TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Intro
- Why Wood Lawn Edging Beats Other Popular Options
- The Benefits of Wood Lawn Edging
- The 2xEDGE Method: A Different Approach to Wood Lawn Edging
- How 2xEDGE Lawn Edging Installation Works
- Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Lawn Edging Project
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- So, Now You Know👍🏼
- Related Links You Might Like🎁
Hi there👋🏼
When it comes to lawn edging ideas that actually work, most DIYers find themselves frustrated with flimsy plastic edging that doesn't hold up to the lawn mower or metal edging that's tough on the pocket book.
If you're looking for a great way to use natural materials to create a natural border that can handle your string trimmer and enhance your outdoor spaces, wood edging offers the perfect solution — and it's one of the easiest ways to add visual interest and boost curb appeal with your landscape edging.
Why Wood Lawn Edging Beats Other Popular Options
The Problem with Plastic Edging
Plastic edging might seem like an easy DIY project at first glance, but it's rarely one of the more durable options for long-term lawn maintenance.
The plastic edging roll available from your big box store or garden center tends to flex and break when hit by a lawn mower.
It breaks down with time, becoming brittle and breaking apart. It's also not the easiest edging to install - shallow trench digging is required.
Metal Edging Limitations
For lawn edging applications, steel edging and metal garden edging are sought after garden materials due to their ability to produce a finished look above-ground while creating an underground barrier between grass roots and planting beds.
But, in addition to the high price tag, there are drawbacks to using metal edging. For example, once installed you can't easily adjust the height or replace damaged sections without redoing entire runs.
Brick, Paver and Stone Challenges
Brick edging and concrete pavers are labor-intensive to install and difficult to maintain. Plus there's a lot of heavy lifting involved.
Keeping your brick pavers border intact often requires regular resetting after freeze-thaw cycles.
Large stones and river rocks can shift over time. Using them for lawn edging leaves gaps that makes maintaining clean lines between lawn and beds difficult.
Rubber Edging Drawbacks
Rubber edging can look artificial and glaringly unnatural in garden settings.
Like plastic edging, rubber edging becomes brittle from UV exposure and can crack or break apart over time.
The Benefits of Wood Lawn Edging
Budget-Friendly Installation
Compared to professional landscaper installation of metal edging, elaborate concrete pours, or cost prohibitive stones, wood edging represents one of the most cost-effective options for lawn edging.
Long-Term Value
The durability and easy maintenance needs of wood make it a good choice and an excellent value. For example, individual boards can be replaced as needed without having to redo your entire edging project.
Low-Maintenance Option
Once established, wood edging requires little maintenance. This is especially true if you choose long lasting wood varieties such as pressure treated lumber or cedar.
Easy to Customize
Wood - especially two-by lumber - is easy to work with with using simple hand tools so cutting it to your exact specifications is a straightforward process.
As well, you can change the look of lumber - paint, stain - to suit your vision. (Try that with plastic or rubber edging options.)
Whether you're going for a rustic look or want something modern and refined, wood is a great option for lawn edging.
📌 All the reasons to consider two-by (2x) lumber
We're sharing 10 solid reasons to use two-by lumber as lawn edging — check out: Best Wood For Landscape Edging? Two-by (2x) Lumber.
The 2xEDGE Method: A Different Approach to Wood Lawn Edging
Instead of following traditional underground barrier methods, the 2xEDGE solution uses an above-ground suppression approach that offers:
- an easy way to install wooden edging, and
- a highly effective way to separate and contain flower beds, garden beds, and paths from lawn areas.
📌 Which lumber will you choose?
For a complete guide on lumber selection and preparation, check out our post: Garden Edging with Two-by (2x) Lumber: The Complete Guide.
How 2xEDGE Lawn Edging Installation Works
Step 1: Prepare the Garden Space
If you're creating a new garden bed, grab your lawn mower, string trimmer (weed wacker), whatever garden tools you prefer using to trim grass and weeds in the bed area down to the ground. You want to get the vegetation as tight to the ground as possible.
Step 2: Position Your Lumber
Lay your 2x lumber (available in various sizes from 2x2 to 2x6) where you want the garden border to exist between your lawn and planting area.
If you're converting an extra tough weedy area into a bed consider using 2x6 lumber (actual dimension: 5.5") for your lawn edging. This will enable you to put about six-inches of mulch over the planting area (step 4 below) which will snuff out any grass or weeds under the mulch, and also will stop any grass or weed seeds from sprouting.
