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Best Artificial Grass Edging Options

Aug 26, 2025 | Artificial Grass

Artificial grass offers many low-maintenance benefits for homeowners and stays green and pristine through the seasons with very little care—but only with professional installation.

Part of the installation process after ground preparation is adding the edging or borders to artificial turf. This is an essential step not only for appearance but also for the stability and the long-term integrity of the space.

The best artificial grass edging options prevent the turf from shifting, create clean lines in the yard, and improve aesthetics. They are the “finishing touch” to professional installations.

When the DFW Turf Solutions team installs artificial grass, we look after the edging options but it helps to know what these options are and how to choose the right one for your yard.

Artificial Grass Edging Options

Artificial Grass Edging Options

When you install artificial turf, the main options for edging are timber, composite, plastic bender board, stone, concrete, brick, metal, concrete gravel board, paving, and railway sleepers. Your choice will usually need to balance the preferred design aesthetic with practical considerations like budget.

Synthetic grass edging is examined in more detail below, with a closer look at why it matters and each edging option available…

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Why Edging Matters for Artificial Grass

Artificial grass without proper edging looks untidy and the area may suffer from slippage, creasing, and many of the other “nasties” that affect cheaper, unprofessional installations.

Adding appropriate edging to the installation has several major benefits:

Prevents Aggregates From Shifting

One of the primary reasons for edging artificial grass is to contain on all sides the aggregates used in the ground preparation work under the turf. This will help prevent subsidence of the sub-base layer.

Man leveling compacted gravel base in shaded backyard area, preparing ground for artificial grass installation near a large tree.

Keeps Grass Securely in Place

Edging also helps to “anchor” or secure the perimeter of the artificial grass installation, keeping the turf in place and preventing lifting or “shifting” (which can affect some sub-standard installations).

Gloved hands securing artificial grass with metal staples and edging on compacted gravel base using tools for precise installation.

Enhances Overall Appearance and Defines Boundaries

Installations with edging look better because they provide clear lines with a structural border, adding to the overall aesthetics and beauty of the space. Think of edging as “framing the masterpiece”.

Backyard putting green made of artificial grass, bordered by flower beds, with a luxury house and patio in the background.

Prevents Weeds and Other Garden Materials From Creeping in

Weeds rarely grow through artificial grass but they can appear from the infill or from the borders, where they can infiltrate the synthetic turf and create a problem for homeowners. Edging helps keep the weeds out, along with other garden materials such as soil, mulch or pea gravel.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Installation

Most professionally installed synthetic grass installations should comfortably last 10-15 years with a little love and attention. Proper edging may even help synthetic turf lawns surpass the minimum expectations to still look great 20 years later.

Artificial grass strips between stone pavers in landscaped yard with flowers, shrubs, and modern outdoor seating.

Remember, an over-zealous dog, boisterous kids or other heavy foot traffic can easily result in the edges of installations lifting without properly secured edging.

Best Artificial Grass Edging Options

Let’s now look at the main artificial grass edging options available for homeowners.

Timber/Wooden Edging

For a natural aesthetic that blends in with your existing garden, consider adding treated wood edging to your artificial grass installation. 

Pressure-treated timber is a popular option that works well with residential synthetic lawns in most settings. It is more durable than standard timber when it comes to resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect infestation.

Close-up of artificial grass bordered by stained timber edging in a backyard with gravel and wooden fence.

Main Pros of Timber:

  • Easy to install
  • Cost-effective
  • Excellent for straight lines
  • Plentiful options for design, style, color, etc.

Main Cons of Timber:

  • Eventually rots over time
  • Less durable than some other options
  • May be inflexible for curved installations

Plastic Bender Board Edging

The main benefit of bender board for artificial grass edging is that it is highly flexible and can bend easily around curved turf areas, whether lawns, kids’ play areas or backyard putting greens.

Polyboard is a type of recycled plastic bender board that looks very similar to redwood and is both durable and UV-resistant. Other types of bender board are available in different colors, so it’s easy to add variety to your yard with the edging. 

Shaded backyard with artificial grass and black plastic bender board edging, bordered by decorative gray rocks and trees.

Main Pros of Plastic Bender Board:

  • Affordable
  • Flexible and versatile for use on curved areas 

Main Cons of Plastic Bender Board:

  • May not provide the aesthetic you want
  • Less sturdy than some other options

Metal Edging (Aluminum or Steel)

For a sleek, modern look in your yard, aluminum or steel edging might be an option for your artificial grass area.

Treated metal edging provides a different design aesthetic with excellent strength and durability for the harsh climates we experience in much of the South.

Close-up of artificial grass bordered by a curved metal edge, separating the turf from surrounding brown wood mulch.

Main Pros of Metal:

  • Long-lasting
  • Resistant to rot and pests
  • May be usable on curved installations

Main Cons of Metal:

  • Higher cost than timber
  • May be more difficult to install than other options
  • Can be more difficult to fix the edges of the turf

Concrete or Brick Edging

Concrete or brick creates a highly durable, permanent, structured edge that can suit some design preferences in backyards with artificial grass. 

This type of hardscape edging is often used with existing driveways, patios, or other structures. Alternatively, you can install a concrete edge purely as a border for a synthetic lawn area that sees high traffic and heavy wear and tear.

Artificial lawn bordered by a smooth concrete edge, separating the grass from flower beds and landscaping near a pool area.

