The Eco-Friendly Driveway Border That You Can DIY On A Budget

Having a clear border that defines the edges of your driveway can make a lot of difference to how sharp and well cared for it looks. There are a number of driveway border ideas that can boost curb appeal, but there's one eco-friendly solution that is often overlooked. They are called gabions. Not only are they one of the more environmentally conscious options, but they're also comparatively affordable. If you don't mind a bit of hard work, you can DIY them without needing the skills or tools associated with laying bricks or pavers.

You might have come across gabions used in construction projects. They are often used as retaining walls or to control erosion. In essence, they are baskets made from strong steel wire that are filled with rocks. They can be very large, but smaller versions for garden landscaping and driveway edges are readily available.

There are a number of reasons that gabions are considered an eco-friendly driveway border. The mesh baskets are made from recyclable steel and can be filled with recycled material or rocks from sustainable sources. Quarries normally need to meet environmental standards set by the government. There's also no need to use concrete, which is responsible for high emissions. Gabions are free-draining, too, so they help prevent flooding, and they can promote biodiversity as a habitat for small creatures that might otherwise struggle in urban areas.

Gabions are not only an eco-friendly option, but they are also virtually maintenance-free and they are extremely durable. They ship folded flat and are easy to assemble, too. For basic gabion construction, you need nothing more than wire cutters, pliers, strong gloves, and elbow grease. Assuming your driveway border only needs to be one gabion high, the groundwork will be minimal. If the site is not level, it's a good idea to do that by digging a shallow trench. 

A wide variety of fill materials gives you tremendous scope, offering a range of textures and colors. Recycled concrete or old bricks are the most eco-friendly approach, but quarried stone or river rocks are equally suitable. While gabions are a budget-friendly driveway edging idea, if you find that a particular material is a little expensive, fill most of the center with cheap cinder blocks. Then you only need an outer layer of the costlier stone or rock. 

If you like, you can cover the tops with recycled lumber, whether for visual appeal or as seating. Add lighting for a touch of magic at night. Now you know how to DIY a sustainable, attractive, and durable driveway border. Plus, it's also easy on your budget.