Artificial turf looks flat and unfinished without proper edging—those borders and transitions define the entire installation and prevent creep, settling, and a DIY appearance. The right edging solution protects your investment while creating clean lines that make your synthetic lawn look professional and built to last. We'll walk you through the most practical options available so you know exactly what fits your budget and landscape.
Why Edging Matters for Artificial Turf
Edging does more than aesthetics. It anchors turf in place, prevents grass blades from rolling inward or fraying at the perimeter, and creates a finished transition to hardscape, soil, or garden beds. Without proper borders, artificial turf shifts over time—especially in high-traffic areas—and looks cheap. Quality edging also reduces maintenance headaches by containing infill materials and blocking weeds from creeping under the edges.
Metal Edging: The Durable Standard
Metal borders, typically aluminum or galvanized steel, are the most common choice for artificial turf installations. Aluminum is lightweight, won't rust, and costs $1.50–$4 per linear foot installed. Steel is heavier and cheaper but requires galvanizing to resist rust; expect $0.80–$2.50 per foot.
Metal edging comes in different heights—usually 2 to 4 inches—and either straight or curved profiles. The taller the edge, the more turf shift it prevents. Most contractors recommend a 3-inch aluminum edging for residential applications as it balances containment, visibility, and cost. Installation involves staking the edging into the ground and securing turf to the lip with adhesive or fasteners.
Plastic and Composite Borders
Plastic edging is the budget option, running $0.50–$1.50 per linear foot. It's lightweight, easy to install yourself, and comes in multiple colors. The tradeoff: plastic degrades under UV exposure over 5–7 years and doesn't provide the same structural support as metal. Composite borders (a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers) last longer and look more natural but cost $2–$3 per foot—closer to metal pricing with less durability.
Best use case: Plastic works for temporary installations, small garden beds, or budget renovations. For a permanent, high-use lawn, metal is worth the modest premium.
Landscape Edging Alternatives
Some homeowners skip traditional borders entirely and use:
- Concrete curbing: Poured concrete creates a permanent, seamless edge. Cost runs $8–$15 per linear foot installed. It takes 3–7 days to cure and requires professional installation, but it's nearly indestructible and looks built-in.
- Wood borders: Pressure-treated wood, cedar, or composite decking can frame turf areas. Prices range $2–$6 per foot depending on material grade. Wood requires sealing and eventual replacement (typically every 7–10 years).
- Stone and pavers: Granite curbs, slate edges, or flagstone create a high-end finish ($5–$12+ per foot). These are ideal if you're matching adjacent pathways or garden edging.
Installation & Labor Costs
If you're hiring professionals, edging installation typically runs $3–$8 per linear foot installed—meaning the material plus labor combined. A 100-foot perimeter might cost $300–$800 depending on material choice and site conditions (trees, slopes, or hardscape corners increase complexity).
Most contractors include edging in the full turf installation package, so get separate quotes to understand the breakdown. Installation usually takes 1–2 days for a residential yard. If you're doing it yourself, expect a weekend project for a small lawn and the ability to save 40–50% on labor.
What to Look for When Comparing Options
Consider these factors before choosing edging:
- Climate: Metal doesn't warp; plastic can bow in extreme heat. Choose metal for hot climates.
- Permanence: Plan to stay 10+ years? Metal or concrete. Flexible about changes? Plastic is fine.
- Visibility: Do you want edging visible or hidden? Sunken metal or concrete blends in; raised plastic borders stand out.
- Lawn traffic: Heavy-use yards benefit from 3- to 4-inch metal. Light-use borders can handle plastic.
When comparing providers, Mercoly helps you find and evaluate trusted artificial turf installers in your area, compare their edging options and pricing, and read reviews from customers in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install edging myself, or do I need a professional? Metal edging requires accurate stakes and proper adhesive bonding; plastic is DIY-friendly if you're comfortable digging straight lines and using fasteners. Most homeowners benefit from professional installation to ensure clean lines and proper turf anchoring.
Q: How long does artificial turf edging last? Aluminum and galvanized steel last 15+ years; plastic degrades in 5–7 years; concrete is permanent; wood typically lasts 7–10 years before rot or weathering requires replacement.
Q: Does edging prevent weeds from growing under the turf? No—edging prevents turf from creeping outward and contains infill, but you still need a weed barrier (geotextile fabric) underneath to block soil weeds. Edging is a containment layer, not a weed preventative.
Get multiple quotes from local artificial turf providers to compare edging options and find the right fit for your budget and yard.