Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Brick landscape edging ideas give you crisp, permanent lines between your lawn and beds with minimal upkeep. This guide covers six layout styles, how to prep the ground, and the mistakes that cause bricks to heave or sink. By the end, you will know which pattern suits your yard and how to build it so it stays level for years.

Choose a Brick Edging Style That Fits Your Yard

The pattern you pick affects both looks and labor. Flat-laid bricks in a single row are the quickest option, while standing or angled layouts add height and texture. Common choices include:

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  • Single flat row: Bricks laid on their widest face, edge to edge. Easiest to install and best for mowing strips.
  • Soldier course: Bricks set upright on their short end, creating a tall, formal border.
  • Rowlock: Bricks standing on their long edge, giving a thin, modern line.
  • Herringbone or angled: Bricks set at 45-degree angles for a zigzag accent along paths.
  • Double row: Two flat rows side by side for a wider, sturdier barrier against grass creep.
  • Curved bed edge: Flat bricks bent into arcs, which works best with a flexible base and shorter sections.

For a straight lawn line, a single flat row or soldier course is usually the most practical pick. Curves and herringbone patterns look good but need more cutting and more time.

Prepare the Trench and Base Correctly

Most brick edging failures trace back to a shallow or poorly packed trench. Dig a trench about 4 inches deep and wide enough for the brick plus 1 inch of space on each side. Add 2 inches of crushed stone or paver base, then tamp it with a hand tamper until firm. Check that the base slopes slightly away from the bed so water runs off rather than pooling under the brick.

Set the Bricks and Check Alignment

Set a string line at the final height of the brick top, then lay each brick against it. Bricks should sit about 1/4 inch above the grade on the lawn side so the mower can pass without scalping. Tap each one with a rubber mallet, then recheck with a level. Set a few bricks at a time rather than running the whole length at once, since small corrections are easier early on.

Fill Joints and Backfill Securely

Once the bricks are level, backfill the outside edge with soil or gravel and pack it firmly. Sweep polymeric sand or fine sand into any gaps between bricks, then mist with water to lock it in. Sand joints resist weeds better than open gaps and keep the line looking neat through several seasons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the compacted base, which lets bricks settle unevenly after the first freeze-thaw cycle.
  • Setting bricks flush with the grass, which makes the edge hard to see and easy to mow over.
  • Using mismatched brick sizes, which creates gaps and uneven tops.
  • Trenching too shallow, so bricks heave or get pushed out by roots.
  • Forgetting to check level as you go instead of only at the end.
  • Hand tamper: Compacts the crushed stone base evenly, which is the step most people rush. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet: Seats bricks without chipping their edges. View on Amazon
  • Polymeric jointing sand: Locks brick joints in place and slows weed growth between units. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should brick edging be set?

Set most brick edging with the top about 1/4 inch above the lawn surface. The base underneath should be around 2 inches of compacted crushed stone, which brings the trench to roughly 4 inches deep.

Can I use bricks that are not made for landscaping?

You can, but standard building bricks may crack or flake when they freeze and thaw. Pavers or dense landscape bricks hold up better in outdoor conditions.

Does brick edging stop grass from spreading?

It slows grass creep but does not block roots fully. A deeper trench and a double row give better results than a single row set shallow.

Conclusion

Brick landscape edging ideas range from simple flat rows to angled herringbone accents, and most of them work well with the same base and setting method. Focus on a firm, sloped base and accurate alignment, and the finished line will hold its shape for years. Start with a single row on a straight section to get comfortable before trying curves or more complex layouts.

Ready to choose one?

Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

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