Steel Landscape Edging: Is It Durable?
Landscape edging is like a really good pair of jeans. They fit well, look good with everything and don’t require a lot of maintenance like dry cleaning or ironing. Steel landscape edging streamlines your yard, keeps landscaping elements in place, there’s little to no maintenance.
And like the perfect pair of boot leg Levi’s, steel landscape edging offers levels of durability you can’t find in other materials. In fact, durability is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re choosing landscape edging. (Some would say it’s the most important factor in jeans, too!)
What Do We Mean by Durability?
Durability can mean different things for different materials, in different situations. For example, a durable sweater means it can withstand repeated wear and washing machine cycles. A washing machine’s durability is based on repeated washing cycling without breaking or requiring maintenance.
When we talk about durability in reference to steel, we mean think about 2 main components:
- Is it able to exist for a long time without significant lessening in quality or value?
- Is it able to exist for a long time without unexpected maintenance?
When we talk about steel durability, we mean that you can largely set it and forget it. Durable steel landscape edging will function as they’re designed to, flexing without breaking during installation. They retain their quality and value for a long time. They also do their job well without losing function or requiring unexpected maintenance.
Why Do We Want Durability in Steel Landscape Edging?
Almost all landscape edging looks great immediately after you install it. Durable edging keeps looking clean and impeccable as time goes by. It also continues to serve its purpose of separating garden areas, preventing roots from migrating, containing mulch and keeping pebbles in place. If you don’t use durable steel landscape edging, you could end up having to replace your landscape edging much sooner to maintain your property’s curb appeal.
The right landscape edging is durable enough to:
- Withstand weather and other outdoor elements – Cold causes objects to constrict, while heat makes things expand. Repeated exposure to fluctuating temperatures can cause some weaker landscape border materials to crack. Moisture from precipitation, dew and soil makes natural edging, such as wood, rot.
- Last a long time – Steel is such a durable landscaping material that it could outlast your garden altogether or even your tenure in your home.
- Endure rough activity – You don’t want to have to tiptoe around your garden beds or spend extra time delicately grooming the edges. Steel edging stands up to general wear and tear from lawn equipment, garden tools, and other outdoor appliances.
- Tolerate heavy traffic – Heavily trodden areas, such as gravel driveways and paths, can push against their borders, weakening the edging over time. Steel stays in place and resists ground movements.
Is Steel Edging More Durable Than Other Materials?
Steel durability surpasses that of aluminum, wood and plastic.
Landscape Edging Durability: Steel vs. Aluminum
Aluminum and steel are both metals. However, aluminum is softer than steel. This makes it work well for things like consumer electronics, kitchen utensils and window frames. But aluminum doesn’t possess the same durable properties that steel does. If you run over aluminum with the car or strike it with a shovel, it dents easily. Durable steel landscape edging maintains straight lines and curves. It holds its shape as you work it into the border.
Landscape Edging Durability: Steel vs. Wood
Wood is a natural landscaping material that can provide curb appeal. But it can also be impractical. One of the most frustrating things about wooden borders is that they can rot when exposed to moisture. If you live in an area with high humidity and precipitation, wooden garden accessories can rot more quickly than they would in a dry region.
Landscape Edging Durability: Steel vs. Plastic
Plastic landscape edging is one of the most affordable options. But you get what you pay for. Plastic doesn’t retain a particular shape. While it’s flexible, it may be difficult to maneuver into the curves and corners of your garden. The lightweight nature of plastic also impairs its durability. It shifts easily, lifting up as roots grow below it. Once this happens, grass and roots can creep past the border. Sun and temperature fluctuations also make plastic brittle. Some plastics may even crack when exposed to a weed eater or lawn mower.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for crisp, attractive edging for your landscape, steel is an ideal option that produces excellent results. Look for Colmet steel landscape edging at your local home improvement store or click the button below. Colmet steel landscape edging is available in many different colors and finishes. Ask your store’s associate to help you place a special order if your local store doesn’t carry what you’re looking for.