Landscape edging typically costs $3-$18 per linear foot installed, with many homeowners paying $400-$1,800 for a 100-foot project. Material, site preparation, edging height, labor, and whether old borders need removal have the largest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed edging | $3 per linear ft | $9 per linear ft | $18 per linear ft | Common residential materials and installation |
| 100-foot project | $300 | $900 | $1,800 | Basic to detailed installation |
| DIY materials | $1 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | Varies by material and product grade |
Installed edging prices for a 100-foot yard
For a straightforward 100-foot border, installed landscape edging generally runs $300-$1,800, with an average near $900. That estimate assumes a typical residential yard, standard access, and no major excavation or drainage work. Plastic and basic steel tend toward the lower end; brick, stone, and poured concrete can reach the upper end.
A practical planning range is $6-$12 per linear foot for a standard professional installation. Short projects may cost more per foot because contractors often apply a minimum service charge. Curved beds, corners, slope, and high-end finishes can increase the total.
Assumptions: 100 linear feet, ordinary soil, standard materials, and normal access; regional labor and taxes may change the estimate.
What labor and edging materials add to the quote
Quotes may combine materials and labor or list them separately. For a typical installation, labor covers layout, trenching, cutting, setting, and cleanup. The table gives broad installed-price components; each contractor may allocate overhead and equipment differently.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Common scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1 per linear ft | $4 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | Plastic through stone or concrete |
| Labor | $2 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | $10 per linear ft | Layout, trenching, and placement |
| Equipment and supplies | $25 | $100 | $300 | Cutting tools, stakes, base material |
| Removal and disposal | $1 per linear ft | $3 per linear ft | $7 per linear ft | Old edging and associated debris |
| Minimum job charge | $150 | $300 | $600 | Small or remote projects |
Labor commonly accounts for a substantial share of the installed bill. At $50-$100 per crew hour, a two-person crew might need 4-10 hours for 100 feet, depending on material, soil, and layout.
Material choice and border height change the rate
Plastic edging usually costs about $1-$4 per linear foot for materials and is relatively quick to install. Steel or aluminum often runs $3-$10 per foot for materials, while brick, natural stone, and concrete commonly cost $5-$20 or more per foot before installation. Product dimensions and local availability affect these ranges.
Deeper, heavier edging usually requires more excavation and handling. A 2-3-inch flexible border can be simpler than a 6-8-inch stone or concrete edge. Curves also take longer than straight runs, and tight bends may require additional cuts or specialized products.
Site conditions create another price step. Rocky soil, tree roots, steep grades, buried utilities, or narrow access can add roughly $1-$5 per linear foot or more. Projects that need a trench deeper than 6 inches may require extra labor and disposal compared with shallow installation.
Compare plastic, metal, brick, and stone edging
Material selection changes both the upfront budget and installation effort. Plastic is a lower-cost choice for simple garden borders, while metal provides a thinner, more rigid line. Brick and stone create a substantial border but require a stable base and more placement time.
| Material | Materials per linear ft | Installed per linear ft | Price considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $1-$4 | $3-$8 | Flexible; may need replacement sooner |
| Steel or aluminum | $3-$10 | $5-$15 | Durable, with finish and thickness affecting price |
| Brick | $4-$12 | $10-$25 | Base preparation and pattern affect labor |
| Natural stone | $5-$20 | $12-$35 | Stone type, size, and weight drive the quote |
| Poured concrete | $4-$12 | $12-$30 | Forms, color, and curves add work |
Compare installed prices rather than material prices alone. A low-cost product may need more stakes, cutting, or replacement, while masonry often costs more initially because its base and setting work are more involved.
How 50-, 100-, and 200-foot projects price out
Small borders often have a higher per-foot rate because setup and travel costs are spread over fewer feet. A 50-foot basic plastic installation might total $250-$600, while a 100-foot mixed-material job may land around $600-$1,500. Two hundred feet of standard edging could cost $1,000-$3,000, depending on material and site conditions.
Length alone does not determine the total. A straight 200-foot run can cost less per foot than a 50-foot project with tight curves, several corners, or difficult digging. Ask for measurements by bed or border so different quotes cover the same scope.
Removal, trenching, and yard access can add charges
Removing existing edging may add $1-$7 per linear foot, depending on whether it is plastic, buried metal, masonry, or concrete. Hauling away soil or broken material may add $50-$300. Contractors may also charge for extra grading, root removal, or installing a compacted base under brick and stone.
Confirm whether the estimate includes excavation, cleanup, and disposal. A quote that excludes those tasks can appear cheaper while leaving costs for later. Mark known irrigation lines and utility locations before work begins, and clarify who handles damage or required utility marking.
Regional labor rates shift edging prices by location
Installed rates in lower-cost rural markets may run about 10%-20% below a national-style estimate, while major metro areas and high-cost coastal markets may be 15%-35% higher. Dense neighborhoods can add travel, parking, and access time; local stone or brick availability can offset some material expense.
Compare at least three local quotes using the same footage and material specification. Ask whether the price includes sales tax, delivery, disposal, and a defined border depth. Regional percentages are planning adjustments, not guaranteed surcharges; contractor demand and project access also matter.
Reduce the edging bill by controlling scope
Keeping the border straight, limiting corners, and choosing a consistent material can reduce cutting and installation time. Homeowners can measure and mark the intended line, move loose mulch, and clear movable garden items, while leaving excavation and utility-sensitive work to the installer when appropriate.
Prioritize durable edging where foot traffic or mower contact is frequent. A less expensive material may suit a low-traffic flower bed, while a driveway edge may justify a sturdier product. Replacing only failed sections can cost less than removing sound edging, provided the existing material and appearance can be matched.
Request itemized estimates for materials, labor, removal, and add-ons. Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may improve availability, but weather and regional landscaping seasons affect timing. Avoid paying for decorative upgrades unless they address a specific durability or design need.