Paver Edge Restraint: Types and How to Install It
A paver edge restraint is the border that holds a paver patio, walkway, or driveway together. Interlocking pavers rely on friction between units, and without a firm edge, the outer rows creep outward under foot and vehicle traffic, joints open up, and the surface loses its interlock. Common restraints are plastic or aluminum edging spiked into the base, steel edging, and poured concrete or set stone curbs. The key installation detail is that the restraint sits on the compacted gravel base, not on the loose bedding sand.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Types of edge restraint
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic paver edging | Patios, walkways | Flexible for curves; most common |
| Aluminum edging | Patios, walkways, some driveways | Low profile, durable |
| Steel edging | Landscape and paver borders | Strong; may rust |
| Concrete curb or haunch | Driveways, heavy use | Very strong; poured along edge |
| Set stone, brick, or soldier course | Decorative borders | Often mortared on concrete |
Driveways and areas with vehicle traffic need stronger restraints, such as concrete or heavy-duty edging with more spikes.
Base extension
The compacted gravel base should extend beyond the paver edge so the restraint and its spikes have solid support. A common guideline is to extend the base at least 6 inches past the pavers, or about as far as the base is thick. See how much paver base do I need.
Installing plastic or aluminum edging
- Lay pavers and cut the edge row.
- Pull back bedding sand at the edge so the restraint sits on the base.
- Set the edging tight against the pavers.
- Drive 10 to 12 inch steel spikes through the edging into the base, about every 12 inches, closer on curves.
- Backfill outside the edging with soil or gravel.
Using too few spikes is the most common failure.
Concrete edging
A concrete haunch is a wedge of concrete poured along the outside edge, sloped down from just below the paver top to the base. It locks the edge firmly and is common on driveways. Keep the concrete low enough to be covered by soil or sod.
Curves
Flexible plastic edging bends to follow curves. Cut the connecting spine on the back to make tight curves. Aluminum can bend in gentle curves.
Joint sand and edges
After edging is installed, compact the pavers and sweep joint sand or polymeric sand into the joints. A firm edge keeps joints tight so the sand stays in place. See polymeric sand coverage.
Estimating edging
Measure the perimeter of the paved area that does not abut a building, wall, or existing slab. Edging comes in sections, often 6 to 8 feet, plus spikes sold separately or in packs. Add extra for curves and waste.
Bottom line
Paver edge restraint keeps pavers from spreading and keeps joints tight. Use plastic or aluminum edging for patios and walkways, concrete for driveways, set it on the compacted base, extend the base beyond the pavers, and spike it about every 12 inches. The asphalt base calculator can help estimate base material for the extension.
Questions people ask
Do pavers need edge restraint?
Yes, interlocking pavers need a firm edge to stay tight.
How far apart should edging spikes be?
About every 12 inches, closer on curves.
Should edging sit on sand or gravel?
On the compacted gravel base, not the bedding sand.
What edging is best for a paver driveway?
Concrete haunches or heavy-duty edging with closely spaced spikes.
Related guides
- How Much Paver Base Do I Need? Depth and Tons
- How Many Pavers per Square Foot? Size Chart
- How Much Sand for Pavers? Bedding and Joint Sand
- Polymeric Sand Coverage: Bags per Square Foot
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.