Garden steel edging - 6 things to consider 2025?
What to consider when buying steel edging.
If you're reading this, chances are you've already decided that steel edging is the right choice for your project. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider before placing an order. Steel edging is often a significant investment, so it’s essential to ensure you choose the right option for your needs. Our aim is to guide you in assessing whether our products are the right fit for your project, and if not, point you towards a solution that works best for you. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to proceed confidently.
We will consider:
- Finishes
- Budget
- Profile details
- Delivery
- Installation
- Heights
Finishes:
Choosing the right finish for your steel edging is essential, as it plays a key role in the overall aesthetic and can make or break your garden design. The most popular finishes include stainless steel, Corten, galvanized, and powder-coated steel, as well as standard galvanized options. Each finish has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of maintenance, flexibility, cost, and durability. We look into these different finishes in more detail here.
Budget:
Your budget plays a crucial role in shaping the scope of your steel edging project. Prices can vary significantly, from £18 to £243 per meter! meaning there are plenty of options to value-engineer your design without compromising its integrity. Factors like edge height, finish, system choice, and the overall extent of the edging can all impact cost. We look into the best way to maximise your budget in more detail here.
Profile:
There are numerous ways to craft steel edging, but how important are the finer details to you? Elements like corner folds, top edges, panel joints, and curved edges can significantly affect the overall look of your design. If poorly executed, these details can detract from the overall aesthetic. For a seamless steel edging wall, we recommend welding and polishing joints onsite to eliminate visible joint lines. Here, we’ll explore the detailing from GEO’s top products to show how modular precision presents itself:
1. Anco:
The Anco panel joints use our relief fold system, ensuring that every joint is consistent and uniform. You can explore our past projects in different finishes to see how these joint lines fit in with an overall design. Each Anco corner is pre-formed with a fully welded mitre joint, creating a smooth, seamless appearance. Additionally, the Anco system features a 50mm top edge with a 6mm rounded fold, providing both durability and an elegant look. This combination of craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures that your steel edging is both structurally strong and visually appealing.
2. Contour:
Contour’s panel joints are concealed with a 100mm wide slider, ensuring a clean and consistent joint detail across all joints. This slider allows for easy onsite panel cuts and accommodates slight slope adjustments. Corners are pre-formed as 90° sliders and house panels when the edge direction changes. The Contour corner can easily adapt to a range of angles from 45° to 135°. All panels feature a top edge 8mm safety hem, creating the appearance of 8mm thick steel while ensuring there are no sharp, exposed edges for a smooth, safe finish. This combination delivers both practicality and a sleek, polished look.
3. Groundline:
Groundline offers a seamless joint, with internal panel connector stakes ensuring a flush and perfectly aligned connection. Corners can be easily formed onsite by folding the panels, allowing for both rounded and square corner options. The top edge features an 8mm safety hem, giving the appearance of 8mm thick steel while ensuring there are no sharp, exposed edges. This design not only enhances safety but also delivers a refined, robust look, making Groundline a practical and visually appealing choice for garden edging.
Delivery:
When purchasing steel edging, it's important to consider your timeline. Do you need a modular system, or can you wait for a bespoke system? GEO’s stocked products are available for delivery within just 2 days, while made-to-order options typically take about 4 weeks. If you have a specific project in mind that requires custom solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for bespoke options. We’re here to help you find the right solution that fits your schedule and design needs.
Steel edging installation:
Have you thought about installation? While some systems are straightforward enough for anyone to install, others may require a bit more experience. Each system is designed with the enthusiastic DIYer in mind! We recommend reviewing the installation guides to determine if you feel confident tackling it yourself. If you find it a bit overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out; we can connect you with one of our approved installers who can assist with your project.
Heights:
When considering edge heights, keep in mind that this factor will significantly impact your budget and determine which edging system is suitable for your project. Additionally, the height may necessitate structural calculations to ensure the wall's stability and suitability. Fortunately, all GEO systems have already received structural approval, so you can proceed with confidence knowing that our products meet the necessary standards for safety and durability.
Garden Edging: 50 – 150mm high
Raised beds: 200mm – 600mm high
Retaining walls: 300mm – 1200mm high
Conclusion:
Selecting the right steel edging for your project involves careful consideration of various factors, including finishes, budget, profile details, delivery timelines, installation ease, and edge heights. Each element plays a vital role in achieving both the aesthetic and functional goals of your garden design. By understanding the options available and how they align with your needs, you can make an informed decision that enhances your outdoor space. Whether you choose our stocked products for quick delivery or opt for bespoke solutions, GEO is here to support you every step of the way. With our structurally approved systems and expert guidance, you can confidently create a beautiful and durable garden edging that will stand the test of time.
