Short answer
For wood edging, use landscape timbers or treated 2x4 or 2x6 boards rated for ground contact, or a naturally rot-resistant wood such as cedar. Hold timbers with steel rebar stakes driven through drilled holes and toenail the corners (University of Illinois Extension). Avoid old creosote railroad ties. Treated wood can last a decade or more, per Hunker, but not in constantly wet ground. Material runs about $2.50 to $7 per linear foot (LawnStarter).
Types of wood edging
| Type | What it is | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape timbers | Rough square or round-sided treated lengths | Straight bed borders, low raised beds | Straight runs only; check the treatment rating |
| Treated boards | 2x4, 2x6 or wider boards on edge | Vegetable beds, path edges | Use ground-contact rated lumber |
| Cedar boards or logs | Naturally rot-resistant wood | Untreated beds, natural look | Shorter life than treated wood in wet soil |
| Log roll edging | Short logs or half-logs wired on a roll | Curved beds, cottage look | Wire can rust; logs vary in height |
| Old railroad ties | Heavy creosote-treated ties | Avoid | Illinois Extension advises against old creosote ties |
University of Illinois Extension lists timbers, ties and treated 2x4s as wood edging options, recommends rebar stakes and toenailed corners, and advises avoiding old creosote railroad ties.
Making wood last
Hunker says treated wood edging can last a decade or more, but it is not suited to spots that stay damp. To get the most from any wood:
- Buy ground-contact lumber. Treated wood is graded for above-ground or ground contact; edging needs the second.
- Drain it. A little gravel under and behind the wood keeps it from sitting in wet soil.
- Seal cut ends of treated wood with an end-cut preservative, per the lumber label.
- Use metal fasteners rated for treated wood, such as galvanized or coated screws and nails.
Vegetable growers who prefer untreated wood near crops often choose cedar and accept a shorter life.
Wood edging options
-
01Sturdy
Landscape timbers
Best for: straight borders and low raised beds
- Form
- Long treated timbers
- Anchor
- Rebar through drilled holes
- Curves
- Straight runs only
- Heavy enough to hold soil and mulch
- Toenail or screw the corners
- Use ground-contact treatment
-
02Curves
Log roll edging
Best for: curved cottage beds and woodland borders
- Form
- Logs wired on a roll
- Install
- Shallow trench and stakes
- Look
- Rustic
- Follows gentle curves
- Quick to set in a shallow trench
- Bury the bottom few inches so it stands firm
-
03Untreated
Cedar edging boards
Best for: vegetable beds and untreated gardens
- Wood
- Cedar
- Stakes
- Wood or metal
- Life
- Shorter than treated
- Naturally rot resistant
- Weathers to silver gray
- Lift off the soil with gravel to slow rot
-
04No rot
Rubber mulch-look border
Best for: a wood or mulch look that will not rot
- Material
- Recycled rubber
- Install
- Spikes
- Look
- Mulch or wood texture
- Does not rot or need sealing
- Reads as imitation up close
- Full guide: rubber edging
How to install timber edging
- Call 811 and mark the line with string for straight runs.
- Dig a shallow trench so the timber sits partly below grade on firm, level soil, or on a thin gravel layer for drainage.
- Cut and fit the pieces. Seal cut ends of treated wood.
- Drill and pin. Drill holes through each timber near the ends and every few feet, then drive steel rebar through them into the ground, as Illinois Extension describes. Toenail or screw corners together.
- Backfill both sides and tamp.
What you need
Full steps for other materials: how to install landscape edging.
Cost
LawnStarter puts wood edging at about $2.50 to $7 per linear foot in material, plus about $1.50 to $10 per foot for labor. Hunker quotes treated wood at $5 to $15 per foot. Timbers are usually cheaper per foot than cedar boards. See landscape edging cost.
When wood is the right call
- Vegetable beds and raised beds: easy to build, easy to replace.
- Rustic or woodland gardens: see landscape edging ideas.
- Path edges for wood chip or gravel paths: see garden path edging.
- Wet, shady spots: pick stone or steel instead.
Questions people ask
What wood is best for landscape edging?
Pressure-treated wood rated for ground contact lasts longest in soil. Cedar and similar naturally rot-resistant woods are an untreated option. Untreated pine and spruce rot quickly in contact with damp soil.
Are railroad ties safe for garden edging?
University of Illinois Extension advises avoiding old creosote-treated railroad ties. Creosote can leach into the soil and is unpleasant to handle. Choose landscape timbers or treated boards instead.
How do you secure wood edging?
Drill holes through timbers and drive steel rebar stakes through them into the ground, as Illinois Extension describes, and toenail the corners together. For boards, use wood or metal stakes on the bed side and screw the board to them.
How long does wood edging last?
Hunker says treated wood can last a decade or more, but it is not a good fit for spots that stay wet. Untreated wood rots much sooner. Good drainage behind the edge helps any wood last longer.
Can wood edging curve?
Timbers and boards only make straight runs; build curves from short straight pieces. Log roll edging, short logs wired together on a roll, follows gentle curves. Thin bender board also bends, depending on the product.
Sources
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.