Bed edging made of metal test 2020: the best models in comparison

Bed edging made of metal test 2020: the best models in comparison

What are the basic characteristics of metal bed frames?

Lawn edging 5m 10m 15m 20m 30m 40m 50m 100x14cm or 100x18cm galvanized bed border bed border mowing edge metal palisade (length 5m - height 14cm) our recommendation
Lawn edge 5m 10m 15m 20m 30m 40m 50m 100x14cm or 100x18cm galvanized Bed border Bed border Mowing edge metal palisade (length 5m - height 14cm)
21.90 EUR To the product

Bed borders made of metal are one of the most popular types of bed borders. They are always in demand when it comes to creating robust borders between the bed and the lawn. Metal surrounds are extremely resistant, almost indestructible and accordingly durable.

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  • Plastic bed edging test 2020: the best models in comparison

Practical: Bed borders (€ 26.90 at Amazon *) made of metal represent impenetrable barriers for roots if they are set deep enough in the ground.

Another functional advantage is the fact that metal bed frames are comparatively easy to install. Depending on the specific product, you can simply plug the components of the boundary together and then hammer them into the ground. Some versions also need to be screwed.

Extra: What is the best connection method?

As mentioned above, there are essentially two methods of connecting the parts of a metal bed frame:

  • (just) stick together
  • put together and screw

a) Put them together

wolketon lawn edging 10m 100x18cm metal bed border galvanized mowing edge bed border - length 10m height 18cm palisade our recommendation
wolketon lawn edging 10m 100x18cm metal beet border galvanized mowing edge beet edging - length 10m height 18cm palisade
32.90 EUR To the product

Overlapping plug connections, often designed as intelligent clip systems, allow uncomplicated and quick assembly.

But: If the lawn edges are not firmly connected, they will pull apart in the earth. It is therefore important to rely on a first-class plug-in system - or even better on the combined plugging and screwing.

b) Put together and screw

It is true that plugging together and screwing is more complex in every respect; however, it is also a guarantee of high stability.

Note: Hobby gardeners sometimes work with loose connections (completely without plugging together); However, these are by no means recommended as they are anything but stable. Once you get to the border of the bed with a lawnmower or even just with your foot, it will come apart. The edges will loosen if they are not absolutely tightly connected.

Optical aspects of the metal bed borders

First a positive note: bed frames made of metal are usually almost completely sunk into the ground, so that often only a few centimeters (or even a few millimeters) of the material can be seen. Accordingly, such limitations only affect the appearance of your garden to a limited extent. Nevertheless: the bezels are not invisible. Therefore, you should think carefully in advance whether you really want to integrate metal lawn edging into your green oasis.

Metal bed borders are very modern and have a cool look that contrasts with the generally warm atmosphere in the natural garden. In order to ensure a harmonious ambience in your outdoor zone, you should make sure that you use other metal elements in addition to the metal bed borders - for example garden chairs and tables or decorative accessories such as lanterns and sculptures. Make sure that all the details form a coherent whole.

Note: If there are several details made of silver-colored metal in your garden, this can also result in an antique-looking flair with plenty of elegance.

What else you should know about metal flower beds

  • Depending on the specific material, bed borders made of metal can easily be bent. This means that wave-shaped edging can also be implemented - without any loss of stability.
  • In most cases, different corners and end pieces are available separately or as supplements. You can create square, oval or round shapes as required and desired.
  • Metal bed borders are more expensive to buy than many other borders, such as those made of plastic or wood. In return, metal bezels stay in very good condition for a long time.

General advantages and disadvantages of metal bed borders

advantages
  • Robust
  • Resilient
  • Durable
  • Easy to install
disadvantage
  • Cool look
  • More expensive than many other materials

What types of metal bed borders are there?

HN core supports metal goods lawn edging, bed edging and path delimitation made of metal 13.5 cm x 1.20 m;  3.45 m;  5.70 m;  11.40 m;  22.75 m;  29.60 m, color: galvanized, installation length: set of 10 11.40 m our recommendation
HN core supports metal goods lawn edging, bed edging and path delimitation made of metal 13.5 cm x 1.20 m; 3.45 m; 5.70 m; 11.40 m; 22.75 m; 29.60 m, color: galvanized, installation length: set of 10 11.40 m
49.87 EUR To the product

Metal is not just metal. In other words: not all metal flower beds are made of the same metal. They are commonly made of either aluminum or iron. In addition, bed borders made of cast iron, Corten steel, stainless steel and sheet steel are usually counted among the borders made of metal and categorized as such, although this is not strictly correct.

