Yes, laying a simple brick border around a garden bed is well within reach for most NZ homeowners. It doesn't require specialist skills or a building consent, and the results can look fantastic — giving your garden a tidy, defined edge that keeps lawn and mulch where they belong. Here's everything you need to know to get it right first time.
What You'll Need
Before you start digging, gather your tools and materials:
- Bricks or pavers – standard clay bricks, concrete garden edging bricks, or recycled bricks all work well. Check your local Bunnings or Mitre 10 for a range of options.
- Builder's sand or bedding sand – for a stable, level base
- Spade and flat spade (or edging spade) – for cutting a clean trench
- Rubber mallet – for tapping bricks into place without cracking them
- Spirit level and string line – essential for keeping things straight and even
- Tape measure
- Wheelbarrow and bucket
- Safety gloves and eye protection
Planning Your Border
Start by marking out the shape of your garden bed using a garden hose or rope — this lets you adjust curves before committing. For straight edges, use timber pegs and a string line.
Decide how you want to lay your bricks:
| Style | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (soldier course) | Bricks laid flat, end to end | Neat, modern look |
| On-edge (rowlock) | Bricks standing upright on their long edge | Taller border, less bricks needed |
| Angled (sawtooth) | Bricks set at 45° diagonally | Decorative cottage-garden style |
Measure the perimeter of your bed so you can calculate how many bricks you'll need. Buy around 10% extra to allow for cuts and breakages.
Step-by-Step: Laying Your Brick Border
1. Dig Your Trench
Using your spade, dig a trench along your marked line. The depth should allow your bricks to sit at the height you want above ground while being buried at least one-third of their height for stability. For a standard flat-laid brick (roughly 75 mm tall), aim for a trench about 100–120 mm deep.
2. Prepare the Base
Loosen any compacted soil at the bottom of the trench, then add 50–75 mm of bedding sand. Compact it lightly and roughly level it with a piece of timber. A firm, even base is the key to a border that won't shift over time.
3. Set Your String Line
Run a string line at the finished height of your border. This is your guide for keeping everything level and consistent as you work along the trench.
4. Lay the Bricks
Place each brick firmly into the sand, tapping it down with your rubber mallet until it sits level with your string line. Check with your spirit level regularly — both along the run and across the brick. Butt bricks tightly together, or leave a small consistent gap if you prefer a more rustic look.
For curves, you may need to fan bricks slightly or cut some to fit. A brick bolster and club hammer can score and split bricks, or hire an angle grinder with a masonry disc for cleaner cuts. Always wear eye protection and gloves when cutting.
5. Backfill and Compact
Once all bricks are in place, backfill both sides of the border with soil or sand, packing it firmly around the base of each brick. This locks everything in place. On the garden side, top up with your mulch or soil. On the lawn side, tamp the soil down so the lawn can grow back neatly against the edge.
6. Check and Adjust
Step back and check the whole run. Tap down any high spots and add a little sand under any low ones. It's much easier to adjust now than after the ground settles.
NZ-Specific Tips
- Frost areas: If you're in a colder part of NZ (Central Otago, inland Canterbury, or elevated areas), use frost-resistant bricks or concrete pavers — standard clay bricks can spall (flake) if they absorb water and freeze.
- Clay soils: Many NZ gardens have heavy clay soils that shift seasonally. A slightly deeper sand bed (75–100 mm) helps absorb movement and keeps your border looking tidy longer.
- Recycled bricks: These are a great sustainable option and widely available at demolition salvage yards. Check they're solid and not too porous before using them outdoors.
- No building consent is required for a simple garden edging border like this — it's well outside the scope of the NZ Building Code. However, if you're planning any retaining wall over a certain height, that's a different matter entirely — check with your local council for the applicable threshold. Check with your local council if you're unsure. See MBIE Building Performance for general guidance on what requires consent.
Keeping It Looking Good
A brick border needs very little maintenance. Once or twice a year, check for any bricks that have shifted or heaved, and tap them back into place. Pull any weeds that sprout between bricks promptly — a long-handled weeding tool makes this easy. You can apply a jointing sand between bricks to discourage weeds if gaps are an issue.
When to Call a Professional
For a simple garden bed border, most homeowners will manage just fine on their own. However, consider calling a qualified landscaper if:
- Your garden has significant slope or drainage issues that need addressing before edging
- You want a mortared brick border (using cement mortar requires more skill to get a clean, lasting result)
- You're planning a larger paved area or retaining structure alongside the border
- You simply want the job done quickly and to a high standard
You can find experienced local landscapers on tradedirectory.co.nz who can advise on design and handle more complex garden projects.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
