—such as galvanized steel, steel plate, or weathering steel edging—can clearly demarcate lawns, flower beds, and paths when cut properly, instantly adding a touch of sophistication to the entire outdoor space.

Cutting metal landscape edging is no small feat—choosing the right material, gathering the necessary tools, and following these steps will yield professional results, even for beginners. Opting for materials like weathering steel, known for its natural rust patina, can transform garden borders into focal points that blend durability with visual appeal.

How Can Choosing the Right Metal Edging Material Make Cutting Easier?

► Common Types of Metal Edging

• Galvanized Garden Edging: Features a zinc coating that resists rust and corrosion. Its softer, more flexible texture makes it ideal for purely decorative borders (such as dividing small flower beds without bearing soil or gravel pressure). Standard metal shears suffice for cutting.
• Steel garden edging: Thicker and harder, suitable for load-bearing applications—such as containing soil or gravel in flower beds, or along high-traffic pathways. Cutting may require power tools.
• Corten steel edging: Commonly known as “weathering steel,” it develops a rust-colored protective layer when exposed outdoors, offering an industrial-chic aesthetic. Its hardness falls between galvanized and thick steel plates. Select cutting tools based on thickness. Ideal for gardens seeking long-term durability with a distinctive look.

► Top 3 Corten Steel Edging Styles for Gardens in 2025

• AHL-GE01 Weathering Steel Garden Edging: Dimensions L1075mm × H100mm + 100mm (100mm buried depth). Its moderate overall height suits standard flowerbeds and shrub borders. The 1075mm length allows flexible cutting to fit most small-to-medium garden sectioning needs. Custom sizes are available for perfect adaptation to irregular flowerbed contours.
• AHL-GE03 Corten Steel Lawn Border Panel: Height H500mm, a tall border panel. After burial, the exposed section clearly delineates lawns from flower beds while effectively preventing deep soil or gravel collapse. Ideal for multi-tiered flower beds or “protective” borders near pathways. For cutting, use power tools for 2.0mm thickness; the 1.6mm thickness can be handled with metal shears.
• AHL-GE05 Black Steel Garden Edging: Dimensions L1075mm × 150mm + 100mm. Features black anti-corrosion surface treatment for weather resistance and modern minimalist aesthetics. The 150mm main height suits shallow flower beds or container planting areas. Cuts cleanly with smooth edges, harmonizing well with black garden accessories. Easy for beginners to cut and install.

► Key Parameters: Gauges and Dimensions Affect Cutting Methods

Essential Tools for Cutting Corten Steel Edging

• Metal shears: Like large scissors, specifically designed for cutting thin metal (14-gauge galvanized sheet, thin Corten edging). Advantages include flexibility—capable of cutting straight lines and small curves.
• Disadvantages: labor-intensive and ineffective on thicker sheets.
• Files / Sandpaper: Steel garden bed edging becomes sharp after cutting. Round them off with a file or smooth them with sandpaper to prevent hand injuries during installation.

Power Tools: Suitable For Thick Sheets and Bulk Cutting

• Reciprocating Saw / Circular Saw: Requires a “metal cutting blade.” Ideal for cutting 11-gauge steel edging and thick Corten steel edging. Offers high efficiency and clean cuts, suitable for scenarios requiring multiple sections or long straight lines.
• Angle Grinder: For complex curves (e.g., circular edging around trees), an angle grinder offers greater flexibility. Exercise controlled force to prevent uneven cuts.
• Safety Gear: Essential equipment must be worn at all times — safety goggles (to protect eyes from metal debris), earplugs (to mitigate power tool noise), and work gloves (to prevent cuts), especially when using power tools. Safety comes first.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Cutting Corten Steel Edging

Step 1: Measure + Mark to Avoid Cutting Errors

• First, measure the garden border: Use a tape measure along the installation path. For example, if the perimeter of the flowerbed is 10 metres and each edging board is 3 metres long, four pieces of weathering steel edging will be required (remember to allow for a 2-centimetre overlap for joining).
• Mark cutting lines: Use a marker or chalk to draw lines on the metal sheet. For straight cuts, trace along a straightedge. For curved cuts (like corten metal edging around trees), use a circular object (e.g., a bucket) as a template and trace its edge to ensure smooth curves.

