Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Learning how to install brick landscape edging comes down to four things: dig a shallow trench, build a compacted gravel base, set the bricks on edge at a consistent height, and backfill so the border stays put. Done right, the result is a crisp line between lawn and bed that holds up to mowing and frost for years. The process is straightforward, but skipping the base or the leveling step is what causes most of the heaving and wobbling people complain about later.

Plan the Layout and Gather Materials

Mark the border with a garden hose or spray paint before you dig, and step back to check the curves from several angles. Gentle arcs look better than tight bends, and a radius of at least 3 feet keeps the bricks from fighting each other. Measure the total length so you can buy enough bricks plus about 5 percent extra for cuts and breakage.

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

You will need a flat spade, a tamper, a string line, a 4-foot level, a rubber mallet, paver base or crushed stone, and a bag of coarse sand or landscape mix for the top layer.

Dig the Trench and Build the Base

Dig a trench about 6 inches deep and wide enough for the brick plus 1 inch of space on each side. Bricks set on edge typically need a trench around 4 inches deep for the brick itself, plus 2 inches of base material beneath it. Keep the bottom as level as you can, and remove any sod, roots, or soft soil.

Add 2 inches of crushed stone or paver base, then compact it with a tamper in lifts. Water lightly between passes to help it settle. A firm base is the single biggest factor in preventing future sinking.

Set the Bricks on Edge

  1. Start at a fixed point, such as a corner or the end of a walkway, and set the first brick with the top edge at your target height, usually 1 inch above the lawn surface.
  2. Check the brick with a 4-foot level in both directions, then tap it with a rubber mallet until it sits true.
  3. Place the next brick tight against the first, keeping the joints as close as possible without forcing them.
  4. Check alignment every three or four bricks with a string line stretched along the top edge.
  5. On curves, use a few half-bricks or cut bricks to tighten the radius, and cut with a masonry blade or stone saw.

Backfill and Finish

Once the run is set, pack coarse sand or gravel along the back of the bricks to lock them in place. Fill against the outer face as well so grass cannot creep over the top. Then backfill with topsoil on the lawn side, leaving the top of the brick exposed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the compacted base, which leads to settling and uneven tops within a season.
  • Setting bricks flat instead of on edge, which gives a weak border that mower wheels can push over.
  • Letting the top height vary, which makes the line look wavy even when the layout is correct.
  • Backfilling with soft soil instead of sand or gravel, so the bricks shift during rain.
  • Installing when the ground is saturated, which makes digging messy and compaction less effective.
  • Rubber mallet: A soft-faced mallet lets you tap bricks into position without chipping their edges. View on Amazon
  • Masonry blade for a circular saw: Clean cuts on bricks make curves and corners look sharp. View on Amazon
  • Hand tamper: A compactor packs the gravel base evenly, which is the key to a level border. View on Amazon

For related approaches, see How to Install Stone Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Borders or Groundsmart Roman Brick Landscape Edging: Install Steps for Clean Lines if you are working with a different brick profile.

FAQ

How deep should brick edging be buried?

Most installers bury about 2 to 3 inches of the brick below grade, with the top sitting roughly 1 inch above the lawn. Burying the bricks too deep wastes material, while setting them too shallow lets them shift.

Can I install brick edging without concrete?

Yes. A compacted crushed stone base and tight sand backfill hold bricks well for residential beds. Concrete is only needed for heavy traffic or very unstable ground, and a licensed landscaper can advise if your site is unusual.

How do I keep grass from growing over brick edging?

Cut a clean vertical edge along the outside of the border each season, and keep a small gap of bare soil or mulch against the brick. Some owners also lay a strip of landscape fabric beneath the outer edge to slow creeping roots.

Conclusion

Knowing how to install brick landscape edging means prepping a level trench, compacting a solid base, and setting each brick on edge at the same height. Take time on the base and the layout, and the border will stay sharp for years. Measure twice, tamp thoroughly, and let the bricks do the rest.

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.