Standing in the centre of your garden, roll of metal edging in hand, you might find yourself wondering: ‘Can I really bend this rigid metal into the curves I desire?’ It's a concern shared by every DIY gardening enthusiast. After all, metal invariably gives the impression of being hard and unyielding.
But the good news is: the answer is yes! In particular, corten steel edging which combines strength with flexibility. Not only can it be easily shaped into smooth curves, but it also withstands long-term exposure to outdoor elements. And you don't need specialised metalworking equipment.
In this article, we'll explore how to safely and effectively bend metal landscape edging, allowing your garden to showcase perfect lines and curves.
The ability to bend weathering steel borders lies in their unique material composition and precise thickness design. High-quality steel landscape edgingtypically uses sheets between 1.6-3mm thick. This thickness range ensures sufficient structural strength (preventing deformation over time) while offering adequate ductility suitable for DIY bending.
Compared to ordinary steel, the addition of elements like copper and chromium in Corten steel further enhances its toughness, making it less prone to cracking or breaking during bending.
While steel landscape edging exceeding 6mm in thickness offers greater strength, its flexibility diminishes, making it more suitable for creating straight boundaries. Professional tools are required for bending such thicker sections.
2. Corten Steel Edging
Compared to standard carbon steel edging, Corten garden edging offers distinct advantages in bending adaptability:
Firstly, Corten steel undergoes specialised pre-treatment before leaving the factory, forming an initial oxide layer on its surface. This reduces surface scratches during bending and mitigates subsequent rusting risks.
Secondly, Corten steel's 'self-healing' property means that even if minor scratches occur during bending, natural rusting will form a complete protective layer during use, without compromising durability.
Finally, Corten steel boasts a service life exceeding 20-25 years. Bent edging maintains its shape stably over the long term, without springback or deformation due to material fatigue.
Techniques for Bending Metal Edging of Different Thicknesses
1. Thin-Gauge Corten Steel Edging (3mm and Below)
3mm-thick flexible metal edging is ideal for domestic gardening. Bending can be accomplished by a single person without specialized tools, following these steps:
(1). Pre-Mark the Bending Trajectory
First, use chalk or a marker pen to draw the desired curve or angle onto the edging surface (recommended curve radius no less than 2 metres to prevent breakage from excessive bending). For continuous curves, lay out the outline on the ground using string, then trace the edging along this path to ensure the final shape aligns with the garden design.
(2). Employ a Wooden Board As a Lever For Bending
Lay the marked Corten steel edging flat on the ground. Position a 5cm-thick wooden board beneath the starting point of the bend (to increase the load-bearing surface and prevent metal deformation).
Using your hands or feet to press against the board, gradually bend the edging outward in increments of 2-3cm, progressing step by step until the desired curve is achieved.
This incremental bending technique prevents breakage from excessive force applied in one go.
(3). Correcting Over-Bending
Should the edging be accidentally bent too sharply, press the curved section firmly against the flat ground and gently tap the protruding area with a rubber mallet. Gradually adjust to the desired angle, taking care not to strike directly with a metal hammer to avoid damaging the protective surface coating.
6mm-thick steel landscape edging offers greater strength, making it suitable for load-bearing borders (e.g., flower beds adjacent to paths or driveways). Bending requires two people working in tandem or tool assistance:
(1). Securing a Bending Angle With a Vice
Clamp the section requiring bending in a vice (pad the jaws with a soft cloth to protect the edging surface). Adjust the vice tension to prevent slippage. One person holds the end of the edging steady while the other slowly presses down on the exposed section. Control the bending angle (e.g., 90-degree right angle) according to the vice's scale markings. Pause for 10 seconds after each press to allow the metal to adapt to the deformation, preventing sudden stress fractures.
(2). Creating Curves Using Ground Fixtures
For arc-shaped bends, secure two wooden stakes 30cm apart in the ground. Position the trim between the stakes, loop a rope around the trim and stakes, and gradually tighten the rope. The tension will gradually bend the trim while manually adjusting the curve's arc to ensure an even transition. This method is suitable for creating large curves with a radius exceeding 4 metres, preventing localised stress concentration.
Regardless of whether the bent metal garden borders are straight or curved, ground preparation must be completed before installation:
First, excavate a trench along the designed trajectory, 10–15cm deep and slightly wider than the border thickness (if the soil is hard, moisten it with a watering can first to facilitate digging); Then clear stones and weed roots from the trench to prevent uneven installation. Finally, lay a 2cm layer of fine sand at the bottom. Compacting this ensures the edging sits flush with the ground, minimising settlement risks.
