How Much Paver Edging Do I Need? Sections and Spikes
Edge restraint keeps pavers from spreading and holds the bedding sand in, and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute asks for it on every free edge of segmental paving. 80 ft of edge takes 9 sections of 10 ft with 5% for cuts, 81 spikes at 12 inches and 8 connectors. The paver edging calculator counts them for your job.
Edging for common jobs
With 10 ft sections, spikes every 12 in and 5% extra:
| Job | Edge | Sections | Spikes | Connectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft patio, all four sides | 40 ft | 5 | 41 | 4 |
| 12 × 16 ft patio, one side against the house | 44 ft | 5 | 45 | 4 |
| 16 × 20 ft patio, three free sides | 56 ft | 6 | 57 | 5 |
| Walkway 3 × 30 ft, both sides | 60 ft | 7 | 61 | 6 |
| Driveway 12 × 40 ft, both long sides | 80 ft | 9 | 81 | 8 |
Spike spacing
For 80 ft of edge the spacing changes the number of spikes:
| Spacing | Spikes |
|---|---|
| 8 in | 121 |
| 12 in | 81 |
| 18 in | 55 |
Spacing of 12 to 18 inches is common for patios and paths, and a driveway takes much more load, so use closer spikes or a concrete edge. The maker's instructions rule.
Which edge to restrain
- Restrain every edge that is free: the sides that meet lawn, soil or gravel.
- Leave out edges against a wall, a building, a step or an existing slab: they are already held.
- Measure along the curve, not straight across it.
- Count the spikes by the length of edging, not by the number of sections.
Installing it
- Compact the base first, and set the edging on it with its top at the paver surface.
- Spike through the holes into the compacted base outside the paving, not into loose sand.
- Backfill and compact soil against the outside of the edging.
- On curves, cut the ribs of plastic edging or score metal, and use a spike more often.
- Join sections with connectors, and keep joints away from the curves where you can.
See the paver calculator for the pavers and the paver patio materials calculator for the whole bill. Spacing and section lengths are typical: follow the instructions for your edging.
Frequently asked questions
How much edging do I need for a paver patio?
Measure every edge that is not against a wall or step. 80 ft takes 9 sections of 10 ft with 5% extra.
How far apart are the spikes?
Follow the maker's instructions. 12 inches is a good standard (81 spikes for 80 ft), and 8 inches (121) is better for a driveway or a tight curve.
Do all sides need edging?
Every free edge does. Edges against a wall, house or step are already held.
What can I use for edging?
Plastic or aluminum edge restraint spiked into the base, or a concrete edge. Concrete suits drives.
How long are sections?
Commonly 8, 10 or 20 ft.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.
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