Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Knowing how to install steel landscape edging lets you create a firm, clean border between your lawn and your beds in an afternoon. The work involves marking the path, setting the strips at the correct height, anchoring them with stakes, and backfilling so the metal stays hidden and stable. Done carefully, the edge holds its line for years and keeps grass out of mulch.

Plan the Layout and Gather Supplies

Start by outlining the bed with a garden hose or a length of rope. Walk around the shape and adjust until the curves flow smoothly, since steel bends best in gentle arcs. Mark the line with marking paint or landscape flags, then check that the finished edge will sit about 1 inch above grade so a mower can ride over it.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Steel Edgings for Landscape Options for Clean Lines (2026).

Gather everything before you dig:

  • Steel edging strips, typically 8 feet long
  • Steel stakes or spikes, usually one per 12 to 18 inches of run
  • Landscape mallet or sledgehammer
  • Flat spade and a half-moon edger
  • Tape measure, string line, and a line level
  • Rubber mallet for final adjustments

Dig the Trench to the Correct Depth

Cut a trench along your marked line using a flat spade. Keep the trench just wide enough for the strip, roughly the width of the blade plus a little room on each side. Dig to a depth that lets the top of the strip sit about 1 inch above the finished soil or mulch level, and make sure the bottom of the trench is firm and free of roots and rocks. Removing the sod on the bed side first will keep the transition neat.

Set the Strips and Secure Them with Stakes

Lay the first strip in the trench, then check it with a line level from end to end. Steel strips usually need to be driven at intervals, so set your stakes on the inside of the bed, then tap them into the ground with the mallet until their tops sit flush with the strip. For curves, bend the strip gradually by hand; a sharp kink will weaken the metal and distort the line. Overlap or join sections according to the manufacturer’s directions, and keep the top edge level from one section to the next.

Check Alignment and Height

Once every section is anchored, sight along the top of the strip and look for dips or bumps. Tap the strip down or lift it with a flat pry bar where needed, then reset the stakes. A consistent top height matters more than perfect depth, because uneven edges show up immediately.

Backfill and Finish the Border

Push soil back against the bed side of the strip and tamp it lightly by hand. Fill up to the top of the edging on the bed side, then add mulch or stone as your design requires. On the lawn side, avoid piling soil against the metal, since this lets grass creep over the top. Water the bed thoroughly to settle the backfill, then recheck the line after the first rain.

Common Mistakes

  • Installing the strip too high, which makes mowing and trimming harder
  • Skipping stakes or spacing them too far apart, causing the edge to heave after freezing
  • Bending sharp curves, which kinks the metal and breaks the line
  • Burying the top of the edge, so it stops doing its job
  • Working on soggy soil, which makes trenching and tamping sloppy

A solid landscape mallet makes driving stakes far easier and reduces the risk of bending the steel. View on Amazon

A half-moon edger gives you crisp, straight cuts along the lawn side before you set the strip. View on Amazon

A line level helps you keep the top of the strip even from one end to the other. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should steel landscape edging be buried?

Bury it just deep enough that the top sits about 1 inch above the finished soil or mulch. This height lets a mower ride over the edge without scalping the grass.

How far apart should stakes be placed?

Most installers space stakes roughly 12 to 18 inches apart, and tighter on curves. Follow the spacing recommended by your edging manufacturer.

Can steel edging be installed in winter?

Installing when the ground is frozen or saturated is difficult and often leads to a poor line. Wait for workable soil, which is usually easier in spring or fall.

Conclusion

With a careful layout, a trench set to the right depth, and secure stakes, steel edging holds a crisp line for years. Take your time on the curves and check the height as you go. Reading Col-Met Steel Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Install Guide can help if you are working with that specific product.

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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.