A gravel driveway can give your home a classic, country look. But after a while, the gravel’s edges may begin to spread out. Putting up a border around your gravel driveway not only helps keep the gravel in place, but it also makes the edges stand out. Wood makes for an attractive and budget-friendly border material. These 13 ideas for a beautiful, low-cost wood border around your gravel driveway should help you decide what to do.
1. Landscape Timbers
Landscape timbers designed for retaining walls and edging create a natural, rustic border for gravel driveways. They are available in 6-8 foot lengths, making them easy to install along the edges of your driveway. Landscape timbers are pressure treated for longevity, relatively inexpensive at around $5 per 8 foot length, and easy to install by hammering rebar stakes through pre-drilled holes. For a gravel driveway wood border, use the narrow side vertically to achieve the needed 3-4 inch height above the gravel.
2. Dimensional Lumber
Sized wood, like 2x4s or 2×6, can also be used to make gravel driveway borders. Pressure-treated, outdoor-rated wood should be used, and the boards should be cut to the right length. They should be stood on their narrow side so that they are tall enough to hold the gravel (3–4 inches above gravel level is ideal). Secure them by hammering rebar stakes through pre-drilled holes. You can also partially sink them into a thin concrete footer to make them even more stable.
3. Logs
Big logs cut down on your own land can be used to make free, attractive wood borders for gravel driveways. Find logs that are at least 6 inches in diameter and mostly straight. Lay them out flat along the edges of the driveway, letting the natural curves and shape of the logs add a touch of nature. You can weigh them down with rocks or drill holes for rebar stakes. For extra stability, partially sink them into the ground.
4. Railroad Ties
Reclaimed railroad ties make sturdy and rugged looking gravel driveway borders. Their size and weight alone help contain the gravel, without needing additional fasteners. Look for used railroad ties from salvage companies, construction sites or online classifieds. Lay them horizontally, flush against the gravel driveway edges. Combine them with steel edging for a more finished look.
5. Pallet Wood
For gravel driveway borders, recycled pallet wood can be used for free or at a low cost. Take apart pallets to get rid of the nails and cut the boards to the right length. Place two stacked boards on their sides around the driveway, leaving at least 3 to 4 inches of space above the gravel level. To keep the boards in place, drive rebar stakes through them. For a stronger border, you can also screw two boards together before putting them up.
6. Landscape Timber and Rebar Anchors
Landscape timbers border a gravel driveway nicely, but rebar hammered directly into the ground may not hold them securely, especially in dense soil. For added stability, use U-shaped rebar landscape anchors. Position anchors over the timbers and pound them into the ground at an angle using a sledgehammer. The anchors grip the timbers tightly, preventing them from shifting out of place.
7. Stacked Cinder Blocks
Stacking two cinder blocks makes a quick and easy border for gravel driveways. Cinder blocks are inexpensive, fit together securely and their weight holds them in place. Position blocks two high the entire perimeter of the driveway, with at least a 3 inch reveal above the gravel. Use construction adhesive between layers for added stability. Leave gaps between blocks for drainage.
8. Stone Wall
A short stacked stone wall beautifully defines gravel driveway edges. Use local field stones or purchase wall stones. Dig a shallow trench and build up a wall, at least 8-12 inches above ground level. Use larger anchor stones in the base course. Fill interior gaps with small stones. Use stone dust or gravel to backfill behind the wall, compacting as you go.
9. Concrete Curb
Pouring a concrete curb makes for a highly durable gravel driveway edger. Form the shape with 1×6 inch boards staked into the ground. Make rounded corners for a softer, flowing look. The concrete top should be 3-4 inches above gravel level. Allow a day for the concrete to cure before removing forms. Cut expansion joints into sections no longer than 6 feet.
10. Brick Borders
Clay bricks mortared together also build attractive and classic gravel driveway borders. Their short size makes them easy to form into curves. Set 4 inch tall pavers or bricks into a shallow mortar bed, keeping the top 3 inches above ground level. Compact soil beneath to prevent settling. Allow mortar to cure fully before driving over the border. Use control joints to allow expansion.
11. Wine Bottles
Give your gravel driveway an artsy edge using rows of recycled wine bottles. Embed bottles top-down into the ground, with just the bottoms showing. Leave a bottle-width space between each. Make sure bottles extend at least 4 inches above the gravel. Use clear bottles and add solar lights inside for nighttime sparkle. This fun project puts empties to practical use.
12. Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed bordering a gravel driveway keeps the gravel contained while adding visual interest. Build a bed at least 6 inches deep and 3 feet wide from landscape timbers, bricks, cinder blocks or similar materials. Fill the bed halfway with rich potting mix, plant flowers, herbs or ornamental grasses. The plants soften the edges and help absorb runoff.
13. Lights
Add accent lighting along your gravel driveway wood border for visibility and style. Opt for low-voltage LED lights on short stakes, tapping the power from an outdoor receptacle. Sink lights just behind or in front of the border. Space them every 5-10 feet or closer for maximum impact. Uplighting on logs or timbers creates dramatic shadows at night.
