Curb appeal matters, especially when it comes to your home’s exterior. While a fresh coat of paint or new landscaping can spruce things up, don’t overlook the importance of edging your asphalt driveway. A clean border separates the driveway from the lawn, preventing damage and boosting visual interest.
Edging also keeps gravel or mulch contained, minimizing mess. With so many edging options to choose from, you can easily find a material to complement your home’s style and budget. Here are 11 creative edging ideas to transform the look of your asphalt driveway.
Brick
The classic red brick border has enduring visual appeal Laying a brick edge takes time and skill, but the result is a refined, elegant look Brick comes in various warm hues like red, brown, tan, and orange. The color pops against dark asphalt. For a budget take, use reclaimed bricks or clearance bricks rather than new.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers offer texture and slip resistance. They come in a diverse range of sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors, allowing for customization. Pair square pavers with a geometric garden or smooth pavers for a modern vibe. The modular pieces make a concrete paver edge relatively easy to install.
Colored Concrete
For a seamless, minimalist look, coat the asphalt driveway edges with colored concrete Use a concrete color that complements the asphalt rather than perfectly matching it The contrast creates definition without a hard border. Consider a nature-inspired hue like light green or slate blue.
Gravel
Gravel offers an affordable, fuss-free edging solution. Use pea gravel for small texture or crushed gravel for bolder texture. The loose material won’t prevent grass encroachment, so expect to do occasional maintenance trimming. Refresh the gravel every couple years as needed when it starts getting thin.
Landscaping
Soften the driveway edge with plants or flowers. Choose hardy plants that can withstand being alongside asphalt and protect them from gravel spray. Evergreens like boxwood or grasses like liriope create lush year-round edging. For seasonal interest, petunias, marigolds, impatiens and other annuals flower profusely in beds bordering the driveway.
Lawn
For a minimalist look, simply use the lawn itself to create a living border adjacent to the driveway Establish a mulch or rock bed around 6-12 inches wide between the asphalt and grass. Maintain it with an [edging tool](https //wwwamazon.com/garde… soft, clean lines.
Railroad Ties
Reclaimed railroad ties bring a rugged, natural vibe. Their weathered wood texture contrasts with the sleek asphalt. Railroad ties are inexpensive and install with basic tools. Over time, the untreated wood will deteriorate. Expect to replace railroad tie edging every 5-10 years.
Retaining Wall Blocks
Retaining wall blocks in stone, concrete, or brick create a structured border. They prevent erosion and keep gravel or mulch contained. The blocks stack vertically, eliminating the need for trenching. Use blocks with an angled or rounded front to soften the edges.
Rocks
For organic texture, line the driveway perimeter with rocks. Use locally sourced stones for an earthy, naturalistic look. Large rocks make a bolder statement, while pea gravel offers subtle definition. Keep rocks contained with landscape edging or concrete borders. Avoid smooth, rounded stones that can scatter.
Rubber
Flexible recycled rubber mats install quickly to make a safe, maintenance-free border. They come in earthy neutrals like black, brown, and tan. Rubber withstands weather and won’t crack, fade, or require replacement. Use rubber edging to line curved or irregularly shaped driveways.
Steel
Corrosion-resistant steel makes a durable, long-lasting edging. Steel borders come as easy-to-install strips. Opt for a neutral galvanized or black finish to complement your home. Use short metal garden stakes to hold the flexible edging strips in place.
The right edging keeps your asphalt driveway looking pristine and contained. It should also complement your home’s exterior style, whether you prefer an ornate brick border or simple gravel margin. Consider the climate in your area, choosing materials that can withstand freeze/thaw cycles. With routine care, quality driveway edging can last for years to come.
Enhancing Curb Appeal with Edging for Your Asphalt Driveway
To protect the edges of your asphalt driveway from damage, you should add edging. This is also a chance to improve the look of your home from the street and make it look better overall. You can make a beautiful entrance to your home that stands out from the others by carefully choosing the right edging materials and designs. Lets explore how adding edging to your asphalt driveway can significantly boost its curb appeal.
Metal Strip Edging
Pros:
- Sleek Design: Metal strips have a modern, simple look that goes well with modern driveway designs.
- Easy Installation: They’re pretty simple to set up, requiring only a small amount of digging and work.
- Durability: Metal strips don’t rust, corrosion, or weather, so they will work for a long time.
Cons:
- Metal strips may not offer as much height or containment as other types of edging, which makes them less effective at keeping vehicles from getting damaged.
- Maintenance: Over time, metal strips may need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to get rid of dirt and keep it from building up.
- Cost: Metal strips are cheaper than concrete curbs, but they still need to be installed and the materials need to be bought.
22 Best Driveway Edging Ideas On A Budget
FAQ
What is the best edging for asphalt driveways?
What is the cheapest way to edge a driveway?
Can you use an edger on an asphalt driveway?
What is a good edging for a driveway?
They can be used to edge an asphalt driveway or as gravel driveway edging. Large stones will work on a garden edge. Wood edging is also a common way to finish a driveway. If you live near a wooded area, ask the owner for permission to retrieve logs. Here are a few more driveway edging ideas to inspire you. 1. Cobbles Surround Crushed Gravel
How do you edging a driveway?
Cobblestone Edging: Use cobblestones to give your driveway a rustic and timeless look. Lay them in a row along the edges for a charming border. 3. Concrete Curbing: Pour concrete to create a custom curbing design along the driveway. You can shape it into curves or straight lines or simply use concrete blocks for simplicity.
Why is driveway edging important?
Driveway edging is a great way to add some personality to your driveway and make it aesthetically appealing. Besides improving your home’s overall appearance, driveway edges are vital in protecting your lawn. So, what are some of the top edging ideas you can use to improve your driveway?
Can you use a driveway border for asphalt driveway edge support?
If you choose to use a driveway border for your asphalt driveway edge support, there is a bit of work involved. You’ll have to excavate an eight-inch deep edge along your driveway, clean the edges with a chisel and a sledgehammer, and stake the line to make sure everything lines up correctly.
What can I do with an asphalt driveway?
Combine the beauty of landscaping with your asphalt driveway by incorporating well-designed edges. Planting flowers, shrubs, or small trees alongside the driveway can create a seamless integration with your outdoor space and add a touch of natural beauty.
What is a landscape timber driveway edging?
Landscape timbers give your driveway a natural-looking appearance without having to break the bank. Most of the commonly used landscape timbers for driveway edging are long and solid-pressure treated. They’re usually 3-9 inches wide and specifically designed for use in landscaping.