Block Paving Edging, Kerbs & Borders | Block Paving Contractors

What does an edging or kerb job involve?

Edging is the fixed restraint around the outside of block paving. Because the blocks are only held by friction and jointing sand, they need a firm edge on every side that is not against a wall, or they slowly move outwards, the joints open and the surface starts to dip.

The edge can be a kerb, a row of blocks laid as a soldier course, or a block on its side, but in every case it should be bedded and haunched in concrete. We also re-set failed edging on older drives, which often stops further spreading without re-laying the whole area.

What is included?

New kerbs or soldier courses bedded on concrete
Concrete haunching behind the edge
Re-setting loose or missing edging on existing paving
Steps and risers in block or kerb units
Raised edges to beds and lawns

Which options are there?

Soldier course

A row of blocks laid end-on in a contrasting colour, set in concrete.

Kerb edging

Bullnose or flat-top kerbs in concrete or granite-effect.

Flush edging to lawn

Edge set level with the lawn so mowers can run over it.

How much does an edging or kerb job cost?

UK guide price£20–£50 per metre inc VATIncluding VAT at 20%

The price depends on the size, the access and what is needed underneath, so it is confirmed after the survey. Extras are listed separately on your quote.

Region	Guide price inc VAT
London	£25–£60 per metre
South East	£20–£55 per metre
East of England	£20–£55 per metre
South West	£20–£50 per metre
West Midlands	£20–£50 per metre
East Midlands	£20–£50 per metre
North West	£20–£50 per metre
Yorkshire and the Humber	£18–£45 per metre
North East	£18–£45 per metre
Wales	£19–£45 per metre
Scotland	£20–£50 per metre
Northern Ireland	£19–£50 per metre

Guide figures checked 9 November 2026. Your written quote after the survey is the price you pay. See the full price list or try the guide price tool.

Is an edging or kerb job right for you?

Good for

New paving of any kind
Older drives where blocks are creeping
Defining borders and parking bays

How does it work?

Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.

Do you need permission?

Front-garden paving and dropped kerbs follow different rules in each part of the UK:

Front drive rules in England

In England, paving in front of the house that covers more than 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway inside your boundary. Permeable block paving, or standard blocks laid to fall onto a planted strip, avoid the need for permission in most cases.

Flats and maisonettes, listed buildings, and homes covered by an Article 4 direction can have tighter rules, and conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes restrict some permitted development.

A dropped kerb needs your local highway authority's approval (usually the county, unitary, metropolitan or London borough council), and a new access onto an A, B or C classified road also needs planning permission.

Front drive rules in Wales

In Wales, any new or replacement hard surface at the front of a house should be permeable or drain to a permeable area within the property to avoid needing planning permission. Unlike England, there is no 5 m² allowance for new paving; only repairs of up to 5 m² of existing surface are exempt.

Since January 2019, construction work covering 100 m² or more with drainage implications, including drives and patios, needs approval from the local SuDS Approving Body (SAB) before work starts, even where planning permission is not needed.

A dropped kerb needs your council's approval as highway authority, and a new access onto a classified road needs planning permission.

Front drive rules in Scotland

In Scotland, a hard surface between the house and the road is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a permeable area within the property. There is no 5 m² threshold: the rule applies whatever the size.

Hard surfaces are not permitted development in a conservation area or within the grounds of a listed building, so planning permission is needed there.

A dropped kerb needs consent from your council as roads authority under section 56 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, and planning permission may also be needed depending on the road.

Front drive rules in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, a hard surface between the front of the house and the road that covers or replaces more than 5 m² must be porous or permeable, or drain to a permeable area within the property, to be permitted development.

Hard surfaces within the grounds of a listed building need listed building consent. Planning is handled by your district council, so check with its planning office if you are unsure.

Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland are approved by DfI Roads (the Department for Infrastructure), not the council; check planning separately with the council.

Questions about edging & kerbs

Does block paving need edging?

Yes, on every side that is not against a wall or another fixed structure. Without it the blocks spread and the joints open.

Why is my block paving edge breaking up?

Usually the edging was laid on sand rather than concrete, or the concrete haunching was too thin. It can be lifted and re-set on a proper bed.

What is a soldier course?

A row of blocks laid side by side at the edge, end-on to the line, usually in a darker colour to frame the paving. When bedded in concrete it acts as the edge restraint.

Where do you offer edging and kerb jobs?

We quote edging and kerb jobs across the UK. Choose your area for local prices and towns.

Edging, kerbs, borders and steps

What does an edging or kerb job involve?

What is included?