May 10 2010
Stepping Close To The Edge-Ing
EDGING. When it comes to edging, you have just about as many products to choose from as you do pavers. So, why so many choices? Edging is edging, right?
Wrong! The quality of the your edging can significantly impact the overall quality of your project. In order to maintain a high level of quality at all your paver project sites, you need to choose the best edging project for each individual job. The only way to do that is to become familiar with the edging products on the market. So, lets take a look at a few types of edging products.
STEEL EDGING
One of the oldest edging products in the industry is steel edging. Prior to the introduction of PVC edging, steel edging was probably the most commonly used edging. In fact, many contractors still use it today.
Pros:
• available in long lengths (between 16 to 20 feet), allowing more linear footage to be installed per section
• can withstand the extreme temperatures of asphalt, making it ideal for asphalt applications on driveways
• provides smooth vertical surfaces against the paving application
Cons:
• difficult to use in curve-linear applications
• anchoring stakes are spaced far apart, creating the risk of shifting or raising above the paving application
• difficult to cut
• rusts over time
TIMBERS
Timbers are commonly used as an edging restraint on patios and sidewalks.
Pros:
• works well for rect-linear applications
• solid installation with standard 6″ x 6″ x 8′ dimensions
• good for raised patio applications
Cons:
• more expensive than plastic edging
• heavy, making it difficult for one person installation
• may deteriorate and/or warp over time
CONCRETE EDGING
Occasionally, a project requires concrete edging to be poured on site.
Pros:
• extends well into the gravel base
• provides a solid vertical surface against the pavers
• superior strength, making it an excellent choice for vehicular and industrial applications
Cons:
• more expensive than plastic edging
• labor intensive
• tendency to crack or shift over time, especially in regions that experience freeze / thaw cycles.
PLASTIC EDGING
The most commonly used edging restraint is plastic or PVC edging. There are literally dozens of manufacturers who offer numerous plastic edging products.
Pros:
• less expensive than most other edgings
• quick and easy installation
• light weight and flexible
• very strong
• won’t deteriorate over time
• can be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications
• average length 8 feet
Cons:
• not recommended for asphalt or heavy industrial applications
So, that’s a quick look at the four edging products most commonly used by contractors. Remember, whether your project is a complex job or a basic installation, the proper edging must be used to maintain the quality of your paver application. A paver project without edging is a paver project guaranteed to fail over time.
Kurt Glave has over 28 years of professional experience in the Landscape / Hardscape Industry. He also started the original Hardscape Expo & Conference Tradeshow and is now a Regional Sales Manager for RCP http://www.silvercreekstoneworks.com