Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Red brick landscape edging gives a garden bed or walkway a crisp, finished border that holds back mulch and turf. With a level trench, a compacted gravel base, and bricks set flush with the soil line, you can build a border that stays straight for years. This guide walks through planning, digging, setting, and finishing the job.

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. Smooth, gentle arcs are easier to keep straight than tight bends, which can cause bricks to shift. Measure the total run in linear feet so you can estimate how many bricks and how much base material you need.

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

Most installers use a base of crushed stone or paver base, roughly 2 to 3 inches deep, topped with a thin layer of sand. Confirm local utility lines before digging if the trench will go deeper than a few inches.

Dig the Trench and Build the Base

Dig a trench about 6 inches wide and deep enough that the top of the brick sits level with the surrounding lawn or mulch. For standard clay pavers, that usually means digging 4 to 5 inches deep, which allows for the base layer and the brick height.

  1. Remove sod, roots, and loose soil along the marked line.
  2. Add 2 to 3 inches of crushed stone and tamp it firmly with a hand tamper.
  3. Check that the base slopes very slightly away from any bed or walkway, about 1/8 inch per foot, so water drains.
  4. Spread a half-inch layer of coarse sand over the stone and screed it smooth with a straight board.

Set the Bricks Level and Straight

Start at a fixed point, such as a corner or a straight edge, and lay bricks end to end with tight joints. Use a rubber mallet to tap each brick down until it sits flush with your guide line. Check frequently with a long level, both across the bricks and along the run.

Keeping Curves Smooth

On curved sections, bend the bricks slightly by staggering the joints and adjusting the spacing a few millimeters at a time. Avoid forcing a brick into an arc it cannot follow, because it will crack or pop up later. For a deeper look at alignment, see Groundsmart Roman Brick Landscape Edging: Install Steps for Clean Lines, which covers similar installation sequences.

Backfill, Secure, and Finish

Once the bricks are set, sweep fine sand into the joints and compact it with a plate compactor or by hand. Backfill the outer side of the border with soil or gravel, packing it firmly so the edge stays put. Check the final height one more time and adjust any bricks that have settled.

If you prefer a material with more flexibility or lower maintenance, you may want to compare options in What Are the Best Options for Landscape Edging? 7 Choices Compared before committing to a full brick install.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping compaction of the base, which leads to sinking and uneven bricks within a season or two.
  • Setting bricks above grade, where mower wheels will bump them and loosen the joints.
  • Using too little sand in the joints, allowing weeds and soil to wash in.
  • Digging the trench too shallow, so the base cannot drain properly.
  • Ignoring drainage slope, which causes water to pool against the border.
  • Hand tamper: Compacts the crushed stone base evenly without overworking the soil. View on Amazon
  • Rubber mallet: Taps bricks into place without chipping their edges. View on Amazon
  • Long level: A 4-foot level helps you keep the top of the run consistent over long stretches. View on Amazon

FAQ

How deep should red brick edging be set?

Most installs use a base of 2 to 3 inches of compacted crushed stone plus a half-inch sand bed, with the brick top level to the surrounding turf. Check the brick height and dig to suit.

Can I install red brick edging without concrete?

Yes. A compacted gravel and sand base is common for landscape edging and allows the border to drain and flex slightly with the soil.

Why do my bricks keep shifting after installation?

Shifting usually points to an under-compacted base, too little sand, or missing backfill on the outer edge. Re-level the affected bricks and tamp the base thoroughly before resetting them.

Conclusion

A well-prepared trench, a compacted base, and carefully leveled bricks produce a red brick border that holds its shape. Take time on the base and the level, and the edging will keep lawn lines clean with minimal upkeep. Check the joints each season and reset any bricks that drift.

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.