Gravel driveway edging, kerbs and borders

Edging for gravel driveways: block, brick, concrete kerb, steel and timber options compared, how they are set and typical UK prices per metre.

In short: Gravel driveway edging is the restraint that holds the stones and sub-base in place and gives clean lines next to lawns, beds, paths and boundaries. Common options are block or brick set in concrete, concrete kerbs, steel edging and treated timber. In the UK, edging typically costs £20 to £120 per linear metre installed depending on material.

Get a free quote

Fixed price, no obligation. We aim to reply the same day.

Gravel driveway edging, kerbs and borders

Without edging, gravel spreads into lawns and borders, the sub-base slumps at the sides and the drive loses its shape. Good edging is set on and haunched with concrete so car wheels running along it do not push it over. It should sit slightly above the finished gravel level, typically by around 10mm to 20mm, so it actually holds the stone back, while staying low enough not to be a trip hazard.

The choice of edging is mostly about looks, budget and how much load it takes. Block and brick suit most homes and match paving; concrete kerbs are the toughest option where wheels run along the edge; steel gives a crisp modern line and works well on curves; and treated timber suits rural and cottage settings but has a shorter life than masonry or metal.

What is included

Setting out of straight and curved edge lines
Trench excavation for the edging bed
Concrete bed and haunching to hold each unit in place
Block, brick, kerb, steel or timber edging set to line and level
Edging at thresholds, path junctions and the pavement boundary
Neat cuts and corners around gateposts, steps and ironworks

Who it is for

New gravel drives that need a firm perimeter
Existing drives where gravel spills into lawns and beds
Drives that meet a pavement and need a neat threshold
Curved or sweeping drives that need flexible steel edging
Owners wanting a contrasting border in block or brick

How much does it cost?

As a guide, gravel drive edging in the UK usually costs from around £20 per metre for timber, roughly £35 to £80 per metre for block, brick or concrete kerb, and up to around £120 per metre for premium steel or natural stone. See our full cost guide.

How it works

How gravel driveway edging, kerbs and borders works, step by step

Agree the material and line

The edging type, height and route are agreed, including where it meets paths, lawns and the boundary.

Dig and lay the bed

A shallow trench is dug and a concrete bed laid at the right depth for the edging units.

Set and haunch

Edging is set to a string line and level, then backed with concrete haunching for strength.

Cure and backfill

The concrete is left to go off before the sub-base and gravel are brought up against the edge.

Gravel driveway edging, kerbs and borders: FAQs

What is the best edging for a gravel driveway?

Where cars drive close to the edge, block paving or concrete kerbs set on and haunched with concrete are the most robust. Steel edging is strong and neat but needs to be a heavy-duty product and properly staked for vehicle areas. Timber is the cheapest and suits informal settings but eventually rots, even when treated, so expect to replace it sooner.

How high should edging be above the gravel?

Typically around 10mm to 20mm above the finished gravel level. That is enough to hold the stones back and stop them spreading without creating a step that people trip over or that catches tyres. At pavements, the edge detail should be agreed with the highway authority if it affects the crossover.

Can edging be added to an existing gravel drive?

Yes. The gravel is pulled back along the line of the new edge, a trench is dug through the gravel and sub-base, and the edging is set on concrete. Once it has cured, the gravel is raked back and topped up where needed. It is a common fix for drives where stone keeps migrating into lawns.

Does edging stop gravel going onto the pavement?

It helps, but on its own it is rarely enough where cars drive in and out over the boundary. Tyres carry stones over a low edge. The common solutions are a strip of block paving or another bound surface for the first metre or so inside the boundary, gravel grids in that area, or both.