Problems with Steel Walls for Straight and Curved Edges

Problems with Steel Walls for Straight and Curved Edges: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Solution

When it comes to designing raised garden beds or retaining walls with steel edging, achieving the right balance between aesthetics and functionality can be challenging. Gardeners and landscapers often face a common dilemma: how to form both straight and curved edges that remain stable over time and avoid issues like bowing or warping. While curved edges naturally offer more stability, straight edges are key to most designs but are prone to problems due to soil pressure. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges of designing with steel walls, discuss the limitations of existing solutions, and explain how our Contour system addresses these issues.

The Unique Challenge of Straight vs. Curved Edges

Steel panels used in garden edging or raised beds face different pressures based on their design. Curved edges, by their very nature, are more stable. The soil exerts pressure evenly across the curve, which helps the structure maintain its shape without distortion. This stability makes curved edges an attractive option for many garden designs, both aesthetically and functionally.

However, straight edges are not as forgiving. Soil pressure pushes directly against the panel, which can cause bowing or warping over time. A bowed steel wall looks untidy and gives the impression of a poorly constructed garden bed, even if the materials used are high quality.

Existing Solutions: Why Many Systems Fail

To combat the issue of bowing, many systems incorporate a top fold or lip into the design. For example, our Anco system features a 50mm top fold. This fold reinforces the panel and prevents the steel from bending under soil pressure. While this solution works well for straight edges, it introduces new challenges when it comes to curved sections.

For consistency, once you introduce a top fold for straight edges, you have to maintain that fold for any curved sections as well. Unfortunately, curved panels with a top fold are far more complicated to manufacture because they require welding or bespoke fabrication to achieve a smooth curve. This extra step adds to the cost, complexity, and lead time of the installation, making the system less versatile and harder to work with for designs that require both straight and curved elements.

On the other hand, curved-only systems are often simpler in design. These systems don’t require a top fold, allowing the panels to bend naturally without any reinforcement. However, while this works for curves, it creates significant issues for straight edges, which need reinforcement to stay straight. Additionally, leaving the top of the steel panel unfinished presents two other problems: it’s a safety hazard, with sharp edges exposed, and it’s not suitable for powder coating or other finishes. An unprotected steel edge will also be more prone to rust and corrosion over time.

How Contour Solves the Problem

Our Contour system is designed to address the limitations of other steel edging solutions, offering a single system that works seamlessly for both straight and curved edges without compromise.

1. Reinforced Straight Edges: Contour panels feature a patented strengthening rib that clips into place. It acts as a top fold to ensure that straight edges remain perfectly aligned, even under significant soil pressure. This prevents the bowing and warping that can occur with non-reinforced edges, ensuring a neat and professional appearance in any garden design.
2. Adaptable Curved Edges: Unlike other systems that require welding or bespoke fabrication for curved sections, Contour offers the flexibility to create smooth curves without needing to modify the panel structure. This means you can achieve a consistent look across your garden, no matter the shape or design of your beds.
3. Safe and Durable: With Contour, you won’t have to worry about safety issues like sharp edges. The top fold not only reinforces the panels but also eliminates the hazard of exposed steel edges. Furthermore, the folded design allows for a clean finish, making Contour suitable for powder coating or other protective treatments, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to rust.

Why Choosing the Right Steel Edging Matters

When you’re designing a garden that requires both straight and curved edges, it’s essential to choose a system that can handle both without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. Systems that only cater to one type of edge—whether straight or curved—can leave you with a compromised design that’s either unstable or hazardous.

Contour takes all these factors into account, offering the best of both worlds: stability for straight edges, flexibility for curves, and a safe, durable finish for years to come. Whether you're a DIY gardener or a professional landscaper, Contour’s versatility means you can create beautiful and practical garden beds without having to juggle different systems for different needs.

In summary, choosing the right steel edging is about more than just looks—it's about ensuring that your garden design stays stable and secure, whatever shape it takes. With Contour, you can confidently tackle any project, knowing you’ve chosen a solution designed to perform under real-world conditions.