Understanding the true cost of garden edging involves more than just comparing product prices. Installation requirements, tools, lifespan, and maintenance all affect the total investment. This comprehensive cost guide breaks down expenses for every major edging type, helping you budget accurately and avoid surprises. All prices reflect typical Australian costs in 2026, though regional variations do occur.
Quick Cost Comparison
Before diving into details, here's a high-level comparison of material costs per linear metre (supply only, excluding installation):
- Budget Plastic: $2-8
- Premium Plastic: $8-20
- Recycled Rubber: $12-25
- Galvanised Steel: $15-35
- Corten Steel: $25-50
- Treated Pine Sleepers: $15-30
- Hardwood Timber: $40-80
- Concrete Edging: $20-40
- Natural Stone: $30-100+
Remember that these are material costs only. Installation, tools, and preparation add to the total project cost.
Plastic Edging Costs
Plastic edging offers the lowest entry point for garden borders, making it popular for budget-conscious projects and renters who can't invest heavily in a property.
Budget Plastic ($2-8/m)
Basic plastic edging strips and rolls fall at the lower end of the price spectrum. These products are lightweight, easy to install, and readily available at hardware stores. However, they typically last only 3-7 years, especially in sunny positions, so factor in replacement costs when budgeting long-term.
Additional costs include stakes or pins (often sold separately), around $0.50-1 each. A typical garden might need one stake every 600mm, adding $1-2 per metre to material costs.
Premium and Recycled Plastic ($8-20/m)
Higher-quality plastic edging, including UV-stabilised products and recycled plastic options, costs more but lasts longer. These products may last 10-15 years, providing better long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
Total Project Cost Example
A typical front garden might require 20 metres of edging. Budget plastic project cost would be: materials $60-160, stakes $20-40, no specialist tools required, DIY installation in half a day. Total: approximately $80-200.
Steel Edging Costs
Steel represents the middle-to-premium end of the market, offering excellent durability that justifies higher upfront investment.
Galvanised Steel ($15-35/m)
Galvanised steel edging is the most popular metal option. Prices vary based on gauge (thickness) and height. Thicker, taller edging costs more but provides greater durability and more substantial borders.
Additional costs include stakes (typically $1-2 each, one every 600mm-1m), connector pieces for joining sections ($3-8 each), and corner brackets if needed ($5-15 each).
Corten Steel ($25-50/m)
Corten (weathering) steel commands a premium for its distinctive rusted appearance. The price difference over galvanised steel is primarily aesthetic—both offer similar durability. Corten makes sense when you specifically want the oxidised appearance.
Steel's 20+ year lifespan means it often costs less per year than cheaper alternatives that need frequent replacement. A $500 steel installation lasting 25 years costs $20/year. Budget plastic at $150 replaced every 5 years costs $30/year.
Tools and Installation
DIY steel installation may require purchasing or hiring an angle grinder with metal cutting discs for cuts (purchase $60-150, hire $30-50/day), a rubber mallet ($15-30), and a spirit level ($20-50). If you don't own these tools, factor in either purchase cost (if you'll use them again) or hire cost.
Total Project Cost Example
For 20 metres of galvanised steel edging: materials $300-700, stakes and connectors $40-80, tools (if needed) $50-150, DIY installation over a weekend. Total: approximately $400-930.
Timber Edging Costs
Timber costs vary dramatically based on species and whether you're using edging boards or sleepers.
Treated Pine ($15-30/m)
Treated pine is the most affordable timber option. Costs include the timber itself plus fixings (screws, brackets, or stakes). Treated pine requires less maintenance than untreated timber but still needs periodic re-sealing or re-staining.
Hardwood Timber ($40-80/m)
Australian hardwoods like spotted gum, merbau, and jarrah cost more upfront but last longer with less maintenance. The premium is justified if you want the natural beauty of quality timber without the intensive maintenance of softwood.
Sleepers
Genuine recycled railway sleepers vary wildly in price ($30-100+ each) depending on condition and availability. New garden sleepers are more consistent at $40-100 each for standard sizes. Sleepers create bold borders but require significant installation effort and often machinery to position heavy pieces.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Don't forget maintenance when budgeting for timber. Annual or biennial treatment with oil or stain costs approximately $30-50 per 10 metres in materials, plus your time. Over 10 years, maintenance costs may approach the original material cost.
