Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Brick landscape edging installation is a manageable weekend project that gives your beds and lawn a crisp, finished border. You will mark the line, dig a shallow trench, bed the bricks in a compacted base, set them level, and backfill for a border that holds its shape for years. The steps below cover the layout, the base, and the setting process.

Plan the Layout and Gather Materials

Start by marking the border with a garden hose or marking paint so you can see the curves before you commit. Keep curves gentle. Sharp bends are hard to hold with brick, and they make future mowing awkward. Measure the total run in feet so you can estimate how many bricks and how much base material you need, and add about 10 percent for cuts and waste.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Menards Landscape Edging Bricks for Clean Lawn Lines (2026).

Gather these supplies before you dig:

  • Bricks or pavers rated for landscape use
  • Gravel or crushed stone for the base
  • Coarse sand for a thin bedding layer (optional)
  • String line and stakes
  • Spade or flat shovel, and a tamper
  • A line level and a rubber mallet
  • A masonry saw or brick chisel for cuts

Dig the Trench and Build a Compacted Base

Dig a trench about 4 inches deep and slightly wider than one brick. The depth lets the top of the brick sit just above grade, so the mower wheel can ride over the edge without catching. Remove sod, roots, and any soft soil from the trench floor.

Add 2 to 3 inches of gravel and compact it in lifts of about an inch at a time. A plate compactor works well on long runs; a hand tamper is fine for short beds. A firm base keeps bricks from settling into soft soil, which is the most common cause of wavy borders.

Set the Bricks Level and Straight

Spread a thin layer of coarse sand, roughly three-quarters of an inch, over the base and screed it smooth. Lay the first brick, then check it with a line level and a straightedge. Set each following brick snug against the last, tapping it down with a rubber mallet until the top sits at the height you want. Keep the top faces flush with each other, not just the sides.

On curves, rotate bricks slightly so the joints stay tight on the inside of the bend. Cut bricks with a masonry saw when you reach a corner or the end of the run. Wear eye protection when cutting.

Backfill and Finish the Border

Once the bricks are set, sweep sand or fine gravel into the joints and mist the surface with water to settle it. Backfill the outside edge with soil or mulch so the bricks are held in place from both sides. Keep the backfill slightly below the top of the brick so the edge stays visible and the mower can clear it.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the base. Bricks set directly on soil heave and sink with freezing and rain.
  • Setting bricks too high. Tops above grade catch mower decks and trimmer heads.
  • Letting bricks drift out of line. Check with a string line every few feet.
  • Using too much sand in the bedding layer. Thick sand shifts under load and lets bricks rock.
  • Ignoring drainage. Standing water softens the base over time, so keep the trench sloping gently away from structures.
  • Plate compactor: Packs the gravel base evenly on long runs, which helps prevent later settling. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet: Tapping bricks down without chipping their edges keeps the top surface clean. View on Amazon
  • Line level: Hangs on a string line so you can check height across the full run. View on Amazon

For more background on materials and layouts, see Using Bricks for Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Borders and How to Install Brick Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Borders.

FAQ

How deep should brick edging be set?

Most landscape bricks are set so the top sits about half an inch to an inch above grade, with the base buried in a 4-inch trench. This height keeps the edge visible and clear of the mower deck.

Do I need sand under landscape bricks?

A thin layer of coarse sand, about three-quarters of an inch, helps you fine-tune the height and level each brick. The compacted gravel base does the structural work underneath.

Can I install brick edging on a slope?

Yes, but step the trench and base to follow the grade so the top line stays consistent. On steep slopes, a retaining element may be needed, and a landscape professional can advise on that.

Conclusion

With a clear layout, a compacted gravel base, and careful leveling, brick landscape edging installation produces a border that lasts. Take your time on the base, since it determines how well the bricks hold their line. A few hours of prep will keep your beds looking sharp for seasons to come.

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.