A tried and true method for making garden beds, grass lawns and hardscaping elements look neat and clean is to use landscaping border materials. One of the most popular materials used in the New England region is brick. Of all the hardscaping materials, brick is perhaps the most plentiful and easy to use, yet it provides a very traditional look, texture and feel that can instantly enhance the architectural features of your home. Perhaps that is why learning how to install brick edging is one of the most sought after Providence landscaping materials for Rhode Island homeowners.
What Does Brick Edging Do?
Like most other hardscaping materials, brick edging doesn’t just look good, it also performs a specific function that can help keep your garden and landscaping in good condition. Landscaping border materials work to keep soil and mulch inside of your garden area and prevent gravel, stone and grass out. On the other hand, hardscaping materials that are used to line a driveway, walkway or pathway work to keep grass from spreading out to other areas or to make it easier to maintain and keep lawns trimmed and neat.
While there are other materials that can be used with Providence landscaping ideas, brick is the most popular by far. It is one of the easiest materials to install and it lasts for many years, continuing to look great and provide protection for your residential landscape design. Compare to other materials that, in most cases, will break down and need to be replaced on a regular basis, brick materials can cost a little more upfront, but in the long run they are very cost-effective because of their long-lasting durability.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Brick Edging
While it is fairly easy to install landscaping border materials, it does pay to learn how to do it and to do it right the first time. It will save you from having to go back later and adjust hardscaping materials or do any extra weeding or maintenance. If done right, you shouldn’t have to worry about weeds or grasses growing in between the cracks. There are a couple of additional methods and steps that you can do to make sure growth is prevented completely.
- Step One – Make a plan to incorporate brick hardscaping materials into your Providence landscaping ideas. Decide where you want to use your brick edging and measure the space so you can estimate how many bricks you will need to complete the project. Either pick up your materials or have them delivered. J&J Materials will deliver to customers in Rhode Island, making it easier to get started on your landscaping project.
- Step Two – Dig out the grass or soil where you want to learn how to install brick edging on your property. You should dig down 1-2 inches or more, depending on how you want to include the landscaping border materials. Some homeowners prefer to line up the bricks end to end, others install them side to side, while another idea is to install them in at an angle, leaning up against each other to form an interesting pattern.
- Step Three – Place the bricks into the prepared area and fit them in snugly. One method of making sure that they stay in place is to brush some sand in between the hardscaping materials. Polymeric sand can also be used, but it requires a bit more preparation as it will harden and become a more permanent solution. Speak with a representative at J&J Materials for information on how to use this product with this and other Providence landscaping ideas.
- Step Four – The additional methods that were mentioned earlier to prevent growth of weeds and grass in between your grass edging include using concrete or mortar to bond the bricks together permanently or to spray down the area with a grass and weed growth inhibitor. Do this with care though, as over spraying it onto your lawn will have the same effect and could kill off the grass or plants that you want.
Where to Get Hardscaping Materials in Rhode Island
J&J Materials has two locations in Southeastern Massachusetts, one in Rehoboth and the other in Bourne. However, they deliver to customers in Rhode Island, including Providence and Pawtucket. Speak with one of our helpful customer service agents if you have questions about how to install brick edging or for help picking out hardscaping materials. Our crew can help you get all of the landscaping border materials and products you need to get your property ready and looking great for the season.
