Driveway Edging Options: Complete Guide for Manchester Homeowners

Edging serves two critical functions: structural containment and aesthetic definition.

Structural: Without a solid perimeter edge, block paving and resin bound driveways will gradually spread outward under vehicle loads and frost movement. The lateral pressure of vehicles turning and braking pushes the surface material outward, causing edge blocks to sink, resin to crack at the perimeter, and tarmac to break up at the sides.

Aesthetic: A well-chosen edging defines the driveway cleanly, separates it from adjacent planting or lawn, and creates a professional, finished appearance. The best driveway installations pay as much attention to edging detail as they do to the main surface.

At Dalys Driveways, perimeter edging is always included in our driveway installations as a non-negotiable structural element.

Concrete haunched kerbs (standard 125x150mm or 150x305mm road kerbs, or bullnose/battered profile kerbs) are the most commonly used driveway edging. They're set on a concrete foundation (haunch) that extends behind the kerb, providing the lateral support needed to retain the driveway surface.

For most residential driveways, bullnose kerbs are specified — they have a rounded top profile that's less harsh than a road kerb and reduces trip hazard at the driveway edge. They can be flush-topped (level with the surface) or raised slightly.

Cost: Included in standard driveway installation costs — this is not an optional extra. Properly haunched kerbing is fundamental to a lasting driveway.

Appearance: Functional rather than decorative. For a more refined look, replace standard kerbs with a block paving or granite sett border (see below).

Block paving borders are the most popular decorative edging for driveways in Greater Manchester. A 2–3 course border in a contrasting colour (e.g. silver grey border around charcoal field, buff border around brindle field) frames the driveway and creates a designed, intentional appearance.

Block paving borders are typically laid soldier-course (perpendicular to the main field) on a haunched concrete base. They provide both the aesthetic benefit of a defined edge and the structural benefit of a reinforced perimeter.

Granite sett borders take this further — small natural granite cobbles in silver or tumbled finish create a premium, architectural edge that's particularly effective around resin bound or plain tarmac driveways. The contrast between the smooth main surface and the textured natural stone border is visually striking.

Cost: A block paving border adds approximately £15–£25 per linear metre over standard kerbing. Granite sett borders add £25–£45 per linear metre.

Metal edge restraints (aluminium or steel extrusions) are frequently used for resin bound driveways, particularly where the resin meets a lawn or planted border. They provide a clean, precise edge between the resin surface and adjacent soft landscaping.

Popular options include: - Straight metal bead: A simple L-profile or T-profile extrusion that sits at the resin surface level, creating a neat edge - Aluminium bullnose edging: A rounded profile that softens the transition - Flat-top invisible edging: Sits flush with the surface for an almost seamless transition

Metal edging is typically powder-coated in anthracite grey or black for contemporary driveways, or can be left in natural aluminium for a more industrial look.

Cost: £10–£20 per linear metre installed, depending on profile and material.

For traditional or period properties, reclaimed or new facing brick laid soldier-course (standing upright) as a perimeter edging creates an authentic, period-appropriate boundary. This works particularly well with buff or brindle block paving on a Victorian or Edwardian property in areas like Altrincham, Bowdon, or Didsbury.

Natural stone edging — sandstone, limestone or Welsh slate — provides a premium, organic edge treatment that suits driveways aiming for a natural aesthetic. Natural stone edging works well alongside resin bound driveways with natural aggregate.

Cost: Brick soldier course: £20–£35 per linear metre. Natural stone: £30–£60 per linear metre.

Resin bound driveways require particular attention to edging because the material is applied in a continuous layer. The edge treatment needs to:

1. Contain the resin during installation — the resin is fluid when applied and must be contained 2. Protect the edge from vehicle tyres clipping the perimeter — this is the most vulnerable part of a resin bound driveway 3. Provide a drainage transition — the edge often defines where the permeable resin surface meets a lawn or planted border where water can discharge

For resin bound driveways, we typically use either metal edge restraints (where the boundary is a lawn or planted area), block paving soldier course borders (where a decorative edge is desired), or granite sett borders (for premium specifications). The choice depends on the overall design and the adjacent materials.