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The type of lumber you use can make a big difference in aesthetics, durability, and longevity of your garden edging.
Here's an overview of common and popular two-by (2x) lumber options compared on a variety of points, from cost to eco-friendliness to longevity.
Most of these lumber types are easy to find at home improvement stores (eg., Home Depot, Lowes) as well as your local hardware stores and lumber yards. Check out our comprehensive guide to using two-by lumber as garden edging for more ideas about where to source lumber.
Lumber Comparison At a Glance
| Pine - Untreated | Pressure Treated Pine | Cedar | Redwood | Composite Wood | Recycled Plastic | |
| Resists Insects | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Resists Decay | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contains Manmade Materials | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Requires Maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Life Span (Years) | 5-10 | 10 to 15 | 15-20 | 20-25 | 25-30 | 50+ |
| Cost: 8' 2x4 | $3-$5 | $5-$8 | $10-$15 | $15-$20 | $20-$30 | $30-$40 |
| Cost: 8' 2x6 | $5-$8 | $8-$12 | $15-$20 | $20-$25 | $30-$40 | $40-$50 |
| Available at big box stores | Yes | Yes | Yes | Geo limited | Not likely | Not likely |
Untreated Pine Lumber
Untreated pine is the least expensive option for wood garden edging in this comparison.
While pressure treated pine rated for ground contact is more commonly used in outdoor projects, untreated pine is definitely an option to consider.
You can find untreated pine lumber pretty much everywhere. You may already have a stick or two in your garage!
The biggest drawback to using untreated pine in outdoor applications such as landscape edging is its susceptibility to decay and insect damage.
You can extend its useful life by treating or coating the wood with a sealer, sealer and stain in one, or painting it with exterior-grade paint. There are also natural sealing options such as linseed oil.
Doing your own wood sealing supplies the benefit of knowing what your wood is treated with.
Where to Buy Untreated Pine Lumber
Untreated pine can easily be found at big box stores, franchise and locally owned hardware stores, and lumber yards.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Untreated Pine Lumber
- 2x4: $3 to $5
- 2x6: $5 to $8
Useful Life of Untreated Pine Lumber
If untreated, approximately 2-4 years. If you seal it you'll likely add years of useful life. How many will depend on the sealer you choose.
Pros & Cons of Using Untreated Pine Lumber as Garden Edging
- Pros: Affordable, readily available, light weight and easy to work with.
- Cons: Susceptible to decay and insect damage if not treated. May require regular maintenance.
Pressure Treated Pine Lumber
Pressure treated pine is a versatile option for landscape edging.
It's a common choice for outdoor projects because it's affordable - costing just a few dollars more per piece than untreated pine - and it's easy to obtain.
This lumber is treated to resist decay and insect damage, but it's not waterproof.
When you buy pressure treated pine it will likely feel wet due to the chemical process it's been through. It's recommended that you seal the lumber once it has thoroughly dried.
Where to Buy Pressure Treated Pine Lumber
Pressure treated pine is easy to find at big box stores, franchise and locally owned hardware stores, and lumber yards.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Pressure Treated Pine Lumber
- 2x4: $5 to $8
- 2x6: $8 to $12
Useful Life of Pressure Treated Pine Lumber
Approximately 10-15 years.
Pros & Cons of Using Pressure Treated Pine Lumber as Garden Edging
- Pros: Affordable, readily available, and treated to resist decay and insects.
- Cons: Contains man-made chemicals, needs regular maintenance, and may warp or split over time.
Cedar Lumber
Cedar is a beautiful wood with a reddish tone, known for its natural resistance to decay and bugs. It's lightweight, easy to work with, and it smells great.
It is a more costly edging option. Using cedar can double the cost of your edging project versus using pressure treated lumber and untreated pine. On the other hand, it can last twice as long.
While it's carried at big box stores cedar can be harder to find than pine options.
Here's an idea: in recent years big box stores have carried cedar-stained pressure treated lumber. It competes with cedar on looks, but is easier on the pocket book.
Where to Buy Cedar Lumber
Cedar lumber can typically be found at big box stores and specialty lumber yards. Your local hardware store might carry it.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Cedar Lumber
- 2x4: $10 to $15
- 2x6: $15 to $20
Useful Life of Cedar Lumber
Approximately 15-20 years.
Pros & Cons of Using Cedar Lumber as Garden Edging
- Pros: Naturally resistant to decay, lightweight, and has a pleasing aroma.
- Cons: Typically more expensive than pine options and may require sealing to maintain color.
Redwood Lumber
Redwood is prized for its rich, attractive color and natural resistance to decay. It also resists insects.
Like cedar it's a lightweight wood with a smooth finish.
It's typically more expensive than cedar and it's not as readily available. It's more bound to specific regions where it's harvested, such as the Pacific Northwest.
Redwood's durability and beauty make it a favorite among homeowners looking for a high-end option for their outdoor projects.
