Bunnings Garden Edging vs Better Alternatives

Garden edging is more than just a decorative touch—it helps define garden beds, keeps soil and mulch in place, and prevents grass from creeping into flower beds. Bunnings, one of Australia’s largest home improvement stores, offers a variety of garden edging options, but are they always the best choice? Let’s take a closer look and explore some better alternatives.

Bunnings Garden Edging Options

Bunnings stocks a range of garden edging products, including:

Plastic and PVC Edging: Affordable and easy to install, but may warp or break under pressure or extreme weather conditions.

Metal Edging: Includes steel and aluminium bunnings edging strip options, which are more durable but can be prone to rust or corrosion if not properly treated.

Timber Edging: Natural-looking and sturdy when installed correctly, but can rot over time if exposed to moisture.

Concrete and Stone Edging: Heavy-duty and long-lasting, but often expensive and labor-intensive to install.

While Bunnings offers convenience and affordability, some of these products may not provide the durability, flexibility, or aesthetic appeal that homeowners desire for long-term landscaping projects.

Drawbacks of Standard Bunnings Edging

Limited Durability: Many cheaper plastic or thin metal edgings deteriorate quickly.

Aesthetic Limitations: Mass-produced shapes and sizes may not match unique garden designs.

Installation Challenges: Some edging types can be difficult to install properly without professional tools or skills.

Environmental Concerns: Plastic options are not always eco-friendly and may contribute to waste over time.

Better Alternatives to Consider

For those looking to upgrade their garden edging, several alternatives provide superior longevity, design flexibility, and overall performance:

1. Corten Steel Edging

Pros: Rusts naturally to form a protective patina, extremely durable, sleek modern look.

Cons: Higher upfront cost but long-term value is excellent.

2. Aluminium Edging

Pros: Lightweight, resistant to rust, flexible for curved garden beds.

Cons: Can dent if exposed to heavy impacts.

3. Natural Stone or Brick

Pros: Timeless appearance, extremely durable, low maintenance.

Cons: Labor-intensive installation, more expensive than other options.

4. Recycled Plastic or Composite Edging

Pros: Eco-friendly, resistant to rot and pests, flexible installation.

Cons: May not have the premium look of metal or stone.

5. Timber Alternatives with Preservatives

Pros: Natural aesthetic, can be treated for longer lifespan, easier to shape for curves.

Cons: Requires regular maintenance and eventual replacement.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right garden edging depends on your priorities: durability, appearance, maintenance, and budget. While Bunnings offers a convenient range of products, exploring these alternatives may result in a more robust, attractive, and long-lasting garden boundary.

Investing a little more in higher-quality materials can save money and hassle in the long term, providing a garden that looks neat, stays defined, and withstands the test of time.