Stakes & Connectors
Staking Methods
Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, there are a range of staking options available for FormBoss® Metal Garden Edging Systems.
The general rule of thumb for selecting the right stake is making sure the stake is more than twice the profile height as a minimum.
Tapered Stakes (Triangle Stakes)
The first option is the tapered stake. It’s ideal for edging profiles up to 185mm high, and works great at strengthening and anchoring most standard applications.
For general applications we strongly recommend 3 stakes spaced out evenly per length of steel (2.44m). This works out to be every 813mm. Generally you’ll just place one in the center and one at each end about 400mm from your connection. These stakes are sold individually.
They are available in:
2400mm, 300mm & 400mm Heights
Galvanised 2.5mm gauge, REDCOR® steel 2.5mm gauge, ZAM® 2.5mm gauge & stainless by special request.
Angled Stakes (Retaining Stakes)
The second option is the angled stakes. These stakes are specially manufactured to suit both higher strength jobs and retaining applications.
Generally you space angled stakes at the same *3 per length (every 813mm). If you have a high strength job such as a straight 400mm retaining wall, or steps of any size, it is highly recommended to increase the quantity to *4 per length, this will work out to be spacing them every 610mm. If your steps are narrow you’ll need a minimum of 1 angled stake per side. You insert the top edge of the stake under the lip of the edging the same as you would with the tapered stakes. Angled stakes are sold individually.
400mm, 600mm, 800mm & 1200mm heights.
REDCOR® steel 3.0mm gauge, Galvanised 3.0mm gauge & stainless by special request
It’s important that you use a rubber mallet to knock these stakes in. A metal hammer will fold the top edge of the stake over and make it impossible to insert it under the lip of the edging.
Sometimes, especially for the 1200mm stakes, it is necessary to pre-dig out the area where the stake is going. A motorized post hole digger is fantastic for the 1200mm stakes, fill your hole up with concrete if you want the strongest retaining wall possible.
Recommended stake lengths based on soil condition
Stake lengths for clay soilS
Stake lengths for clay soil
FormBoss® Smart Connectors
The FormBoss® connector is essentially a short piece of the same FormBoss® profile, that allows you to connect your lengths together in a way that you end up with flowing uninterrupted lines.
FormBoss® allows you to have flawless uninterrupted lines with all the connections, stakes and fixings hidden under the soil level!
You’ll have to make sure that any cuts you have made are 100% square (90 degrees) in order to get the cleanest connection possible.
Push both lengths tightly together inside the smart connector, and clamp them there to ensure they don’t move.
From our experience, a wide brimmed vice clamp works best, because it tightly clamps both lengths flush together within the connector. (as seen below)
Clamp your edging and insert two self tapping screws through either side of the connection.
For profiles over 150mm, you will need to insert two screws on either side of the connection instead of just one. This will ensure both lengths don’t pull apart.
If you have any off cuts of edging, you can always chop them up into small sections which are essentially the exact same as our smart connectors.
When we cut up connectors we grind off the sharp burr created by cutting, and then we cold gal spray paint the exposed cut edges (for our galvanised edging) to ensure longevity.
You are strongly advised to file off all sharp edges and cold gal spray paint any exposed bare metals (for our galvanised edging) for maximum longevity (and safety).
Connectors and screws are included FREE with every order. We’ll work out how many you need when you order!
Connecting On A Sloping Block
Sometimes, when the land is rising or sloping, it is difficult to maintain a consistent edging height.
FormBoss® makes it incredibly easy to connect edges on uneven blocks of land.
To connect on a sloping or rising block (in this case sloping):
1. Judge the angle of the slope by laying a piece of edging on either side of the change of gradient. Just lay them on top of the soil slightly overlapping the steel at one end.
2. Get a pen and mark the edging where it overlaps. Note that this can work whether you’re dipping the edging or raising it, both methods remain the same.
3. Cut along the line with an angle grinder or hack saw, and join as per usual with a normal smart connector. It always helps to have a good clamp.
4. Lastly, install as you would usually, taking care to cover up the screws with the soil level.
Effective Tips*
Try repeating this process two or more times to get a more subtle change of angles.
Try putting an angle on any of your edges to give it a tapered effect. It can look really great in the larger sizes of edging! You can also just push one end of the edging flush into the ground to get a fading out effect.
Connect Different Profiles
A tapered edge can look elegant and bold, it really separates your garden from the rest.
To achieve a dramatic tapered edge follow these steps.
1. Decide how dramatic you would like the edging sloping. This will determine what profile heights you will choose. The bigger the difference between the two profiles, the steeper the slope will be.
I’ve used a 100mm piece, and a 150mm piece in this picture. This will give you a nice gentle slope.
2. Connect the larger smart connector to the larger edge with your supplied self tapping screws.
3. Connect the shorter profile as you would usually.
4. Lay in the ground on an angle, taking care to make sure your screws are below the soil level.
Tip* Your stakes will still work the same as usual, just make sure to tap them in so the top of the stake is on a similar angle to your edging.