Best Bricks for Landscape Edging and Garden Borders Explained

Not all bricks can handle what Mother Nature dishes out, and in climates with harsh winters, that reality becomes expensive for anyone who chooses the wrong ones. As a supplier to professional landscape and curbing contractors nationwide, we’ve seen countless brick edging projects: the ones that still look pristine after twenty winters and the ones that crumbled after three.

The difference isn’t luck or installation skill; it’s understanding brick grades, weathering ratings, and which specifications actually matter for outdoor exposure. This guide from Curb Depot shares professional-grade knowledge that distinguishes permanent, beautiful brick borders from the disappointments homeowners replace every few years, particularly critical for anyone working in freeze-thaw regions like Wisconsin.

Key Points: Brick Selection and Installation

The best bricks for landscape edging and garden borders are those rated for severe weathering (SW), especially in freeze–thaw climates like Wisconsin. SW-rated clay bricks and concrete paver bricks are dense, low-porosity materials that resist cracking and spalling caused by moisture absorption and freezing.

Proper installation—including a compacted gravel base, sand bedding, and edge restraint—is essential for long-term stability. For projects requiring maximum durability and design flexibility, professionally installed concrete curbing offers a seamless, long-lasting alternative that resists shifting and heaving while allowing customized shapes and finishes.

What Brick Grades Are Suitable for Outdoor Use?

The most important factor to consider when choosing bricks for landscape edging is the brick’s grade. Bricks are classified based on their ability to withstand weathering and freezing temperatures. For any outdoor project, particularly in regions with harsh winters, you should use bricks rated for severe weathering (SW).

SW-rated bricks are fired at higher temperatures, resulting in denser, less porous bricks. This reduces water absorption, helping prevent freeze-thaw damage such as cracking or spalling (surface flaking). Using bricks that aren’t rated for outdoor or severe-weather exposure is a common and costly mistake we see when working with landscape contractors across the Midwest.

What Are the Best Types of Bricks for Landscape Edging?

Once you’ve confirmed that the materials you’ve selected are severe-weather-grade bricks, there are two primary options to consider for brick landscape edging:

Clay Bricks for Garden Borders

Traditional clay bricks are a classic choice for brick garden borders. They provide a warm, timeless aesthetic that complements a wide range of architectural and landscape styles.

Clay bricks are durable, long-lasting, and available in various colors, including traditional reds, browns, and buff tones. When properly installed using SW-rated bricks, a clay brick edging system can last decades.

Concrete Paver Bricks for Landscape Edging

Concrete paver bricks are a versatile and cost-effective alternative to clay bricks. Manufactured in a wide range of sizes, colors, and finishes, many concrete pavers are designed to mimic natural stone.

Their consistent dimensions make them easier to install, and their strength makes them well-suited for outdoor brick edging applications. Concrete paver bricks are ideal for clean, modern designs or more intricate border patterns.

Installation Tips for a Professional-Looking Border

Proper installation is essential for creating a stable, long-lasting brick landscape edge. Here are a few professional installation tips:

• Dig a Trench: Excavate a trench wide enough to accommodate the brick and deep enough so roughly half of the brick sits below grade. This provides stability and helps prevent movement over time.
• Create a Solid Base: Add a 2 to 3-inch layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone, followed by a 1-inch layer of sand. This base promotes drainage and creates a level setting surface.
• Set the Bricks: Place bricks tightly together in the trench, using a level to ensure consistent height. Bricks can be installed straight or angled for a decorative sawtooth effect.
• Secure the Edging: Backfill soil on both sides of the bricks and tamp firmly. For added stability, especially in freeze–thaw climates, a plastic paver edging restraint can be installed along the outside edge.

An Alternative To Brick: Concrete Curbing

While brick edging is an excellent option, contractors seeking maximum durability and design flexibility may consider continuous concrete curbing. Using professional curbing equipment, such as the Harpten from Curb Depot, allows you to create seamless borders that can be extruded in virtually any shape or color.

When professionally installed, concrete curbing is a long-term solution that resists shifting and heaving. It can also be stamped or textured to resemble brick or natural stone, offering a high-end aesthetic with minimal maintenance.

For many landscapes, concrete curbing produces a permanent, polished finish that elevates the entire property.

Equip Your Projects With the Right Landscape Edging Solutions

Choosing the best bricks for landscape edging starts with selecting severe-weather-rated materials and using proven installation techniques. Whether you prefer the traditional appeal of clay bricks or the versatility of concrete paver bricks, the right choice will define your garden borders for years to come.

If you’re a contractor seeking durable, professional-grade landscape edging solutions, contact Curb Depot today. We provide the equipment, training, and industry expertise you need to deliver consistent, high-quality results on every project.