What is an edging course?

An edging course is the structural border that runs around the perimeter of a paved surface, holding the blocks or setts in place and stopping them from spreading outward under load or weather exposure. Without edge restraint, a paved area can shift and bow within months of installation, particularly in Cheltenham's wet climate where repeated freeze-thaw cycles put pressure on unbounded edges.

Edging courses typically take one of three forms. Concrete haunching is a sloped concrete pour along the edge that mechanically locks the perimeter blocks. Proprietary metal or plastic edge restraint systems bolt or pin directly to the outer course and hold blocks rigid. Traditional concrete or stone kerbs create a raised physical barrier.

The choice of edging matters because different materials and fixes suit different applications. A domestic driveway in Cheltenham often uses concrete haunching or metal edge restraint for durability and low maintenance. Commercial or high-traffic areas may require kerbs for definition and impact resistance. Garden patios sometimes use landscape timber or bedded kerbs where aesthetics take priority.

Correct installation is critical. The edging must be fully supported below the paving plane (typically 10-15 mm below the finished surface) and laid on a solid concrete foundation to prevent settlement. If edge restraint is omitted or installed loosely, the entire paved surface becomes unstable and maintenance costs rise sharply. Most block paving contractors include edging as standard, though specification and quality vary.