For landscaping, an aluminum straight edge means edging that holds a true, straight line — the crisp, ruler-straight border between turf and beds, along walkways, or around a paver field. Achieving a dead-straight edge calls for the stiffer aluminum gauge, which resists the flexing that makes thinner edging wander. Permaloc's 3/16 inch profiles are built to run straight and stay straight.

Permaloc aluminum edging that holds a clean straight line.

Getting a straight edge with aluminum edging

A straight edge is harder to achieve than a curve, because any flex in the material shows up as a wavy line. The key is gauge: thinner 1/8 inch aluminum is made to bend for curves, while thicker 3/16 inch aluminum is stiff enough to run long and straight without wandering. For crisp straight borders, walkways, and jogging-trail edges, the heavier gauge is the right tool.

How to keep the line straight

• Choose the 3/16 inch gauge for its stiffness on straight runs.
• Use a string line as a guide when setting the edging.
• Stake at proper spacing so the edging cannot bow between stakes.
• Join sections cleanly with splices or, on ProSlide, the interlocking connector for continuous straight runs.

Permaloc ProLine 3/16 inch edging for straight runs.

Gauges, depths, and finishes

• 1/8 inch (3.2mm): more flexible, ideal for tight curves.
• 3/16 inch (4.8mm): stiffer, better for long straight runs and heavier use.
• Depths from 3 to 5.5 inches on landscape lines, up to 12 inches on CleanLine XL.
• Finishes: Mill, Black, Green, and Bronze DuraFlex, and Black Anodized.

Permaloc profiles for straight edges

The 3/16 inch CleanLine and ProLine profiles are the go-to for straight landscape borders. ProSlide adds an interlocking slide connector that joins sections without separate splices, which helps long straight runs stay continuous and aligned. For the stiffest, deepest straight borders, CleanLine XL is the choice.

Where a straight aluminum edge matters

Straight edges define formal beds, walkways, jogging trails, and paver borders — anywhere a crisp, linear look is the design intent. The flexible gauge remains available for the curves elsewhere in the same project.

Frequently Asked Questions