Spade vs shovel
The two names are often used interchangeably, but the tools are designed differently. A spade usually has a flat or only slightly curved, rectangular blade. It is made to cut into the ground, slice through roots, edge a bed and dig a tidy, straight-sided hole. A shovel typically has a more dished, scoop-like blade that is better at picking up and moving loose material such as soil, sand, gravel or compost.
Terminology also varies by region. In some places a “shovel” covers both, and some catalogues call a digging spade simply a “garden spade”. Looking at the blade shape tells you more than the name does.
Main types of spade
Digging spade (standard spade)
The all-round choice. It has a rectangular or gently rounded blade with a tread or step on the top edge, so you can press it in with your foot. It suits turning soil, planting and general garden work.
Border spade
A smaller, lighter version of the digging spade, with a narrower blade and often a shorter shaft. It is easier to use in crowded beds and between established plants, and it can be a good fit for people who find a full-size spade heavy.
Pointed spade
The blade tapers to a point, which can help it penetrate hard, stony or clay soil and cut through roots more easily than a flat edge. The trade-off is that it is less tidy for squaring off edges.
Transplanting spade
Has a long, narrow blade, sometimes with a sharpened or slightly serrated edge. It is used to dig deep, narrow holes and to lift small plants, bulbs or shrubs with minimal disturbance to the surrounding roots.
Trenching (drainage) spade
A very long, narrow blade for cutting narrow trenches, for example when laying pipes, cables or drains. Some are called drainage spades. The narrow shape means you remove less soil, which can be a time saver on long runs.
Sharpshooter and Irish-style spades
These have long, thin blades, sometimes slightly curved. The name and the exact shape differ between makers and regions, so check the product description. They are generally promoted for cutting turf and working in dense ground.
Common shovel types
- Round-point shovel: a pointed, slightly scooped blade for general digging and for breaking into hard or compacted ground. This is the classic all-round shovel.
- Square-point (flat) shovel: a flat, straight edge suited to scooping, scraping and moving material from a flat surface such as a patio or driveway.
- Scoop shovel: a wide, deep blade for moving large volumes of light material such as mulch or grain, not for digging.
If someone asks for the “three main types of shovels”, these three are a common answer, although different retailers group them differently.
Other names for a spade
Depending on where you are and who is selling it, you may see a spade referred to as a garden spade, digging spade, border spade, edging spade or, loosely, a shovel. Specific variants may be called sharpshooters, drainage spades or planting spades.
Blade material, handle and step
- Carbon steel: strong and holds an edge, but can rust if not cleaned and dried.
- Stainless steel: resists rust and tends to shed soil more easily, but is usually more expensive.
- Handle material: wood, fiberglass and metal are all used. See the notes on handles in our guide to long handled garden tools.
- Handle top: a D-grip gives good control, while a straight T-handle or a long straight shaft can suit some users. Try them for comfort.
- Treads: wide, flat treads protect your foot when pressing the blade in. Some spades have a step on both sides.
- Weight and length: a lighter spade is easier to use for longer, while a heavier one can do more of the work in tough ground. Choose a length that lets you stand reasonably upright when digging.
Choosing a type by job
| Job | Spade type to consider |
|---|---|
| General digging and planting | Digging spade |
| Narrow beds and crowded borders | Border spade |
| Hard, stony or root-filled soil | Pointed spade |
| Moving small plants and bulbs | Transplanting spade |
| Narrow trenches for pipes or cables | Trenching spade |
| Moving loose soil or mulch | Shovel |
For loosening heavy soil, a fork may work better than any spade. For more on forks and other tools of this kind, see our overview of long handled garden tools and their names.
Basic care
Scrape off soil after use, rinse if needed and dry the blade. A light coat of oil on carbon steel blades helps limit rust. A blunt edge can be refreshed with a file. Store the tool somewhere dry, ideally hung up. Before digging, be aware of buried utilities, and check with your local utility services if you are unsure what is underground.
Frequently asked questions
Are there different types of spades?
Yes. The most common are digging, border, pointed, transplanting and trenching spades, along with some regional variants.
What is the difference between a border spade and a digging spade?
A border spade is a smaller and lighter version of a digging spade, made for working in tight spaces. A digging spade has a larger blade and suits bigger jobs.
Which spade is best for clay or stony soil?
A pointed blade is often suggested, since it can penetrate more easily. A strong, sturdy tool matters more than the type alone.