Aluminum Edging: Types, Benefits, and How to Choose
What aluminum edging is, why it lasts, and how to choose the right profile
Aluminum edging is a thin, durable metal border used to separate landscape areas, retain pavers, and create clean lines between turf, beds, and hardscapes. Unlike plastic, aluminum edging resists rust, will not become brittle in the sun, and holds a crisp edge for decades. Permaloc is one of the most widely specified brands of commercial-grade aluminum edging, with a line for nearly every application.
What is aluminum edging?
It is sometimes misspelled alluminum edging, but it refers to this same metal border.
Aluminum edging (also written aluminium edging) is a strip of aluminum, usually 1/8 or 3/16 inch thick, installed on edge and held with stakes to form a border. Because it is aluminum, it will not rust like steel or crack like plastic, and it can be bent into smooth curves or held dead-straight. People search for it many ways, edge aluminum, edging aluminum, aluminum border edging, but they all describe the same idea: a long-lasting metal edge restraint.
Why choose aluminum over plastic or steel
- Will not rust: aluminum does not corrode the way steel edging does.
- Will not get brittle: unlike plastic, it does not crack or heave in sun and frost over time.
- Holds a crisp line: it keeps a clean, professional edge year after year.
- Flexible or rigid: thinner gauges curve easily, thicker gauges run straight and strong.
- Recyclable: aluminum is a sustainable, recyclable material.
Gauges, depths, and finishes
Most Permaloc landscape lines come in two aluminum thicknesses and several depths and finishes, so you can match flexibility and appearance to the job:
- 1/8 inch (3.2mm): more flexible, ideal for tight curves and curvilinear beds.
- 3/16 inch (4.8mm): stiffer, better for long straight runs and heavier commercial use.
- Depths commonly range from 3 inches up to 5.5 inches on the landscape lines, with CleanLine XL going to 12 inches.
- Finishes: Mill (natural aluminum), Black, Green, and Bronze DuraFlex (a baked-on color coating), and Black Anodized.
The Permaloc aluminum edging lines
Permaloc makes a complete family of commercial-grade aluminum edgings, each tuned to a different job:
- CleanLine: the versatile landscape edging for planting beds, walkways, and curved or straight runs.
- CleanLine XL: an extra-deep, heavy-duty version (5 to 12 inch depths) for raised beds and demanding commercial sites.
- ProLine: a classic L-shaped 4 inch profile for clean separation between turf and beds.
- ProSlide and ProSlide LT: edgings with an interlocking slide connector, so sections join without separate splice plates.
- PermaStrip: a paver and hardscape restraint in 3.5 to 6 inch depths.
- StructurEdge: a low-profile paver restraint (1-5/8 to 2-1/4 inch) that disappears below the surface.
- Asphalt Edging: an L-shaped restraint that anchors under asphalt pathways.
- AthletEdge: a restraint engineered for running tracks and athletic surfaces.
- GeoEdge: a deep anchor profile for synthetic turf and geo applications.
Where aluminum edging is used
Aluminum edging is used to edge planting beds, separate lawn from mulch or gravel, restrain pavers and hardscapes, line walkways and jogging trails, and border synthetic turf and athletic surfaces. The right line and gauge depend on whether the run is curved or straight and how much traffic or restraint the edge must handle.
Not sure which product fits your site? Use the Permaloc Aluminum Edging Selector, our free interactive tool under the Resources menu, to answer a few plain-language questions and get matched to the right Permaloc edging line, gauge, depth, and finish for your project.
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The full Permaloc aluminum edging range, with free shipping on all orders.
Shop Permaloc Aluminum EdgingUse the Edging SelectorFrequently Asked Questions
What is aluminum edging?
Aluminum edging is a thin, durable metal border, usually 1/8 or 3/16 inch thick, installed on edge and held with stakes to separate landscape areas, retain pavers, and create clean lines between turf, beds, and hardscapes. It resists rust and will not become brittle like plastic.
Is aluminum edging better than plastic edging?
For longevity, yes. Aluminum will not rust like steel or crack and heave like plastic in sun and frost, and it holds a crisp line for decades. Plastic can be cheaper up front but typically does not last as long or look as clean.
What thickness of aluminum edging should I use?
Permaloc landscape edging comes in 1/8 inch (3.2mm), which is more flexible and ideal for curves, and 3/16 inch (4.8mm), which is stiffer and better for long straight runs and heavier commercial use.
What finishes does aluminum edging come in?
Common finishes include Mill (natural aluminum), Black, Green, and Bronze DuraFlex (a baked-on color coating), and Black Anodized, so the edge can blend in or provide a crisp visual line.
Where is aluminum edging used?
It is used to edge planting beds, separate lawn from mulch or gravel, restrain pavers and hardscapes, line walkways and trails, and border synthetic turf and athletic surfaces.