, then step back and adjust until the curve flows.
  2. Dig a trench about 4 inches deep along the line, slightly deeper than the edging height.
  3. Set the edging so the top sits 1 to 2 inches below the lawn surface for trimmer clearance.
  4. Secure with stakes or anchors every 12 to 18 inches, and backfill the outside edge with soil.
  5. Check level and alignment before you tamp the soil, and recheck after the first heavy rain.

If you are comparing options, What Are the Best Options for Landscape Edging? 7 Choices Compared covers how different materials stack up on durability and appearance. For a DIY-friendly curve, Ideas for Landscape Edging: 9 Designs for Clean Garden Borders offers layout ideas that work with simple materials.

What We’d Use

For a straight run of bed edging, untreated or pressure-treated boards are an economical choice that is easy to cut and stake yourself. Look for them under View on Amazon.

For curves and a low-maintenance finish, recycled plastic strips offer flexibility at a modest cost. You can browse them under View on Amazon.

FAQ

What is the cheapest landscape edging that still looks neat?

Recycled plastic strips and reclaimed brick are two of the most affordable options. Both look tidy when buried properly and set on a firm, level base.

How deep should I bury cheap edging?

Aim for the top edge about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. This keeps the mower and trimmer from hitting the top and lets the lawn meet the border cleanly.

Is pressure-treated wood safe for edging around vegetable beds?

Modern pressure-treated lumber is commonly used in garden borders, but many gardeners prefer untreated wood or stone near edible plants. If you have concerns, check with your local extension office or a qualified landscaper.

Ready to choose one?

Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn edging & trimming guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.