Gravel Drive Edging

Gravel driveways can be standard gray stones, or you can brighten your landscape with decorative gravel.


A gravel driveway allows you to add color and texture to your landscape, and it creates a softer look than asphalt. Gravel driveways, however, require some type of edging to keep the stones from washing away and to prevent them from spilling onto your lawn and walkways. There are several options in terms of materials. The best choice depends on how durable you need the edging to be and whether you want to create a natural look.

Brick Edging

A brick edge along your driveway not only holds the gravel in, but it can tie the driveway into your home’s exterior if you choose a color that matches or complements the color of your siding. If your home is made with brick, choose a similar brick for the edging. When laying the brick edging, stack the bricks at least two high, so the edge is high enough to hold in the gravel, or you can go higher so that the edging becomes a landscape feature.

Wood Edging

Edging your driveway in landscape timbers or railroad ties adds a natural element to your landscape. The warmth of wood edging creates an appealing contrast with gravel, and you can stain or paint the timbers to match the rest of your landscape. Wood edging, however, works best with driveways that are relatively straight because it’s difficult to create curves. Create a low edge along the length or step the timbers from bottom to top so the edge increases in height as you reach the top of the driveway.

Concrete Curbs or Pavers

Concrete pavers are available in a range of colors, shapes and sizes, so you can customize your driveway edge so it fits into your landscape design. You can also find pavers stamped with patterns to add visual interest to your edging material. Another option is to have concrete curbs poured along the edge of your driveway. Curbs make for solid edges that withstand a lot of abuse and can last for years.

Natural Stone

Homeowners have a range of options when choosing natural stone as edging for gravel driveways. For example, cobblestone driveway edges create a traditional charm, while large, stacked river rocks can suit both contemporary and traditional settings. Choose a hard, durable stone such as granite, which comes in colors that range from gray and black to pinks and tans.

Metal or Plastic

Plastic and metal driveway edging products are an inexpensive option, and they can bend to fit curved driveways, but they won’t hold up against the elements as well as stone and wood edging. If the driveway doesn’t get a lot of traffic, however, a plastic or metal edge can have a lot of decorative appeal. These are typically installed below the soil, so that they aren’t seen, but some have decorative elements, such as scalloped edges so you can install them a little higher.

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