Step 2: Manual Cutting (Metal Shears) – Suitable for Thin Sheets

• Secure the sheet: Place the metal sheet on a stable workbench or ground surface. Weight it down with heavy objects (e.g., bricks) to prevent slipping while cutting.
• Begin cutting: Align the blades of the metal shears with the marked line. Grip the handles firmly with both hands and apply steady pressure to cut. — For straight cuts, maintain alignment with the marked line. For small curves, adjust the cutter's direction in small increments—never force it to avoid panel deformation.
• Edge finishing: After cutting, use a file to round sharp edges, especially on materials like weathering steel edging that will be frequently touched, preventing future garden injuries.

Step 3: Power Cutting (Chain Saw / Angle Grinder), Suitable for Thick Sheets

• Securing is crucial: Clamp the metal sheet firmly to a workbench or wooden board. Never hold the sheet in place by hand while cutting—power tools spin fast, and sheet movement is extremely dangerous.
• Safety first: Wear safety goggles, earplugs, and gloves. After starting the tool, let the blade idle for a few seconds before slowly aligning it with the marked line. Cut at a moderate speed, following the line precisely to prevent crooked edges.
• Finishing the Cut: If cutting steel landscape edging with a chainsaw, the edges may be rough. Lightly grind them with an angle grinder or sand them with coarse sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.

Special Scenarios: Cutting Curves and Multi-Segment Edging—Techniques to Remember

Cutting Curves (e.g., Circular Boundaries Around Trees)

• Choose the Right Material: Prioritize thin 14-gauge sheet metal (like lightweight rusted steel edging) for its flexibility, which facilitates smooth curve cutting. Thicker sheets are rigid and may result in uneven curves.
• Marking Technique: Use “string + marker” to draw curves — secure a wooden stake beside the tree, attach a string (length matching the desired boundary radius), tie a marker to the other end, and circle the stake to trace a perfect arc onto the metal sheet.
• Cutting tools: Use metal shears for small curves and an angle grinder for large curves (e.g., tree rings over 1 meter in diameter). Move the tool in small increments while cutting; avoid cutting all the way through in one pass. Gradually adjust the direction.

Cutting Multiple Segments: Ensuring Consistent Length

• Batch Marking: When cutting multiple identical-length edging panels (e.g., 6 x 2-meter corten steel garden edging segments), create a “length template” (e.g., a 2-meter wooden frame). Place the metal sheet inside the template and mark along the edge directly, eliminating repeated measurements.
• Stack cutting: Thin sheets (e.g., 14-gauge galvanized steel) can be stacked 2-3 layers for simultaneous cutting to save time. Ensure stacks are aligned and securely clamped to prevent shifting during cutting. Do not stack thick sheets; cut one layer at a time to avoid tool damage.

Post-Cutting: Installation and Maintenance for Durability

Simple Installation: Ready to Use After Cutting

• Dig a shallow trench: Along the marked boundary line, dig a narrow trench (depth equal to half the width of the edging panel; e.g., for an 8-inch-wide panel, a 4-inch-deep trench). This ensures the weathering steel edging stays stable and upright once buried.
• Place + Secure: Position the cut metal sheet in the trench, level it (using a spirit level), then secure with specialized steel nails (or stakes included with the edging). Drive one nail every 30-50cm. Overlap joints by 2cm and add an extra nail to prevent loosening.

Maintenance: Different Materials, Different Methods

• Galvanized Steel: If minor rust spots appear, sand them off and apply a fresh coat of rust-proof paint to extend longevity.
• Corten Steel Edging: No need to remove rust intentionally—the surface patina acts as a protective layer, developing character over time. Wipe away the dust with a dry cloth. No need to cover it during rain; it's built to withstand the elements.

Our Metal Edging Panels: Save Time, Achieve Better Results

Why Choose Our Metal Edging?

• Reliable Materials: Whether galvanized steel, heavy-gauge steel, or Corten steel edging, we use fully-gauge materials — e.g., our 14-gauge weathering steel garden edging employs 1.6mm thick weathering steel that resists deformation during cutting and ensures durability after installation.
• Complete Accessories: When you purchase corten edging panels, stakes, and corner pieces (12x12-inch bendable corners for 45° or 90° angles) are included. No need to source additional parts—just cut and install.
• Custom Cutting: For gardens with unique shapes (like large tree rings or irregular flower beds), we offer custom cutting services. We'll pre-cut edging to your exact dimensions so you can install it right away.

Free Consultation: We Calculate Quantities And Recommend Materials

Unsure which edging to choose? For example, if you're deciding between galvanized steel or metal landscaping edging, or are unsure how many meters you need, just tell us your garden dimensions and intended use. We'll provide free advice to prevent overbuying or selecting the wrong product.

Cutting Isn't Hard—It's All About Choosing the Right Materials and Tools