Mild steel edging

[Pig In A Poke]

I have been contemplating using mild steel 1/4" x 6" for edging in my yard. I cannot stand the wavy unfinished look of the standard fare big box metal edging. My question is how long will it take the 1/4" mild steel to rust enough to become garbage? I like the rusted core-ten look but I do not believe I can afford that material right now, are there any steps I can take to slow or stop the rusting process? Or is it going to take so long that there is no need for concern. I am in Charlotte NC if that helps understanding the climatic implications.

 

[lakeroadster]

It will last longer than you'll be around.. no worries. You could spray it down with fluid film.

 

[4 FN 27]

It will last longer than you'll be around.. no worries. You could spray it down with fluid film.

I'll second this!!!

 

[LXCam]

You may not like the look but you could also use galvanized flat stock.

 

[readhead]

It will be a one time purchase.

 

[usa#1]

I put some down around a gravel drive at least 15 years ago. Still there, none gone. Just as an idea for installing it. I bought the "stakes" for metal land scape edging from HD. I drove the stakes down so they were lower than the edging on the gravel side of the edging. I then welded the stakes to the metal edging using a 120v wire welder using flux core wire. Worked perfect. Also I suggest using 20 ft lengths as you can create continuous curves etc very easily. For elevation changes I cut the metal at the correct angles and welded the miters together.

 

[velocipede]

Find a landscape supply place and get some commercial quality edging. It comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses designed to link together...and they have preformed stake pockets.

 

[stingry]

1/4 in is probably overkill. A local steel supplier makes a 14 ga by 4 and 6 inch edging. It is red oxide primered. I’ve had some installed for 10 years or so, it’s still holding up well!

 

[ConCretin]

Find a landscape supply place and get some commercial quality edging. It comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses designed to link together...and they have preformed stake pockets.

/\ This /\. I purchased mine at SiteOne. You can create nice clean lines, curves and corners. I got a little carried away and welded on some steel tabs to help keep it from lifting in the frost and sprayed it with rubberized undercoating to delay rusting as long as possible.

 

[Lelandwelds]

1/4 in is probably overkill. A local steel supplier makes a 14 ga by 4 and 6 inch edging. It is red oxide primered. I’ve had some installed for 10 years or so, it’s still holding up well!

Probably? Definitely overkill. But,even so, a local landscape architect builds raised beds from 3/16 flat steel. They take different widths and thickness steel and weld it together on the interior. The bottomless box is topped with 3/4" HR round.

I do not have eternal flower beds. That stuff changes. Main thing I want is mowing strips so I don't need a weedeater.

 

[dichdoc]

I actually install steel landscape edging as a side of my Fabrication business. Granted Bozeman Montana has a very different climate than NC. I use 1/8" x 4 flat in 20' lengths, cut 16" stakes from #4 rebar and weld every 4'-5' seams are welded and we try to pin to concrete or screw to fence posts whenever possible. I have a trailer dedicated to it with a 12" wide I beam that will hold an entire mill bundle of 1/8" x 4" I believe roughly 144 sticks and 4200 pounds?? in an average year we go through about 3 bundles. We use a Terra Trencher saw, a ditch witch sx 100 or a Pulaski as a last resort to get our trench. We also have a ring roller mounted on the trailer to roll tree rings, fire pits, etc. Out here its 3-4 years before we start to see the rust come through the mill scale. I use a Miller Passport Plus with flux core. We're charging $4.00 per ft. We have one landscaper that marks it up to $6/ft and gives it a lifetime warranty. I have used 1/4" for some commercial with straight runs. Another trick for slopes is to put a twist into the steel and stake it in place when you back fill you can't tell it's twisted. Travis

 

[dichdoc]

Found some pics!

 

[like2wheel]

I actually install steel landscape edging as a side of my Fabrication business. Granted Bozeman Montana has a very different climate than NC. I use 1/8" x 4 flat in 20' lengths, cut 16" stakes from #4 rebar and weld every 4'-5' seams are welded and we try to pin to concrete or screw to fence posts whenever possible. I have a trailer dedicated to it with a 12" wide I beam that will hold an entire mill bundle of 1/8" x 4" I believe roughly 144 sticks and 4200 pounds?? in an average year we go through about 3 bundles. We use a Terra Trencher saw, a ditch witch sx 100 or a Pulaski as a last resort to get our trench. We also have a ring roller mounted on the trailer to roll tree rings, fire pits, etc. Out here its 3-4 years before we start to see the rust come through the mill scale. I use a Miller Passport Plus with flux core. We're charging $4.00 per ft. We have one landscaper that marks it up to $6/ft and gives it a lifetime warranty. I have used 1/4" for some commercial with straight runs. Another trick for slopes is to put a twist into the steel and stake it in place when you back fill you can't tell it's twisted. Travis

That's very interesting.
Is that the same method you would use as a border for pavers?
Does it move much from frost?
Any more pics would be appreciated.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I have recently purchased exactly the same, it will be ok..

 

[Pig In A Poke]

Found some pics!

very nice!

 

[rlitman]

...I like the rusted core-ten look but I do not believe I can afford that material right now...

Cor-ten is only self healing in open air. Against the ground, where it is in constant contact with moisture, it will probably fare worse than mild steel.

 

[Pig In A Poke]

Cor-ten is only self healing in open air. Against the ground, where it is in constant contact with moisture, it will probably fare worse than mild steel.

I am aware that it must be separated from "grounding" but I have never heard that it would fare worse. It tends to rust more evenly than mild is the only reason why I would choose it and the price increase does not warrant the concern for aesthetics.

 

[12husky]

I actually install steel landscape edging as a side of my Fabrication business. ... I have used 1/4" for some commercial with straight runs. Another trick for slopes is to put a twist into the steel and stake it in place when you back fill you can't tell it's twisted. Travis

How deep do you generally place it say around a flower bed?

 

[metalmagpie]

1/4 x 6" is massive overkill. 1/8 x 4" is more like it. You'll have a hell of a time bending 1/4" stock but the 1/8" will be much easier.

My FIL just went through this. My wife went up and looked it all over and talked him into using some kind of brick. He's happy, about a year now.

metalmagpie

 

[Pig In A Poke]

1/4" is less expensive than 3/16" (I know, doesn't make sense to me) and 1/8" looks wavy.

 

[Done That]

I like and use Permaloc aluminum in mill finish, but they also have a few colors.