A beautiful gravel driveway border doesn’t have to bust your budget. With weather resistant wood, reused materials or simple masonry, you can define your driveway edges for $5 per linear foot or less. Not only will a gravel border prevent the crushed stone from scattering, but it adds personality and transforms your driveway into an inviting feature. Choose a border style that matches your home’s architecture and start enjoying a tidier, more stylish driveway.
Why Should I Edge My Driveway?
Edging is an essential element when it comes to gravel driveway maintenance. It serves multiple purposes. It contains gravel within the driveway, prevents erosion, and enhances the overall appearance of your property. Getting the right edging will keep gravel from spreading onto your lawn or garden beds, which will mean you don’t have to do as much maintenance.
In addition, edging can act as a barrier between your driveway and the surrounding soil. This helps to prevent weeds from taking over the gravel surface and creating an unsightly appearance. While the real estate market may play a role in your decision to remodel, edging is a no-brainer investment.
Consider using one of these inexpensive gravel driveway edging ideas to help you achieve the look you want.
River rocks are well-suited for gravel driveways as they offer a smooth and rounded surface. This makes them compatible with the loose nature of gravel, preventing the risk of sharp edges damaging vehicle tires or causing tripping hazards. They can include larger stones for the outer edging and smaller river rocks throughout the driveway.
As a bonus, they are available in different colors, meaning you can choose a hue that perfectly complements the existing color scheme of your home.
Its porous nature can make it an inviting environment for weeds. To prevent them, lay down sand or landscaping fabric beneath to create a weed barrier. For relatively low prices, you can find river rocks at local garden centers, landscaping supply stores, or even online retailers.
Bricks or Pavers
Using bricks or pavers for gravel edging is a budget-conscious choice. This option looks great and makes your property look better as a whole, especially if your home has brick siding. Further customization is possible through various design options, such as vertical or horizontal lining, to create a visually appealing border.
Installation is easy. Place sand in a small hole near the edge of your gravel driveway before putting down bricks or pavers. You can find these items at any home improvement store, often for very reasonable prices. Maintenance is also simple: just sweep or wash away dirt, and replace any bricks that become loose.
Strip edging is pretty affordable and durable. As the name suggests, it involves laying metal, rubber, or plastic strips along the edge of your driveway to keep gravel in check. They are nearly invisible but effective at containing gravel of all types. The most common strip edging ideas are:
Bender boards: They are made from recycled plastics and designed for outdoor use.
Aluminum strip: Aluminum strip edging is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Its shiny appearance also makes it a visually appealing choice.
Rubber strip: This type of edging is easy to install and provides superior flexibility, which makes it great for curved driveways.
Strip edging offers some flexibility; they can bend for curves or form a straight line. It’s also very easy to install, just line up the pieces and use anchors or stakes to keep them in place. The downside is that the strips are not as aesthetically pleasing as other options, but they will keep your gravel driveway neat and tidy.
Wood edging is an excellent choice if you want something more rustic than strip and masonry for your gravel driveway. Wood edging has a natural beauty that can look great in many landscapes, particularly those with a more traditional or country vibe.
Wood edging isn’t as robust as masonry or strip – any heavy rainfall can wash it away. Set the edging deep enough into the ground and secure it with stakes to prevent this. If any pieces start to become loose, you can easily replace them without having to redo all of your work.
Wood edging also requires a bit more maintenance – every year or two, you will need to check the wood and apply a sealant or preservative. This will help protect it from weathering, rot, and pests. If you want your edging to look its best, sand any rough edges down and give it a coat of paint to freshen up the color.
Cobblestone and Belgian blocks are popular choices for edging gravel driveways, as they provide a classic, timeless look. Stone edging is strong and permanent – it will last for years with little to no maintenance.
Flat cobblestone edging is ideal for compact driveways, as it won’t take up too much space while still adding a nice aesthetic. Belgian blocks are better suited to driveways with curves, as they can be cut and adjusted to fit whatever shape you need. To install, dig a trench and lay the stones into place. Use concrete or mortar to secure them if needed.
Stone edging may not be as cost-effective as other options and may require professional installation if you’re not confident in your abilities. They can also be difficult to remove, so if you think you might want to change the look of your driveway in the future, it’s best to choose a different option.
New Driveway & Landscape Timbers
FAQ
What is the best border for a gravel driveway?
Treated pine or hardwood edging lasts a long time and looks good in natural settings. Concrete edging has a clean, modern look and lasts a long time. Both options help define the edges of your driveway and prevent the gravel from washing away.
How to cheaply edge a gravel driveway?
Consider using one of these inexpensive gravel driveway edging ideas to help you achieve the look you want. River Rocks. River rocks are well-suited for gravel driveways as they offer a smooth and rounded surface. Bricks or Pavers. Strip Edging. Wood Edging. Stone Edging.
What is the best edging for gravel paths?
Metal edging (though probably best this can difficult to come by for homeowners IME), Trex type composite edging if well supported from both sides to prevent warping, or well-buried plastic edging all are possibilities.
Do you need edging for a gravel driveway?
Choosing a border for your gravel driveway is integral to the design process. Driveway edging can be a finishing touch that will undoubtedly impact the overall appearance and give your driveway the wow factor.