Cast iron is a ferrous material with a high carbon content; Corten steel, stainless steel and sheet steel are among the steels. Now most people think that metal and steel are synonyms. This is largely due to the poorly differentiated use of the terms - and also to the fact that the properties of the two substances are more or less identical. However, there is a difference between metal and steel:

  • Metals are all naturally occurring substances.
  • Steel is always a so-called alloy - an artificially created combination of several metals.

Note: Steel consists largely of iron - each supplemented by other metals.

Since bed borders made of steel are usually listed under the metal borders in shops, we would like to take a closer look at the characteristics of the lawn edges made of aluminum and iron (pure), but also the features of the models made of cast iron, Corten steel, stainless steel and sheet steel take the magnifying glass.

Aluminum bed frames being tested

Beckmann KG BKZ aluminum frame our recommendation
Beckmann KG BKZ aluminum frame
29.99 EUR To the product

Aluminum inspires with its diverse lightness:

  • It's lightweight.
  • It is easy to bend.
  • It is easy to install.

For these reasons, bed borders made of aluminum are particularly recommended for beginners - that is, hobby gardeners who are laying a lawn edge for the first time, whether made of metal or another material.

In addition, aluminum is weatherproof, but less stable compared to iron and steel. Therefore, you should use aluminum bed borders if possible in lawn areas that are not too heavily frequented.

We don't want to ignore one plus point: Bed borders made of aluminum are usually more cost-effective than borders made of other metals and steels.

advantages
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to bend
  • Easy to install
  • Weatherproof
  • Cheaper than other metals and steels
disadvantage
  • Less stable than other metals and steels

Bed borders made of iron in the check

Relaxdays Beetzaun metal set of 4 GOTH, nostalgic, beet border to stick, 4 fence elements 33.5 x 56.5 cm, black our recommendation
Relaxdays Beetzaun metal set of 4 GOTH, nostalgic, beet border to stick, 4 fence elements 33.5 x 56.5 cm, black
To the product

Unpainted iron bed frames appear silvery-white. Since iron tends to be one of the soft metals, it can be stretched particularly well. At the same time, however, it also proves to be firm and tough, which is important for the stability of the bed borders and other products made from this material.

Here are a few more superlatives about this material:

  • Iron is the second most common metal in the earth's crust (aluminum the most common). It is extracted from ore in opencast and underground mining, mainly in Brazil and other countries in South America, in Canada, Australia, China and also in Eastern Europe.
  • Iron is the most widely used metal worldwide - no wonder considering its high availability as well as its pronounced strength and toughness. The availability also has an advantage for you: bed borders made of iron are relatively inexpensive.
advantages
  • Stretchy
  • Firmly
  • Tough
  • Stable
  • Inexpensive
disadvantage
  • no noteworthy

Cast iron bed frames put to the test

Esschert Design Beetzaun, decorative fence motif Piedmont made of reddish cast iron, approx. 26 cm x 28 cm our recommendation
Esschert Design Beetzaun, decorative fence motif Piedmont made of reddish cast iron, approx. 26 cm x 28 cm
7.07 EUR To the product

Bed borders made of cast iron are particularly impressive because of their elegant appearance. This iron material with a high carbon content can be molded into playful, ornate shapes. In this way, magical flower beds are created that are real eye-catchers in the garden.

Note: Cast iron is not a real metal or steel. It acts as a special iron-carbon alloy that is wonderful to cast, but not forged (with steel it is exactly the other way around).

Bed borders made of cast iron otherwise have more or less the same properties as borders made of iron.

advantages
  • Elegant look
  • high stability
disadvantage
  • no noteworthy

Check bed borders made of Corten steel

IRKA lawn edging Corten steel narrow 14 cm Mowing edge bed border metal 1mm thick our recommendation
IRKA lawn edging Corten steel narrow 14 cm Mowing edge bed border metal 1mm thick
9.95 EUR To the product

There are good reasons for the fact that bed borders made of Corten steel are finding more and more supporters: The weatherproof and corrosion-resistant structural steel visually stands out from other steels and metals. It typically develops a rust-red patina, which brings stylish, antique flair to the green oasis.