Stone and Concrete Edging Costs
Stone and concrete represent premium options with premium durability, but also premium installation requirements.
Concrete Edging ($20-40/m)
Precast concrete edging blocks and sleepers offer stone-like durability at lower cost than natural stone. They're heavy, requiring proper base preparation and often machinery for installation of large pieces.
Natural Stone ($30-100+/m)
Natural stone prices vary enormously based on stone type, size, and quality. Local stone is generally more affordable than imported options. Sandstone, bluestone, and granite are popular choices in Australian gardens.
Beyond material costs, natural stone often requires professional installation due to weight and the skill needed for attractive laying. Professional installation adds $50-100+ per metre.
Stone and concrete edging may require site access for machinery, skip bin hire for excavated soil, base preparation with compacted gravel, and possibly engineering for retaining applications. These can add significantly to project costs.
Installation Costs: DIY vs Professional
Installation significantly impacts total project cost. Understanding when DIY makes sense—and when professional help is worthwhile—helps you budget accurately.
DIY Installation
Most plastic and steel edging is designed for DIY installation. Your main costs are your time and any tools you need to purchase or hire. For straightforward projects with good access, DIY is usually the cost-effective choice.
DIY is less advisable for heavy materials (stone sleepers, large stones), complex designs with many curves or levels, sites with access difficulties, or situations where soil conditions are challenging (reactive clay, rocky ground).
Professional Installation
Professional landscaper rates typically range from $50-100 per hour, though pricing is often quoted per metre or per project rather than hourly. For garden edging, expect to pay $20-50 per metre for plastic or steel installation, $40-80 per metre for timber sleepers, and $60-150+ per metre for stone work.
Professional installation makes sense when the time saved justifies the cost, when you lack necessary tools or skills, when materials are too heavy to handle safely, when the design is complex, or when quality is critical (front gardens, high-visibility areas).
Calculating Your Project Cost
To budget accurately for your project, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure your perimeter. Walk around your planned edging line with a measuring tape or wheel. Add up total metres needed, then add 10-15% for waste and cuts.
Step 2: Choose your material. Consider appearance, durability, maintenance, and your DIY confidence. Use the cost ranges above to estimate material costs.
Step 3: Add accessories. Stakes, connectors, corner pieces, and any base materials (gravel, sand) required.
Step 4: Factor in tools. If you need to purchase or hire tools, add these costs. Consider whether you'll use purchased tools again for other projects.
Step 5: Decide on installation. If DIY, value your time and factor in any helpers you might need. If professional, get quotes from two or three landscapers.
Step 6: Consider long-term costs. For timber, add maintenance costs over your intended ownership period. For short-lived materials, add replacement costs.
Budget-Saving Tips
Stretch your edging budget further with these strategies:
- Buy in bulk: Most suppliers offer discounts for larger quantities
- Time your purchase: End-of-season sales (autumn) often discount landscaping materials
- Consider recycled materials: Recycled plastic and rubber offer good value and environmental benefits
- Do preparation yourself: Even if using a professional installer, doing your own digging and preparation reduces labour costs
- Invest in quality for permanent installations: Spending more upfront on durable materials saves money long-term
- Borrow tools: Check if friends, neighbours, or local tool libraries have tools you need
Sample Project Budgets
Budget Project (50m perimeter)
Recycled plastic edging, DIY installation: Materials $300-400, stakes $50-80, no specialist tools needed. Total: $350-480.
Mid-Range Project (50m perimeter)
Galvanised steel edging, DIY installation: Materials $750-1,500, accessories $100-150, tools $100 (purchase). Total: $950-1,750.
Premium Project (50m perimeter)
Natural stone edging, professional installation: Materials $1,500-4,000, base preparation $300-500, professional installation $2,500-5,000. Total: $4,300-9,500.
These examples illustrate the enormous range possible in garden edging projects. The right budget depends entirely on your priorities, property, and circumstances. Use this guide to create a realistic budget for your specific situation, and don't forget to get multiple quotes if using professional installers.