Paver Edging Calculator — Linear Feet & Stakes
Estimate paver edge restraint linear footage and stake count for any paver installation perimeter. Returns both plastic and aluminum edging requirements.
Enter Dimensions
Polymeric sand joints: 1/4 in typical
Use 10% for simple shapes, 15% for cuts
Results
Pavers Needed
264pavers
Total Area
120sq ft
Sand Base (50 lb bags)
12bags
1-inch bedding layer
Gravel Base
1.5tons
4-inch compacted gravel base
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
Edge restraint is the unglamorous but essential perimeter of every paver installation. ICPI considers it required — installations without restraint will fail within 1-3 seasons regardless of base quality. The right edging type depends on traffic: plastic for patios, steel for walkways, concrete for driveways.
This calculator sizes total linear feet of edge restraint plus spike count. For complete material estimating including pavers, sand, and base aggregate, see the parent Paver Calculator.
How to Estimate Paver Edge Restraint
Edging (LF) = Perimeter × (1 + waste %). Spikes = LF × Spike Density (1 per ft for plastic; 1.5 per ft for curves; 1 per 18 in for steel).
Edge Restraint Product Reference
- Plastic L-edging: $1-2 per LF. Foot traffic only. 8 ft sections, plastic spikes 10 inch long.
- Aluminum / steel edging: $4-7 per LF. Patio, walkway, or light driveway. 8-10 ft sections, 12 inch steel spikes.
- Concrete curb (poured): $8-15 per LF including labor. Driveways, commercial, permanent installations.
- Soldier course (decorative): 1 paver per LF set on edge — pair with one of the above for actual restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paver edging do?
Edge restraint holds the perimeter pavers in place against the outward thrust caused by foot traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, and (for driveways) vehicle loads. Without restraint, the paver field shifts outward, joints widen, and pavers sink.
How much edging do I need?
Linear feet of edging = total perimeter length of the paver field. A 10 ft × 20 ft patio = 60 LF of edging. Account for curves by measuring along the actual curve, not the straight-line equivalent.
How many spikes per linear foot of edging?
Stake every 12 inches for foot-traffic patios and walkways. Tighten to every 8 inches for curves, slopes, or driveways. Plastic edging uses 10-inch nails; steel edging uses heavier 12-inch spikes.
What is the strongest paver edging?
Poured concrete curb is the strongest (and most permanent) — used for driveways and high-traffic commercial work. Steel edging (1/8 inch × 4 inch deep) is second-best and DIY-friendly. Plastic edging is cheapest but limited to foot-traffic installations.
Can pavers serve as their own edge restraint?
Soldier course (pavers set on edge along the perimeter) provides some restraint but is not sufficient on its own — it still needs a buried edge product behind it. Soldier course is primarily decorative.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate how many pavers you need for patios, walkways, and driveways. Includes bedding sand and gravel base estimates for any paver size and project area.
Open the Paver Calculator: Pavers, Sand & Base →