Landscape Edging Calculator
Estimate edging length, stakes, and cost
Total distance around the garden bed
Material affects cost per foot
Stakes
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stakes
Estimated Cost
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USD
Edging Length
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ft
Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on standard formulas. Not a substitute for professional advice from a licensed contractor, engineer, or architect. Verify all calculations before making purchasing or construction decisions.
How to Use This Calculator
Edging gives garden beds a clean border and keeps mulch, rock, and grass where they belong. Our calculator turns your bed perimeter into edging length, stake count, and cost.
- Measure the total perimeter of the bed in feet
- Pick your edging material (plastic, metal, stone, or wood)
- Enter the perimeter and material into the calculator
- Add 5-10% extra edging for overlaps and corner cuts
Expert Insights
Smart analysis for your Edging project
Stake Spacing Smarts
One stake every 4 feet is standard. Tighten spacing to every 2-3 feet on curves and corners to keep edging from bowing under soil pressure.
Cost Per Material
Plastic is cheapest at about $1.50/ft, wood and metal run $2.50-$3/ft, and stone tops the list at $8/ft. Match the material to your budget and style.
Grass Barrier Tip
Edging should sit 2-3 inches above grade to block creeping grass. Bury the bottom 2 inches too, so rhizomes can't sneak under the border.
Calculation Formula
Edging length = Bed perimeter (ft)
Stakes = Ceiling(Length / 4)
Cost per ft = Stone: $8, Metal: $3, Wood: $2.50, Plastic: $1.50
Estimated cost = Ceiling(Length × Cost per ft)
Edging Material Comparison
| Material | Cost per ft | Lifespan | Flexibility | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $1.50 | 5-10 years | High | Curved beds, budget jobs |
| Metal (Aluminum/Steel) | $3.00 | 20+ years | Medium | Clean lines, modern look |
| Stone | $8.00 | 20+ years | Low | Premium, raised beds |
| Wood (Cedar/Pressure-treated) | $2.50 | 7-12 years | Low | Rustic, straight runs |
Authority References
Our calculations are based on guidelines and standards from these authoritative sources:
- National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) — Landscape Installation Best Practices. Learn more
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) — Residential Design Guidelines. Learn more
- American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) — Standards for Treated Wood in Ground Contact. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much landscape edging do I need?
Measure the perimeter of your garden bed in feet. That total is the edging length you need. Add 5-10% extra for overlaps, cuts, and corners.
How far apart should edging stakes be?
Space edging stakes every 4 feet along the run. Curves and corners may need stakes every 2-3 feet to hold the edging in place.
Which landscape edging lasts longest?
Stone and metal edging last 20+ years. Plastic lasts 5-10 years and wood 7-12 years depending on rot resistance and soil moisture.