Where to Buy Redwood Lumber
Redwood lumber is commonly available at specialty lumber yards, and possibly available at big box and hardware stores in regions where redwood is prevalent.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Redwood Lumber
- 2x4: $15 to $20
- 2x6: $20 to $25
Useful Life of Redwood Lumber
Approximately 20-25 years.
Pros & Cons of Using Redwood Lumber as Garden Edging
- Pros: Naturally resistant to decay, lightweight, and has a rich, attractive color.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to other options and typically less readily available except in regions where it is harvested.
Composite Wood Lumber
Composite wood is a blend of natural wood fibers and resin. It's a man-made product that is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting choice for landscape edging.
It's a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lumber used in exterior projects such as pine, cedar, and redwood.
Composite wood's most attractive feature is arguably its longevity. It can last decades. It's not uncommon to get 25 to 30 years of useful life out of it.
Of course, there's a give and take when it comes to longevity as it's prone to fading over time.
It comes in various colors and textures, giving you some customization options to match your outdoor aesthetic.
Where to Buy Composite Wood Lumber
Big box stores sometimes carry composite wood in 2x dimensions, but it's more likely that you'll need to special order it. You can also find it through manufacturer sites online but note that shipping can be costly as you'll likely need to pay freight for 8-foot or longer lengths.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Composite Wood
- 2x4: $20 to $30
- 2x6: $30 to $40
Useful Life of Composite Wood
Approximately 25 to 30 years.
Pros & Cons of Using Composite Wood as Garden Edging
- Pros: Low maintenance, durable, lasts for decades, and available in various colors and textures.
- Cons: Can be more expensive upfront, may fade over time, and limited in size options. Also can be costly to have delivered.
Recycled Plastic Lumber
It might be hard to wrap your mind around any plastic being environmentally friendly.
But recycled plastic lumber is eco-friendly in that, to make it, manufacturers recover plastic that would otherwise end up in a landfill or our waterways or other places we don't want it. They then process it into lumber that can be used in a variety of applications and can last for 5 or more decades!
Recycling in this way reduces the demand for virgin plastic and minimizes environmental impact.
Recycled plastic lumber is durable (lasts 50+ years!), resistant to rot and insects, and available in various sizes and colors.
The biggest drawback is it's cost. This is the most expensive type of lumber in this comparison.
It's also not easy to find at big box stores (but you can special order it), hardware stores, or lumber yards. You'll likely have to order it online and have it delivered or shipped.
A manufacturer's tip: If possible, order lumber at 90-inches or less in length (an 8-foot board is 96-inches). At 90 or less inches, you can have lumber shipped by UPS, FedEx or other carriers which will cost far less than freight.
Where to Buy Recycled Plastic Lumber
Recycled plastic lumber can be special ordered at some big box stores - check online. You can also buy direct from manufacturers and distributors online.
Approximate Cost for 8-feet of Recycled Plastic Lumber
- 2x4: $30 to $40
- 2x6: $40 to $50
Useful Life of Recycled Plastic Lumber
Approximately 50+ years.
Pros & Cons of Using Recycled Plastic Lumber as Garden Edging
- Pros: Environmentally friendly, durable, and resistant to rot and insects.
- Cons: Costly in terms of price and shipping. Shipping times can add days/weeks to your project. It's a much heavier material than natural wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lumber are best for landscape edging?
Lumber made from real wood is easy to obtain, requiring a simple trip to your local big box or hardware store. If you want to use actual wood as landscape edging, cedar and redwood are popular choices due to their natural resistance to decay and insects. Pressure treated lumber is another good wood option that can rival the lifespan of cedar at less cost. But it relies on chemicals for insect and rot resistance which is something to know and consider.
How does pressure-treated lumber compare to untreated lumber for garden edging?
Pressure-treated lumber (PTL) is made from pine, a soft wood that has been treated with chemicals. The chemicals make it rot and pest resistant which leads to a longer useful life than untreated pine. If you have concerns about using lumber that's full of chemicals in your garden there are ways to extend the life of untreated pine lumber such as sealing, staining or painting it.
What are the pros and cons of using composite lumber for garden edging?
Composite lumber is a manmade product created from sawdust, wood fibers, and resin. It is low-maintenance, durable, and long lasting due to its resistance to rot and insects. However, it can be harder to source and more expensive than natural wood. It also can look less natural than real wood.
How do I choose the right lumber size for my landscape edging project?
When deciding on the size of the lumber you'll use for landscape edging, consider the goal of your project and your desired aesthetic. If you aim to build up your soil, use lumber that provides a taller edge (eg., 2x6 lumber rather than 2x4) to contain more compost and mulch. If your garden design requires a high level of definition around garden beds or along paths, a taller lumber will create a more pronounced border. Conversely, smaller lumber sizes will offer a more subtle edge.
So, Now You Know
Who knew there were so many options to choose from when it comes to landscape edging?
I hope that this has been helpful to you. If you have questions about which lumber to choose for your 2xEDGE project, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Wondering how many 2xEDGE Staples you need for your landscape edging project? Check out our calculator and example projects.
Photo Credit📸
Photos included in this article were taken by 2xEDGE and are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.
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