Stone landscape edging is installed by marking the border, digging a shallow trench, adding a compacted gravel base, setting the stones level, and backfilling to lock them in.
The job is straightforward: you dig a trench, add a stable base, set the stones, and tamp everything tight.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather the materials and tools first, so you aren’t stopping mid-trench to find a mallet. You’ll need your edging stones, landscape stakes and string (or spray paint), a shovel, a garden rake, a long level (4-foot is ideal), a rubber mallet, a hand tamper, and base material — either sharp sand or ¾-inch crushed gravel. For curved borders, add a flexible garden hose or rope to lay out the shape. If you’re still choosing between stone types, our roundup of the best lawn edging rocks covers size, shape, and what holds up in freeze-thaw climates.
Marking and Digging the Trench
Mark the border first: drive stakes at each end, run a string line for straight edges, or use spray paint for curves. Dig the trench about 2 to 5 inches deep, depending on your stone height and how much of the stone you want visible above grade. Remove all weeds, roots, rocks, and debris from the trench, then level and tamp the bottom firmly with a hand tamper. For curved borders, keep the trench slightly wider than the stones — this extra room lets you pivot them without gaps.
Adding the Base and Setting the Stones
Spread 1 to 2 inches of sharp sand or a few inches of crushed gravel into the trench, then compact it with your tamper. Start placing the stones from one end, setting them side by side in the base. Check level in both directions after every three or four stones — front-to-back and side-to-side. Tap high stones down with the rubber mallet; add a little sand under low ones. Work slowly on curves, stepping back frequently to check the alignment from multiple angles.
Backfilling and Finishing the Edge
Once every stone is level and aligned, backfill both sides with loose soil. Pack it firmly against the stones with your hands or the back of a rake, then tamp the soil to remove air pockets. Optionally, lay landscape fabric behind the stones before backfilling to suppress weeds — this works best when paired with mulch on the garden side of the border.
Typical Stone Edging Dimensions
| Step | Recommended Dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trench depth | 2–5 inches | Depends on stone height and desired reveal above grade |
| Sand base depth | 1–2 inches | Compact firmly before seating stones |
| Gravel base depth | 2–3 inches | Use crushed gravel where drainage matters |
| Stone reveal above grade | 1–3 inches | Lower reveal means deeper trench |
| Backfill width on each side | 2–4 inches | Tamp thoroughly to prevent shifting |
FAQs
Can I set edging stones directly on dirt without a base?
How do I cut a stone to fit a tight gap?
Should I mortar my stone edging or leave it dry-set?
References & Sources
- Lowe’s. “How to Create a Border Using Edging Stones” Covers layout, trench depth, base compaction, and stone placement procedure.