Short answer: It depends on three things—material and finish, height. Light borders sit at the low end; raised beds in the middle; structural retention costs more because concrete joins the job. Know your finish, height, length, and layout, and you’re 80% of the way to a clear number.
This page walks you through what really affects cost—step-by-step like we’re sketching it together. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just what moves the number and how to get it right first time.
What Drives Garden Edging Costs Up?
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Height over 200 mm – more steel, more fixings, more digging.
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Structural retention – requires concrete foundations and stronger fixings.
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Tight curves and complex layouts – need shorter sections, more joins, slower install.
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Difficult ground – tree roots, compacted soil, buried services.
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Premium finishes – stainless and custom powder coats sit at the top.
What Brings the Price Down?
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Low-profile borders (50–100 mm) with simple ground fixings.
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Straight runs – faster to set and join.
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Minimal corners or curves – fewer cuts and joins.
Why Are Some Companies So Expensive?
They’re edging is over engineered—even when it’s not needed—or using way to much material for the job. You’ll see this with full concrete bases on light borders, or stainless steel where mild steel would do just fine. Steel thickness is a huge part of cost. Some companies rely on the thickness of the material for strength, others use features like rolled tops and smart connection systems for strength which is typically a smarter way.
Why Are Some So Cheap?
Corners get cut—literally. Look out for:
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Undersized edging that creeps and bows within months.
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Generic lengths used on tight curves, leaving gappy joins or overcuts.
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No base or support where load or soil pressure calls for it.
- Basic systems that are literally designed to be cheep. You'll get that sinking 'tacky' feeling pretty soon.
Cheap means redo. If someone’s price seems low, check what’s missing.
Typical Pricing Ranges
These numbers vary by supplier, but here’s what you can use to plan:
| Use Case | Height | Ballpark Cost (Supply only) |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn and flower borders | 50–200 mm | £5–£15 per metre |
| Raised beds | 300–600 mm | £150–£300 per metre |
| Retaining edges | 300–1500 mm | £120–£250+ per metre |
All prices include materials, fixings, and standard install. Structural retention includes concrete foundation and base prep.
Finish Guide — Looks, Performance, and Maintenance
| Finish | Best For | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder Coated | Porcelain and light stone | ££ | Smooth colour; easy upkeep |
| Weathering Steel | Gravel, planting beds | £ | Natural rust patina; needs space to bleed |
| Stainless | High-traffic and premium spaces | £££ | Cleanest look |
Key tip: If you're near light paving, avoid weathering steel or offset the edge slightly into planting.
Lifetime Cost vs. First Price
The cheapest edge is the one you replace 4 times.
Undersized borders, cheap coatings, or missed prep often mean redoing it in 12–18 months. A 10–15% spend up front usually avoids a full reinstall.
Historical Pricing Trends
Since 2023:
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Mild steel and powder coat: +8–12%
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Stainless steel: stable
Forecast: expect mild steel and weathering steel to hold steady through 2025.
Real Project Examples
10 m lawn border
Low profile. No concrete. Gentle curve.
Ballpark: £50-120
What changes the cost? Tree roots, tight corners, or uneven ground.
15 m raised bed with curves
Mid-height. Precise finish. Two-person crew. One day.
Ballpark: £1200 – £1800
What changes the cost? System and steel thickness. Finish
5 m retaining edge on level change
Tall profile. Structural. Concrete base.
Ballpark: £1700 - £3000
What changes the cost? Bespoke design vs modular layout
Hidden Costs to Watch
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Patina stains on pale paving (from weathering steel)
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Edges too low for traffic — mower wheels ruin them fast
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No prep for corners — adds cost on site or leaves a messy finish
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Uneven ground not stepped properly — results in awkward dips
FAQs — Straight Answers
Do I need a concrete foundation for all edging?
No. Only for edges that go above 600mm. Decorative and raised bed edging uses ground fixings.
Will rust stain my patio?
Yes, if you use weathering steel beside light paving. Use powder coated or stainless, or offset the edge into planting.
What about pets and kids?
Edges are rolled or returned; all fixings internal. Smooth and safe when properly installed.
How much waste should I allow?
5–10% extra is smart. Allows for cuts, mis-measurements, and future tweaks.
What’s the lead time?
In-stock items = fast. Custom heights or colours = 10–20 working days.
Need a Price?
View our product pages for pricing.
Need a Bespoke Quote? Here’s What to Send
To get a clean number, just send us these:
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Finish
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Height
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Total length
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Number of curves and corners
That’s it. With that, we’ll spec the right product and confirm lead time.
Optional: Include a sketch or photo and we’ll check your plan.
Still Deciding?
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