Main Pros of Concrete or Brick:

  • Extremely durable
  • Provides a polished and permanent structure
  • Can be shaped to curved installations

Main Cons of Concrete or Brick:

  • More labor-intensive
  • Cost may be higher than other options
  • More challenging to secure the perimeters of the turf
  • May be safety concerns with children’s play areas

Composite Edging

Composite material is a mixture of recycled materials, such as wood fiber and durable plastics. It is often used for patios, fencing, and other yard structures because of its high durability and aesthetic appeal (often closely resembling wood).

Composite requires no treatment, unlike many timber structures, which makes it a great choice for edging as well as other low-maintenance backyard landscaping ideas.

Artificial grass with neat composite edging separating the turf from mulch on one side and concrete pavement on the other.

Main Pros of Composite:

  • Highly durable (no cracking or fading)
  • Made of recycled materials 
  • Weather and insect-resistant (doesn’t rot)
  • Multiple colors available

Main Cons of Composite:

  • Much pricier than timber
  • Not usually flexible enough to use on curves

Natural Stone Edging

If you’re after a high-end, decorative option for your artificial grass edging, stone may be the right choice. 

In professionally landscaped backyards, especially, stone adds style and elegance, blending in with the surroundings and beautifying the space—not to mention its high durability.

Artificial grass pathway bordered by stacked stone edging and vibrant garden flowers in a landscaped backyard.

Main Pros of Natural Stone:

  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Durability

Main Cons of Natural Stone:

  • More expensive than other options
  • Skilled installation required

Concrete Gravel Board Edging

Concrete gravel boards are heavy-duty, steel-reinforced concrete slabs usually placed horizontally at the base of a fence. 

They can double up as a robust artificial grass edging option and are particularly useful for areas with potential soil movement or on flat areas where you want to run the artificial grass up to the fence.

Artificial grass neatly installed along a wooden fence with a concrete gravel board as the edging.

Main Pros of Concrete Gravel Boards:

  • Solid and durable solution
  • Suitable for slopes
  • Can use existing structures

Main Cons of Concrete Gravel Boards:

  • May be expensive
  • Not usually  the most attractive edging option
  • Adds complexity to replacing the fence

Paving Stone Edging

Stone or brick paving slabs can form the edges of your artificial grass installation or you can use an existing patio or stone pathway in your backyard to retain the sub-base material.

The stone pavers should be elevated above the top level of the grass for an effective edging solution. A professional installation team can advise if this is a good option for your yard but it’s best avoided if you have pets or heavy usage, as the turf’s perimeters are more difficult to secure and the edges may lift.

Concrete stepping stones set in artificial grass beside a stone house and neatly trimmed hedges.

Main Pros of Paving:

  • Can use existing yard features
  • Elegant, high-class, and attractive option
  • Durable

Main Cons of Paving:

  • May be costly if new paving is required
  • Potential instability from shifting pavers
  • More difficult to fix the turf perimeters (better for light foot traffic)
  • May be safety concerns with kids’ play areas

Railway Sleeper Edging

Railroad sleepers are thicker, more substantial versions of timber edging for artificial grass installations, helping to restrain the sub-base material and provide a suitable anchoring point for the perimeter of the turf.

They provide strength and raise the border of the synthetic grass installation for a more prominent edge and a more interesting design aesthetic for some homeowners. However, they should be pressure-treated to protect from the elements.

Artificial grass bordered by rustic wooden railway sleepers forming a raised edge in a sunny yard.

Main Pros of Sleepers:

  • Natural, rustic aesthetic
  • Strong and sturdy
  • Raised edges

Main Cons of Sleepers:

  • May need to be fixed in place with concrete
  • May be more expensive than other options
  • May require pressure treatment to prevent damage over time

Factors to Consider When Selecting Edging

If you work with the DFW Turf team on your synthetic turf installation, you can discuss the best edging options at the time of requesting a quote.

You’ll need to consider the following factors:

  • Budget: The cost differences between the different options outlined.
  • Aesthetic: The edging that best achieves the design you’re after for your space.
  • Durability: The option that stands up best to the climate and expected wear and tear.
  • Ease of Installation: If you’re opting for DIY, which is inadvisable with artificial grass installations, you may want an easy-to-install edging option.
  • Flexibility: The shape of your artificial grass installation will dictate whether you need curves or straight edges.
  • Flat or sloped space: If your artificial grass area is sloped, you may choose a more robust edging to withstand the different forces at play.
Artificial grass on a sloped backyard bordered by a white picket fence with sunset shadows and a small patio set.

FAQs

Yes, with professional installations, the cost of artificial grass indicated on your quotation should include the edging professionally installed.

Professional artificial grass installation, including the edging, is recommended. The ground must be prepared properly beneath the turf, and everything must be level and securely held in place, with stakes or fasteners for added strength. Drainage considerations are also important when installing artificial grass—usually requiring the skills of a seasoned pro. 

It is certainly possible to install artificial grass without edging but it is inadvisable. Not only will it look untidy; you are also risking the long-term integrity of the artificial grass area, which might suffer from sagging or shifting and other garden materials may start to “invade” the area.

Modern backyard with artificial grass, stone steps, stacked stone walls, and a black bowl planter on a raised platform.

Give Your Yard the Edge…

Whether you choose timber, composite, stone, brick, metal, plastic or another artificial grass edging option, hiring professionals will provide the peace of mind that your installation will stand the test of time, as well as look the part.

Speak to our experienced team of turf professionals to discuss your artificial turf edging options. We’ve helped homeowners enjoy low-maintenance, landscaped yard areas for well over a decade…

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