How to Install Brick Edging around your Garden Beds

A well-maintained garden is a source of pride and beauty, but without proper borders, even the most colorful flower beds can look a bit messy. That’s where brick edging comes in—it’s a simple, affordable, and timeless solution to define your garden spaces, keep mulch and soil in place, and give your landscape a polished, professional look.

Brick edging offers a clean separation between your lawn and planting areas, preventing grass from encroaching into flower beds and helping control weeds. Best of all, it’s a DIY-friendly project that doesn’t require advanced skills or expensive tools. Whether you’re aiming to spruce up your curb appeal or add structure to your backyard, installing brick edging is an excellent weekend project with lasting impact.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process—from planning and preparation to laying the bricks and finishing touches—so you can confidently enhance your garden’s beauty and function. If you’re still deciding what type of garden edging best suits your needs, be sure to check out our comparison guide: Plastic vs. Pavers vs. Concrete vs. Natural: Which Edging is Best? to explore all your options before committing to brick.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the project, gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a checklist to keep you organized:

Materials:

Bricks (concrete or clay; straight or curved based on design)
Paver base or leveling sand
Landscape fabric (optional, for weed control)
Garden soil or mulch (for backfilling)
Edging stakes and string (for straight lines)
Marking paint or garden hose (for curved lines)

Tools:

Shovel or trenching spade
Rubber mallet
Level
Tamper (manual or hand tool)
Wheelbarrow (for transporting materials)
Broom (for sweeping sand into joints)
Masonry chisel or brick saw (for cutting bricks if needed)
Work gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plan and Design Your Border

Start by visualizing where you want the edging to go. If your beds are straight, use a string and stakes to create a guideline. For curved beds, a garden hose or spray paint works well to outline your path. This planning stage is critical—measure the total length so you can determine how many bricks and how much sand you’ll need. Always add 5–10% more bricks than calculated to cover cuts, breaks, or future repairs.

2. Prepare the Ground

Dig a trench along your marked line. The trench should be slightly wider than your bricks and about 4–6 inches deep, depending on whether you want the bricks flush with the ground or raised. A flat-bottomed trench will ensure uniform placement and prevent shifting over time. Take your time with this step—an uneven trench can lead to crooked results.

3. Add a Compact Base Layer

Once the trench is dug, pour about 1–2 inches of sand or paver base along the bottom. This layer helps with drainage and acts as a cushion for the bricks. Use a board or hand tamper to compact and level the sand. This is your foundation, so make sure it’s even from end to end.

4. Lay the Bricks

Begin placing the bricks in the trench, pressing each one firmly into the sand. Use a rubber mallet to tap them into place so they sit snugly against each other. Check for levelness as you go—both side-to-side and front-to-back. If you’re working along a curve, space the inner joints slightly and the outer joints more closely to follow the shape naturally. If you run into length issues, use a masonry chisel or saw to cut bricks to fit.

Pro Tip: Work in small sections, checking level and alignment frequently. This avoids having to redo a long stretch if things go off-track.

5. Fill the Gaps

After all bricks are laid, fill in the joints between them with sand. Use a broom to sweep the sand back and forth until the gaps are filled. You can also mist the area lightly with water to help settle the sand into the cracks. Repeat the process if the sand sinks after the first watering.

6. Backfill and Tidy Up

Backfill both sides of the brick edging with garden soil or mulch. This helps secure the bricks in place and gives the edge a finished look. Tamp the soil down lightly and smooth it out. If you’re using landscape fabric, install it before backfilling to reduce weed growth along the edge.

Maintenance Tips

Keep It Clean: Sweep off dirt and debris occasionally to maintain the appearance of the bricks.
Check for Shifting: Every few months, inspect the bricks for any that may have shifted, especially after heavy rains or frost.
Refresh the Joints: If sand between the bricks washes away, reapply as needed to maintain a tight bond.

Conclusion

Installing brick edging around your garden beds is one of the most effective ways to boost your landscape’s visual appeal while also improving its functionality. It’s a budget-friendly project that yields professional-looking results, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts. With thoughtful planning and careful execution, you can create sturdy, attractive garden borders that will last for years.

Whether you’re framing a flower bed, outlining a pathway, or simply adding structure to your yard, brick edging provides a timeless solution that blends beauty with practicality. So grab your shovel, roll up your sleeves, and get started—your garden transformation awaits! For more detailed information and tailored advice, visit our page on edging. For support on your next edging installation services project, please feel free to reach out through our contact form, and our team will be happy to help.

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