How to Choose the Right Red Brick Edging Style for Your Garden
Match the style to the layout
Straight paths and formal beds usually look best with soldier course, running bond, or header course. Curved beds and looser planting often suit sawtooth, serpentine, or trench-set styles better.
If your yard has lots of turf, a flush mowing strip may be the most practical option. Pretty matters, but convenience matters too.
Think about budget and labor
Flat-laid designs are usually the easiest for DIY work. More intricate options like herringbone and basketweave take more planning, more time, and sometimes more cutting.
Reclaimed brick can save money, but not always. Cleaning, sorting, and hauling it can turn into a whole project by itself.
Consider climate and maintenance
If you live somewhere with freeze-thaw cycles, prioritize frost-resistant bricks and a well-prepped base. In wetter climates, drainage is just as important as the brick itself.
For easier upkeep, look for styles that support mowing and reduce grass creep. That’s where low-maintenance garden borders really earn their place.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself four things: Do I want formal or relaxed? Raised or flush? Patterned or simple? DIY-friendly or professionally installed? That little checklist clears things up fast.
If I were picking for a classic English-style garden today, I’d choose reclaimed running bond for easy charm, soldier course for a formal front bed, or a flush strip for pure practicality. I’d love to hear what you’d choose, so drop a comment below, share this with your gardening friends, and pin it for later.