Tips

Corten steel contains around one percent copper. This makes it an insurmountable barrier for snails. For you this means that you can kill two birds with one stone with bed borders made of this material: on the one hand, you organize your garden; on the other hand, a corten steel belt acts as a non-toxic solution if you are looking for a healthy way to keep snails away from your plants.

However, Corten steel has one “disadvantage”: It is much more difficult to shape than other steels and metals. That is why most flower beds made of this material come as relatively simple steel strips. The special thing is without a doubt the special rust color.

advantages
  • Weather / corrosion resistant
  • Rust-red patina
  • Non-toxic anti-snail agent
disadvantage
  • Hardly any creative forms possible

Stainless steel bed frames in the test

Lawn edging made of stainless steel, V2A, 200 mm high, bed border, set of 10 our recommendation
Lawn edging made of stainless steel, V2A, 200 mm high, bed border, set of 10
149.20 EUR To the product

Stainless steel is the collective name for alloyed and unalloyed steels with a very high degree of purity. Most stainless steels are rustproof. Bed borders made of stainless steel impress with their often classy appearance. They always present themselves extremely elegant. In addition, they have largely the same (all-round convincing) functional advantages as frames made from other steels.

On the downside, we have to mention that stainless steel bed borders are often a bit more expensive compared to edging made of other steels.

advantages
  • Noble-elegant look
  • Resilient
  • Durable
  • Stable
disadvantage
  • Often more expensive than other steels

Bed borders made of sheet steel are checked

Metal lawn edging, hot-dip galvanized sheet steel border edging, 130 mm high, set of 12 our recommendation
Metal lawn edging, hot-dip galvanized sheet steel border edging, 130 mm high, set of 12
87.60 EUR To the product

Sheet steel is a rolled steel product that is always significantly longer and wider than it is thick. Bed borders made of this material are usually kept very simple and inexpensive. Sheet steel for bed borders is often galvanized for additional stabilization and optimized resistance.

advantages
  • Robust
  • Resilient
  • Stable
  • Inexpensive
disadvantage
  • Not very creative

Further purchase criteria

In addition to the specific material and its functional properties, you should consider the following criteria when buying a metal bed frame in order to find the optimal model for your needs:

  • height
  • colour
  • costs

height

The height of the metal bed border depends primarily on how high the plants are in the bed or how deep they are rooted.

Important: In order to prevent the roots of deep-rooted plants from spreading in the soil of your garden, the bed borders must be embedded as deeply as possible in the earth.

You can choose from edgings in various heights in stores, such as

  • 30 cm,
  • 40 cm,
  • 50 cm or
  • 60 cm.

colour

Unpainted metal and steel borders are mostly silvery-white in color. The exception is Corten steel, which takes on a rust-red shade due to its patina.

Some manufacturers paint their bed frames made of metal, so that you can also choose from versions in black, anthracite, green and other tones.

costs

Of course, the price also plays an important role. With a metal border, you pay an average of ten euros for one meter. Only stone surrounds are more expensive.

The trend towards favorable bed borders made of metal and steel:

  • aluminum
  • iron
  • Sheet steel

Tend to be expensive metal and steel bed frames:

  • cast iron
  • Corten steel
  • stainless steel

What brands are there?

Popular brands for metal bed frames at a glance:

  • Beckmann
  • Gardena
  • geoBORDER
  • Richard Brink
  • Thomas Philipps

An overview of dealers and shops where you can buy metal bed borders:

  • Aldi south / north
  • Amazon
  • Stretcher
  • eBay
  • Globus hardware store
  • Hagebau
  • Hellweg
  • Hornbach
  • OBI
  • toom

How do I care for metal flower beds?

The good news: A bed border made of metal or steel is easy to care for and does little work for you. The metal materials are extremely robust. In general, they do not require any subsequent repairs. They often last for many years.

Of course, bed frames made of metal or steel can get dirty, for example from earth or other dirt. In these cases it is sufficient to remove the dirt with a soft sponge. Moisten the sponge and use a touch of washing-up liquid.

A note on Corten steel: Practically, the patina is automatically recreated in the case of excavated surfaces.

Extra: the metal is susceptible to rust

wolketon lawn edging 35m 100x14cm metal beet border galvanized mowing edge beet edging - length 35m height 14cm palisade our recommendation
wolketon lawn edging 35m 100x14cm metal beet border galvanized mowing edge beet edging - length 35m height 14cm palisade
85.90 EUR To the product

Like other metal products, metal bed borders can rust. Since the latter are permanently in use outside and thus exposed to different weather conditions, the susceptibility to rust is naturally increased.

