Installing Landscape Timber Edging

Lay out the bed and dig a trench 3 to 4 inches deep for the timbers. Make sure the trench you dig is level by checking the depth with a tape measure and a level mason's line.

Place the timbers of the first course in the trench and abut the ends together tightly. Use a level to check that the timbers sit level. Add or remove soil as necessary.

To trim a timber to length, cut across each face with a circular saw. If necessary, finish the cut at the center of the timber with a handsaw. Alternatively, cut timbers with a chain saw or a bow saw.

Place the timbers of the second course so that joints are offset at least 4 inches from the ones in the first course. Overlap the ends at the corners.

Check that the course of timbers is roughly level. If necessary, shim the low ends with thin strips of wood. At corners, square the timbers with a framing square.

Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the diameter of a 12-inch spike at each end and every 4 feet along the second course. Drive a 12-inch spike into each hole with a 3-pound sledgehammer.