Step 3: Secure with 2xEDGE Staples
2xEDGE offers an excellent way to avoid digging a trench in your outdoor areas.
Simply place the 2xEDGE Staples over your lumber and tap it into place with a rubber mallet.
Step 4: Add Mulch for Suppression
Fill your planting area with mulch up to the top of the lumber.
This creates a light barrier that eliminates unwanted plants naturally by starving them of a primary life driver: sunlight.
📌 All about mulch
Get started on the right foot when working with mulch. It's all in our post: What Does Mulch Do? Basics, Benefits & Best Practices
Ongoing Maintenance
For maintenance, top up mulch as needed. Any grass that appears can be treated like any other weed in a garden bed - simply pull it out.
A benefit of using 2xEDGE Staples - it's easy to remove and reuse the staples and the lumber as needed. You can start out with 2x6 lumber and extra mulch to get rid of weeds and later easily swap in lower profile lumber - 2x2, 2x4 - once your weeds are controlled.
📌 What about cardboard sheet mulching to suppress weeds?
We used to use the cardboard method to smother weeds until we learned the facts about this practice (hint: there are issues!). Read all about it in our post, "Easy & All Wrong! The DIY Cardboard Method In the Garden".
Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Lawn Edging Project
Wood lawn edging made with two-by lumber provides functional good looks that can stand up to everything your lawn maintenance routine can throw at it, from lawn mowers to weed wackers.
Using 2xEDGE gives you the option to choose the two-by lumber that's right for your project. And you have a lot of options to choose from.
We've written an entire post that presents pros, cons, cost comparisons, and tips to help you choose from a variety of wood, composite, and recycled plastic lumber. Check out "The Best Lumber For Garden Edging: Compare Pros & Cons".
📌 About pressure treated lumber
While PTL is a popular option for outdoor use many folks have concerns about its eco-, people, and pet friendliness. We've got answers! "Safety First! Wood Edging With Pressure Treated Lumber".
Two-by Lumber Size Considerations
As indicated in the following chart, different sizes of two-by lumber can be used to achieve different results.
For lawn edging, we suggest 2x4 or 2x6 lumber. Both create a substantial border between planting beds and lawn.
Choosing one over the other comes down to the level of weed suppression required, and aesthetics.
If you're turning a particularly weedy, grassy area into a new garden bed, flower bed, or path, a 2x6 can contain almost 6-inches of mulch which is plenty to deprive unwanted plant life of sunlight. (This is also a good height for a raised garden bed.)
If you don't need the extra layer of mulch or don't want the extra height, 2x4 lumber can be used to create modern looking lawn edging with clean, crisp straight lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does wooden lawn edging last compared to other edging materials?
Wooden lawn edging can last anywhere from 2 to 20+ years, depending on the type of wood used and the conditions its situated in. Untreated softwoods like pine or fir may last 2–4 years, pressure treated wood often lasts 10 years or more, and cedar or redwood can last 15+ years. Other lumbers to consider are composite lumber and recycled plastic lumber which can last decades. For a detailed comparison of lawn edging lumber options check out "The Best Lumber For Garden Edging: Compare Pros & Cons".
What type of wood is best for lawn edging &mdash pressure treated, cedar, or composite?
Choosing the right wood for your lawn edging project depends on your priorities: lifespan, cost, or sustainability. Pressure treated wood rated for ground contact is a durable, pest/rot resistant, easy to obtain, and budget-friendly. (For more on PTL see "Safety First! Wood Edging With Pressure Treated Lumber".) Cedar is a bit more costly than pressure treated lumber but it's a naturally rot-resistant, chemical-free option that is also longer lasting. Many gardeners prefer cedar for applications that will involve growing edible plants nearby. Composite wood edging offers low maintenance and long life, but it's heavier than wood options, more expensive, and can be harder to obtain.
How do you prevent wooden lawn edging from rotting or deteriorating?
To prevent wooden edging from rotting, start by choosing a rot-resistant wood like pressure treated lumber (chemically treated for rot), cedar, or redwood. For added protection, apply a natural wood preservative such as boiled linseed oil or a high-quality exterior wood stain to help repel moisture and slow decay. Proper prep and smart material choices go a long way toward extending the life of your wood lawn edging.