Tips

Galvanized lawn edges are less prone to rust. With other metal or steel borders, you can help with special rust protection if necessary.

Which accessories are useful?

Milestone Camping Rubber Mallet - Black, 340g our recommendation
Milestone Camping Rubber Mallet - Black, 340g
4.70 EUR To the product

In addition to the edging, you need some accessories to lay bed borders made of metal:

  • Connecting hook
  • Hacksaw
  • Angle grinder (including cutting disc for metal)
  • spade
  • Plastic or rubber mallet
  • Wooden pole
  • Knocking wood
  • shovel
  • rake
  • Pickaxe
  • screwdriver
  • Guideline
  • Zinc repair spray (rust protection)
  • safety goggles
  • ear protection

You can find out how to use the various utensils specifically in the FAQ section of our guide - with the step-by-step instructions for installing a metal bed border.

frequently asked Questions

How do I install a metal bed frame?

Youtube

Preliminary remark: With a normal garden soil, thin metal bed borders can simply be hammered into the earth with a plastic or rubber mallet. Make sure, however, that there are no roots or stones in the ground. Otherwise, some preliminary work with the spade is necessary.

Our step-by-step instructions will help you to install your metal bed border yourself. Read them carefully before you break the first sod and prepare your garden project accordingly.

Note: If you are dealing with a longer lawn edge, it makes sense to work with a second person.

The seven main steps at a glance:

  • Prepare to dig
  • Adjust the metal border
  • Connect individual elements
  • Insert the metal lawn edging
  • Knock on the metal edge
  • Pound the earth
  • Check result

1. Prepare the dig

Mark the desired area for the bed border with wooden stakes.

Attach the guideline (€ 4.86 at Amazon *) to the wooden posts.

The guideline drawn is for your guidance.

Note: The guide line should indicate or mark the course of the metal edge as well as its height. So work very carefully here.

At the very end, the metal frame should protrude about one to two centimeters from the floor. It must not be completely sunk into the ground, otherwise it would probably be overgrown. Using the height of your metal border, you can calculate how deep the trench needs to be.

Use the spade to dig a trench along the guideline.

Recommendation: Is the garden soil particularly hard? Then it's best to dig the earth with a pickaxe and shovel.

Leave the excavation next to the trench, you'll need it again at the end.

bed-edging-made-of-metal

2. Adjust the metal border

It is essential to wear protective goggles and hearing protection when adjusting the border elements. You should also always be aware of the sharp edges of the metal.

Cut elements that are too long to fit. You can do this depending on the type of metal and the border of the bed

  • a hacksaw or
  • an angle grinder with a cutting disc for metal

use.

Warning: Before cutting, check that you are cutting the metal on the correct side. In the case of plug-in systems, the elements that meet at the corner must then be able to be connected.

Before you start the third step, you should treat the metal elements with zinc repair spray (as rust protection) if necessary.

3. Connect individual elements

Connect the individual elements of your metal border:

  • Slide the palatine of the first element under the edge of the second element
  • Bend the connecting hook with a suitable screwdriver and press it into place
  • Bend the connecting seam for a stable corner connection

Note: To be absolutely sure that the metal edges do not come loose, you can also screw them together after the connector.

4. Insert the metal lawn edge

Insert the completely pre-assembled metal bed frame into the prepared trench. Depending on the length of the lawn edge, you should have one or more people help you.

5. Tap the metal edge

Now hit the border of the bed into the ground with a plastic or rubber mallet.

Recommendation: If you use more force in some places, it makes sense to put a knocking block under it. This will ensure that the metal plate does not bend. At the same time, you protect the upper edge of the enclosure from the hammer.

6. Tamp down the earth

Carefully tamp the surrounding earth (excavation) into place.

7. Check the result

Check (even while tamping down in step 6) whether the metal edge is actually at the desired height - simply use the guide line as a guide. If necessary, straighten the ground with a rake.

What is the purpose of a metal bed border?

With a robust, simple, modern bed frame made of metal, you create a visual separation between lawns and beds; on the other hand, suitable bed borders prevent roots and / or perennials from growing into the lawn and, conversely, the lawn from spreading into your beds.