If you’re already deep into a paving project, it can be tempting to skimp on what you might consider ‘extras’, such as edging. Sure, edging pavers makes them look neat and attractive, but is paver edging really a necessity, or is it just something you can leave out if money, time or space are tight? Well, as it turns out, paver edging is a vital part of your paving project. Here’s why you shouldn’t leave it out.
Paving is a system
A paving project looks like it is composed of a number of individual elements, but each paver is part of a system that supports and holds the pavers together. The paving ‘system’ is comprised of:
- The pavers
- The base
- Bedding sand
- Joint sand
- Edging
Each part of the system is necessary, and the whole interlocking system is designed to function effectively only if every part of the system is doing its job. The base, sand products and edging provide necessary support to the pavers, and help preserve the lock-in effect that prevents pavers from moving. Edging is designed to hold the paver system together by maintaining a solid and immovable pavement surface. It’s really the edging, rather than the pavers themselves, that ensure that the paved surface provides solid and secure footing.
Why paver edging is necessary
Without edging, pavers can be prone to movement and spreading caused by the effect of foot or vehicle traffic on the surface. Over time, unrestrained pavers will slowly creep out of their allotted space and into the surrounding area, thereby destroying the integrity of the paving. Without edging, pavers can spread, sink, lift or shift out of place. And clearly, this is not ideal. Paver edging locks the pavers in place, allowing them to stay secure and safe over a long period of time.
What happens when you don’t install paver edging?
Edging is a crucial part of the paver installation process, and is one of the most important aspects in creating a long-lasting paved surface. This is because moving pavers can cause:
- Gaps in the pavement that look unsightly and unprofessional
- A tripping hazard
- Spaces for weeds and moss to take hold and grow
- The degeneration of the paved area if left unchecked over a long period of time
If you allow pavers to move around for too long, the damage can become extensive. Not only will your paved area not look or perform as you expected, it will also be expensive to repair, or completely re-pave.
Properly install your paver edging
All these problems can occur even after you’ve installed edging – if you fail to install it properly. Poorly-installed edging can fail, leaving you with shifting and unstable pavers. Make sure you follow instructions to the letter, or get professional help to install your pavers and edging properly. You can find an in-depth look at how to install pavers and edging correctly here.
Keep in mind that edging needs to be installed around all perimeters of the paved surface, unless the paving will be in contact with a solid surface already in place, such as a wall or driveway edge.
Correctly installed paver edging will help your paved area stay in good, attractive and usable condition for much longer. Paver edging is very important and needs to be done properly. Don’t skimp on edging your pavers, as it will only lead to problems. A little bit of time, effort and expense at the start will prevent a lot more time, effort and expense being wasted in the long run.