Short answer
For a stone edge that stays put, use stones about 3 inches thick and at least 4 inches wide (University of Illinois Extension; Hunker says at least 4 inches wide, thick and long), set in a shallow trench on about 1 inch of sand or a concrete base. Set stones tight together so grass has fewer gaps to creep through. Material runs about $3 to $21.50 per linear foot (LawnStarter). For a lighter, cheaper look-alike, stone-look concrete or plastic sections are sold too.
Types of stone edging
"Edging stones" covers several quite different materials:
- Natural flat stone: flagstone, limestone, sandstone or bluestone pieces stood on edge or laid flat. Formal or rustic depending on how it is cut.
- Fieldstone and boulders: rounded rocks laid in a row or stacked low. The most natural look and often free if you have them.
- River rock border: a band of loose round stone, usually held by a hidden edge on each side. More a border than an edge.
- Precast concrete edgers: molded concrete blocks that imitate stone or scalloped shapes. See concrete curb edging.
- Stone-look plastic: light molded sections with a stone face, staked into the ground.
How big the stones should be
Edging stone size guidance
| Source | Size guidance |
|---|---|
| University of Illinois Extension | About 3 in thick and at least 4 in wide |
| Hunker | At least 4 in wide, thick and long |
Small stones get kicked out of line, pushed by mowers and lifted by frost. Heavier pieces stay where you set them. For a mow strip that wheels can ride on, lay flat stones at lawn level instead of standing them up.
The base: sand under every stone
Illinois Extension says to set brick or stone on a sand or concrete base. Gertens suggests a trench deep enough for the edger plus 1 inch of sand. The sand lets you tap each stone level, drains water away, and keeps the stones from rocking. In wet or heavy clay soils, a layer of compacted gravel under the sand drains better still.
Types of stone edging to buy
-
01Most natural
Natural flat stone
Best for: cottage and naturalistic beds, mow strips laid flat
- Size
- 3 in thick, 4 in wide or more
- Base
- About 1 in sand
- Labor
- Heavy
- Lasts as long as the stone does
- Gaps let grass creep through
- Buy from a local stone yard by the ton or pallet
-
02Light
Stone-look plastic sections
Best for: fast DIY borders where the look matters more than weight
- Height
- About 4 in (example listing)
- Install
- Stakes
- Weight
- Light
- Example: EMSCO Stoneside, listed as 10 ft of stone-look edging about 4 in tall with stakes (listing claim)
- No sand base needed
- Reads as plastic up close
-
03Middle ground
Precast concrete edgers
Best for: tidy, uniform borders that look like cut stone
- Material
- Molded concrete
- Base
- Sand
- Look
- Stone, scalloped or block
- More uniform than natural stone
- Heavy enough to stay put on a good base
- More in concrete curb edging
-
04Classic
Brick border
Best for: formal beds and paths
- Unit
- Standard brick
- Base
- Sand
- Layouts
- On end, angled, flat
- Even, repeatable look
- Use well-fired brick
- Full guide: brick edging
How to install stone edging
- Call 811 and mark the line with a hose and paint.
- Dig the trench as wide as the stones and deep enough for about one third to one half of each stone plus 1 inch of sand.
- Add sand and level it. Spread the sand, wet it and tamp it flat.
- Set the stones tight. Bed each stone into the sand, tap it with a rubber mallet, and butt it against the last one. Check the top line with a level or a string.
- Backfill. Pack soil against both sides and sweep sand or fine soil into the joints.
What you need
General method for every material: how to install landscape edging.
Cost
LawnStarter puts stone edging at about $3 to $21.50 per linear foot in material, the widest range of any edging, with pro labor about $1.50 to $10 per foot. Hunker puts natural stone at about $12 to $18 per foot. Fieldstone you already have costs only your time. See landscape edging cost.
Keeping grass out of stone edging
Gaps between stones are the weak point. Set stones tight, fill joints with sand, and if grass keeps creeping through, bury a strip of plastic or steel edging on the lawn side of the stones. More ideas in lawn edging and landscape edging ideas.
Questions people ask
What size stones are best for edging?
University of Illinois Extension suggests stone about 3 inches thick and at least 4 inches wide. Hunker says natural stone edging should be at least 4 inches wide, thick and long. Bigger stones are heavier and sit more firmly.
Do edging stones need a base?
Yes. Illinois Extension says to set brick or stone on a sand or concrete base. Gertens suggests a trench deep enough for the edger plus 1 inch of sand. The sand lets you level each stone and helps it drain.
Will grass grow through stone edging?
Grass creeps through the gaps between stones. Set them tight, and consider a buried strip of plastic or steel edging behind the stones on the lawn side, or trim along the stones regularly.
How much does stone edging cost?
LawnStarter puts stone at about $3 to $21.50 per linear foot in material, a wide range because of the many types. Hunker puts natural stone at about $12 to $18 per foot. Fieldstone you collect yourself costs only the labor.
Is stone-look edging worth it?
It is lighter and faster to install than real stone, and often cheaper. Molded concrete looks closest to stone; plastic stone-look sections are the lightest. Up close, both read as imitation.
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension, Bed edges (Rhonda Ferree, 2015)
- Hunker, The best types of landscape edging
- Gertens, Edging options beyond vinyl (garden center guide)
- EMSCO Stoneside lawn edging listing (Tractor Supply)
- Call 811, Know what is below (national call-before-you-dig line)
- LawnStarter, How much does landscape edging cost? (updated December 27, 2025)
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Products, sizes and listings change; check the product details before you buy, call 811 before you dig, and follow the maker’s instructions.