Can wooden lawn edging handle lawn mowers and string trimmers without damage?
When you use substantial materials like two-by lumber (such as 2x4s or 2x6s), wooden lawn edging can stand up well to lawn mowers and string trimmers. Pressure treated or naturally durable wood like cedar adds extra strength, making it less prone to nicks or splintering. Done right, wood edging can create a solid, mow-friendly border that holds up season after season.
How do you install wooden lawn edging without digging trenches?
You can install wooden lawn edging without digging a trench by using surface-level installation methods and anchoring hardware like 2xEDGE Staples. Start with two-by lumber (like 2x4s or 2x6s), clear the grass and weeds where the boards will sit. Position the boards and secure them by tapping the staples into place. Installation is fast and simple to do and the wood lasts longer because the staples leave it intact - no screws or nails are used.
What's the cost difference between wooden lawn edging and metal or plastic alternatives?
Wooden lawn edging — especially if you use pressure treated lumber &mdash is more affordable than metal edging and cost-competitive with plastic and rubber options. On average, pressure treated lumber costs $1–$3 per linear foot, while steel edging can run $4–$8+ per foot, and premium plastic or composite edging falls somewhere in between. With wood, you also get flexibility in design and the option to customize length and shape without expensive connectors. It's a budget- and DIY-friendly option with a natural look that rivals more costly materials. (More info on costs: "Landscape Edging: An Apples-to-Apples Price Comparison".)
Do you need to treat or seal wooden lawn edging, and how often?
If you're using untreated wood for lawn edging, applying a sealant or wood preservative is highly recommended to slow down rot and weathering. Natural options like boiled linseed oil or eco-friendly exterior wood stains work well. They typically need to be reapplied every 1–2 years depending on sun and moisture exposure. Pressure treated lumber and cedar don't require sealing, but some gardeners choose to apply stain for color or extra protection. Regular maintenance can help extend the life and appearance of your wood lawn edging, especially in wet or sunny climates.
How do you join wooden edging pieces together for longer runs?
To create longer sections of wooden lawn edging using 2xEDGE Staples, place your lumber where you want to install it. Butt the ends of two boards together. Install a staple over the butt joint and install staples at each end of the run. This method works with two-by (2x) kynver making it fast and easy to create continuous, seamless wood lawn edging. Complete instructions for 2xEDGE installation are available on our site.
What size lumber (2x4 vs 2x6) should I use for different lawn edging projects?
The best lumber size for lawn edging depends on your project goals. Use 2x2s or 2x4s for low-profile edging around lawns, pathways, or tidy garden beds. They're easy to step over and create a clean, finished look. Choose 2x6s when you want a taller edge to contain maximum mulch or to define raised beds. 2xEDGE Staples can secure two-by lumber up to 2x6 so it really comes down to what you're trying to achieve with your particular lawn edging installation.
So, Now You Know
When you walk into any home improvement store, you'll find countless edging options, but none combine the natural beauty, durability, and installation simplicity of 2x lumber and 2xEDGE Staples.
This approach to wooden lawn edging lets you easily create the clean straight borders that will make your landscape look professionally designed. Bonus: with the 2xEDGE solution you'll effectively eliminate weeds and grass where you don't want them, prevent weed growth from occurring in the future, and you won't break the bank on edging materials.
Skip the regular bricks that shift - wait, I meant the bricks that shift on the regular!, concrete edging that cracks, or plastic edging that breaks down. Wood lawn edging with 2xEDGE offers helps you to enhance your landscape without the headaches. You'll create a natural border that complements your native plants, stands up to real-world use, and ages beautifully over time.
2xEDGE makes easy installation a reality. No need for expensive lawn edging tools or complex techniques—just simple, effective edging that works for any size of your garden. DIYers can make short work of an attractive professional-looking lawn edging installation using minimal tools.
Enjoy the confidence that comes from choosing a lawn edging solution that actually works in the long term!
Happy gardening — and Happy 2xEDGE-ing!
Related Links You Might Like🎁
Garden Edging with Two-by (2x) Lumber: The Complete Guide
Easy & All Wrong! The DIY Cardboard Method In the Garden
DIY Garden Edging Ideas Made Simple With 2xEDGE
10 Reasons To Choose 2xEDGE (Hint: It's Better By Design)