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Clean lines and well-defined borders can significantly enhance the aesthetics of an outdoor space, and metal edging panels are ideal for achieving this effect. Among these, corten steel edging is the preferred choice for modern landscaping thanks to its durability, versatility and classic aesthetic. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how metal edging can be installed, and highlight why corten steel is a great addition to modern landscapes.

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Why Choose Corten Steel Edging for Your Landscape?

The Perfect Blend Of Aesthetics And Durability

• Natural rust colour evolution: Corten steel edging gradually develops a rich, earthy brown rust layer that blends harmoniously with minimalist or natural elements in modern design.
• Long life: the protective layer formed by the oxidation process of metal garden edging is resistant to corrosion and weather damage and lasts much longer than aluminium or plastic edging panels, perfectly suited to the 'once and for all’ design concept of modern landscapes.

Versatility for Modern Layouts

• Design flexibility: metal landscape edging can be used to create straight lines (defining paths, terrace boundaries) or curved lines (around flowerbeds or water features), adapting it to a wide range of modern design styles.
• Low-maintenance properties: no need to paint or replace as often as wood or plastic, meeting the needs of busy homeowners.

Functional Benefits For Modern Spaces

• Grass and weed control: Corten steel garden edging creates a physical barrier that reduces lawn maintenance and keeps modern style beds neat and tidy.

Structural support: steel landscape edging stabilises the soil around hardscape areas (decks, driveways), preventing erosion and suiting a simple, understated modern design.

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Prepping to Install Metal Landscape Edging

Comparison of Metal Materials

• Corten steel: suitable for scenarios looking for durability, modern rust-coloured aesthetics and long term use (ideal for permanent modern landscapes).
  Aluminium: easier to bend into shape and suitable for small curves, but less durable for temporary or lightweight modern designs.
• Cost and value: Corten steel has a higher initial investment, but has a decades-long service life, making it more cost-effective for modern spaces that are looking for longevity.

Tools and Materials Required

• Tools: trowel, small clay trowel, mallet, tape measure, hand saw, pliers, sand (for drainage).
• Materials: Corten steel / aluminium edge boards, spray paint (to mark boundaries), fixing stakes, soil (for backfilling).

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Metal Edging Installation Guide

Planning the Layout

Mark the boundaries with spray paint, following modern design principles (symmetry, white space or deliberate asymmetry). When measuring the length of the metal garden edging, pay special attention to the curved portion (corten is hard and requires precise planning of where to bend).

Excavating the Trench

Dig to a depth 0.5‘ shorter than the height of the edging board (e.g., a 4’ high metal edging board needs to be dug 3.5" deep). Use a half-moon trowel to ensure that the trench edges are neat, which is key to creating sharp lines in modern landscapes.

Prepare a Drainage Layer

Lay a 0.5-inch-thick layer of sand at the bottom of the trench to prevent water from pooling - this is critical to the long-term performance of corten garden edging.

Installing Metal Edging

Place metal edge plates into the trench, end to end. If cutting is required, handle with a hand saw (corten needs to be cut slowly to keep it flat). Fix with a mallet by tapping lightly to avoid bending and distortion.

Securing Edging Boards

Drive securing stakes every 12-18 inches (heavier corten requires thicker stakes) to ensure stability.

Finishing and Safety

Sand or fold up sharp corten edgings (especially for modern spaces with children). Backfill with soil, if necessary, and lightly compact to stabilise the edge slabs.