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Looking to tidy up your lawn, define flower beds, or stop gravel spilling onto the patio? Garden borders and edging are simple upgrades that make a big visual difference. In this guide I’ll walk you through the main types of edging, highlight where to buy them in the UK — including a close look at Buy Sheds Direct and their Forest slatted edging (about 3 ft 11 in per panel) 3 pack — and share practical tips for installing and maintaining your borders so they last season after season.
Edging is more than a neat line between lawn and bed — it’s the finishing touch that makes a garden look considered. Good borders keep grass from creeping into planting beds, stop mulch and stones wandering where they shouldn’t, and create crisp lines that make small spaces seem ordered and larger. Think of edging as the frame around a painting: it draws the eye and makes everything inside it pop. Plus, it can save you hours of maintenance by reducing the need for aggressive strimming or constant weeding along borders.
There’s a huge range of edging products on the market, and the best choice depends on how you use the area, your budget, and the look you want. Broadly speaking you’ll find natural materials like wood and stone, practical metals, and low-cost plastics and composites. Each has pros and cons for durability, installation and aesthetics — and I’ll break those down so you can decide which suits your garden.
Timber edging, including slatted options like the Forest slatted edging, is popular because it looks warm and blends well with plants. Wooden slatted edging creates a soft, natural border ideal for cottage gardens or rustic spaces. If you choose timber, look for pressure-treated or rot-resistant species to get the best lifespan. Expect the look to weather over time unless you oil or stain it — which can also be a design choice if you like a silvered patina.
Metal edging, usually galvanised steel or corten, gives a sleek modern line and excellent longevity. It’s great for formal beds, lawn edges and pathways because the clean edge prevents grass from creeping over. Installation can be more permanent and may require cutting or specialist fixings, but metal is virtually maintenance-free once in place and handles heavy wear very well.
For a budget-friendly and quick-to-install choice, plastic edging or recycled composite is worth considering. These products often come as flexible rolls or spike-in profiles and are especially useful for curved beds. While they won’t have the premium feel of timber or metal, modern composites can mimic wood grain and resist rot, making them a sensible low-maintenance option for many gardens.
One specific product to consider is the Forest slatted edging sold at Buy Sheds Direct, offered as a set of three panels that each measure roughly 3 ft 11 in. This slatted style is attractive if you want a defined but airy border that won’t block sightlines or drainage. With three panels together you’re getting nearly 12 ft of edging in total, which is handy for lining a medium-sized flower bed or creating a long, low border along a path. If you like to DIY, these slatted panels are usually straightforward to stake in place and can be trimmed to fit corners or curves with basic tools.
In the UK there are plenty of places to pick up edging, from big home improvement chains to specialist garden retailers. Prices, stock and delivery options vary, so it’s worth comparing a few sources depending on whether you want same-day pickup or are planning a larger landscaping project.
B&Q is a go-to for many gardeners because of its wide range: timber, metal, stone-effect and plastic options are usually in stock. They offer ready-made panels and flexible edging rolls for curved borders, plus pots and planting accessories to match. If you want the convenience of online ordering with in-store collection, B&Q is a dependable choice. Look out for seasonal promotions where you can bag edging at a reduced price.
Wickes caters well to homeowners and tradespeople, with a solid selection of durable edging products. Their metal and timber ranges tend to be robust and aimed at longer-lasting installations. Wickes also supplies landscaping sleepers and paving that pair nicely with edging if you’re tackling larger projects such as raised beds or pathways. If durability is your priority, Wickes is worth a visit.
Homebase offers practical garden solutions and often stocks decorative borders, flexible edging and affordable timber profiles. Screwfix is another option if you want heavy-duty, trade-quality materials — they’re particularly strong on metal edging, fixings and landscaping tools. Both are useful if you’re buying tools and materials in one go and planning a weekend installation.
For specialist trade supplies check Travis Perkins, especially if you need large volumes or longer lengths of timber and metal. Wilko is surprisingly handy for budget-friendly plastic and small decorative borders, while Argos sometimes carries easy-fit edging packs and decorative sets that are ideal for small gardens or planters. Comparing these retailers will help you balance price, quality and convenience.
Choosing the right edging comes down to three simple questions: what look do you want, how permanent does it need to be, and how much maintenance can you tolerate? If you want a formal, low-maintenance border choose metal; for a softer, natural feel pick timber; and for irregular curves or budget projects consider plastic. Also think about drainage, frost and local soil conditions — metal and composite handle wet ground better than untreated softwood, for instance. Finally, match the height of the edging to your practical needs: a short 2 in profile keeps mulch tidy, while a taller 6 in profile is better for stopping soil movement and containing gravel.
Installing edging doesn’t need to be intimidating. First, mark your desired line with string and pegs — this gives you a straight or smoothly curved guide. For timber or metal, dig a shallow trench about half the height of your edging so most of the material sits firmly in the ground, improving stability. Use a spirit level as you go to keep things even. If you’re using slatted panels like the Forest slatted edging, stake them in with timber stakes every few feet and backfill with soil or gravel to lock them in. For heavy-duty metal edging, drive in galvanised stakes and consider a mortar bed for a truly permanent installation. Finish by tamping the soil and trimming any excess material for a neat, planted look.
Don’t treat edging as purely functional — it’s a design tool. Use low timber around herb beds to create a raised effect that’s easy to harvest from. Metal edging looks stunning when paired with minimalist gravel or a modern patio. For cottage gardens, try slatted timber paired with swathes of perennials spilling over the edge. For a playful route, use short, decorative borders in alternating colours to define a children’s play area. Mixing materials can also work: a stone path edged with timber adds texture contrast, while composite edging beside a lawn gives a contemporary, low-maintenance finish.
Maintenance needs depend on material. Timber will benefit from treatment every couple of years to prevent rot unless you choose naturally durable wood. Metal edging normally needs little care, though corten will develop a rust-like finish intentionally and galvanised steel should be checked occasionally for dents. Plastic and composites may fade over time but rarely need repair. Keep joints and stakes checked after heavy weather, and remove weeds growing between edging and lawn edges to maintain that crisp line. With sensible upkeep, many edging solutions will give you years of tidy borders without big effort.
Measure your border length before buying — pace out the area or use a tape and convert the total into feet and inches. Remember to add a little extra for cutting errors and overlaps; I usually add about 10 percent to my measurements as a safety margin. Pricing varies widely: simple plastic rolls and short decorative borders are the cheapest per foot, timber mid-range, and metal or stone the most expensive. Factor in the cost of stakes, nails or screws, and any tools you might need. If you’re hiring a contractor, get multiple quotes and ask for a breakdown of materials versus labour so you can decide whether it’s a job you want to take on yourself.
Before you start digging, make a checklist: measure twice, order or pick up enough edging allowing that 10 percent extra, get the right fixings for the material, and charge your tools. If your garden has underground services, call the local utility locator before you dig. Wear gloves when handling metal or pressure-treated timber, and have a helper for long runs to keep lines straight. With good preparation you’ll save time and end up with a professional-looking finish that makes your garden sing.
Whether you pick a ready-made slatted set from Buy Sheds Direct or mix and match materials from B&Q, Wickes and other UK suppliers, garden edging is a small investment that brings immediate reward. The key is choosing the right material for your use, measuring carefully, and installing with patience — and the results will be a garden that looks sharper and is easier to care for.
| Garden Borders & Edging | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Slatted Edging 1.2m 3 Pack | £ 56,99 | |
| Timber Lawn Edging 60cm 2pk | £ 69,99 | |
| Timber Lawn Edging 90cm 2pk | £ 74,99 |