2. Key Points for Installing Curved Edging
When installing pre-bent corten garden edging, follow the curve's natural flow: after placing the edging in the trench, press down firmly along its top edge to ensure it conforms to the ground's curvature. Then secure it using 20cm galvanised steel nails driven in at 50cm intervals along both sides (at a 45-degree angle for enhanced hold). For sharper curves, reduce spacing to 30cm to prevent the edging from springing back.
3. Alignment Techniques for Straight Edging
Where straight boundaries are required, drive wooden stakes at both ends of the trench. Stretch a cotton cord as a reference line and position the steel garden edging along this line, ensuring a uniform height (recommended 5-8cm above ground level to prevent grass encroachment during mowing). Secure with steel nails, then recheck alignment against the string. Gently tap the edging to adjust for any misalignment.
1. Natural Weathering: A Protective Layer Requiring No Intervention
Bent weathering steel borders require no special treatment. Simply allow them to undergo a natural rusting process for 6-9 months, during which a uniform orange-brown protective layer (patina) will form on the surface. This layer not only enhances the edging's corrosion resistance but also allows scratches on the bent sections to heal naturally. Painting or applying rust inhibitors is unnecessary – indeed, painting would seal the metal surface, halting natural rusting and impeding patina formation.
2. Routine Inspection: Focus on Curved Joints
Inspect the curved sections of steel garden bed edgingannually during spring. Should any nails become loose, promptly secure them. If weeds grow within the curves, clear them using a small trowel. Avoid spraying weedkiller directly onto the edging surface, as the chemicals may damage the protective layer. Additionally, avoid stacking heavy objects (such as bricks or plant pots) near the edging to prevent prolonged pressure causing deformation at the curved sections.
3. Service Life: Thickness Determines Durability
When correctly installed and maintained, 3mm-thick metal landscape edging can last over 20 years; 6mm-thick variants exceed 25 years – far surpassing standard plastic or timber edging (typically requiring replacement every 3-5 years). Even if minor localised rusting occurs during use, it won't compromise the overall structure. Corten steel's rust layer continues to provide protection, becoming increasingly durable with use.
Craft Flexible Landscape Borders With Bendable Edging
The bendable nature of metal landscape edging breaks free from the traditional constraint that borders can only be straight, not curved,’ granting greater flexibility to garden design. Whether it's the fluid curves around circular flower beds or the natural arcs hugging pathways, precise bending makes it achievable. Corten steel edging, with its advantages of being ‘easily bendable, resistant to ageing, and low-maintenance,’ stands out as a practical choice for enhancing garden aesthetics over the long term. When planning to upgrade your garden edging, select thickness based on usage: - 3mm thin profiles suit domestic flowerbeds and lawn borders, ideal for straightforward DIY installation. - 6mm thick variants are best for areas adjacent to hard surfaces, offering superior durability. Mastering correct bending and installation techniques transforms metal edging into an invisible yet functional asset within your garden, enhancing both utility and aesthetics while becoming a steadfast companion for your horticultural endeavours. Contact us to get a free catalog!
FAQ About Corten Steel Siding
1. Will Bending Corten Steel Edging Cause It To Fracture?
No. The material properties of premium metal garden edging are specifically engineered for toughness. Provided the ‘incremental bending’ principle is followed (avoiding excessive single-pass bending) and the bending radius meets requirements (minimum 2 metres for 3mm edging, minimum 4 metres for 6mm edging), safe bending without fracture is achievable.
2. Can 6mm-Thick Metal Edging Be Bent Without Specialised Tools?
Yes, though two people are recommended. One person secures one end of the edging while the other uses a steel pipe (approximately 1 metre long) fitted over the section to be bent. Applying gradual force using the lever principle, again employing the ‘incremental bending’ method, is slower than using a vice but avoids tool limitations.
3. Does Bending Compromise the Rust Resistance of Metal Edging?
No. Corten steel's rust resistance stems from its stable surface oxide layer. Minor scratches incurred during bending do not disrupt the overall rust-proofing mechanism. Over time, these scratched areas naturally rust over, reforming a complete protective layer. After prolonged use, the rust resistance of bent sections matches that of other areas.
4. How High Above Ground Level Should Metal Landscape Edging Be Installed?
We recommend an installation height of 5-8cm. This height effectively prevents lawn grass from encroaching into flower beds without compromising aesthetics due to excessive height. It also facilitates lawnmower trimming of edges, eliminating the need for manual weed removal.
5. How Does the Bending Performance Differ Between Metal Edging Materials?
Compared to metal landscape edging, standard mild steel edging is prone to rust after bending and requires regular paint maintenance. Stainless steel edging has poor flexibility and is susceptible to cracking during bending. Aluminium edging, while lightweight, lacks sufficient strength and may deform over time after bending. Overall, steel garden bed edging offers the optimal balance of bending performance and durability.
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