Many different options are available for driveway edging, including granite blocks, bricks, pre-cast concrete blocks, timber, and steel. Flat or raised edging may be installed along driveways constructed of poured concrete, brick, asphalt, or stone pavers. Both flat and raised driveway edging can be set in mortar for added durability. A driveway composed of loose gravel will usually require raised edging to keep the stones in place. A wide variety of designs can be created using several rows of driveway edging.
A variety of materials can be used to create edging. Blocks made of granite, clay, or concrete are the most commonly used driveway edging materials. Wooden landscape logs and railroad ties are also frequently employed. Poured concrete curbing and ordinary bricks can also be installed alongside driveways to create an edging. Even something as simple as a line of plastic or steel edging may be placed between the driveway and the lawn to restrict the growth of grass and weeds.
Flat driveway edging typically requires digging a shallow trench for the placement of blocks or wood. In this application, the top of the edging material is installed level with the surface of the driveway. This edging option can create a wider surface for walking alongside a parked vehicle. Bricks or block pavers can be laid in several rows to create a design or a single row to add a contrasting color or material to the driveway surface. Timber edging may also be used to create a more natural transition into the surrounding landscape.
Raised driveway edging is typically installed to create a barrier between the driving surface and the lawn. In some raised edging installations, a portion of the material is buried in a trench alongside the driveway. Rectangular blocks are generally used to allow an equal portion of the material to be in and out of the ground. In other applications, the edging material is set in mortar above the ground. When raised wooden timbers are used, a hole is drilled through them and a concrete reinforcement bar is driven into the ground for stability.
Driveways paved with loose stone or gravel usually require some type of raised edging. The installation of raised edging can often prevent the loose material from being washed away during heavy rains. Steel edging is the most commonly used material for this application. Timber and granite are sometimes utilized as well because they blend in naturally with the gravel. Poured concrete curbing also does a good job of containing loose driveway material.