Landscape curbing is a continuous concrete border installed around garden beds, lawns, driveways, or walkways to create a defined edge. It’s typically made from poured concrete, often customized with colors, textures, or patterns, and installed using specialized equipment to form a durable, seamless barrier.

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the look of a landscape with clean, professional lines and customizable designs that complement the property.
2. Low Maintenance: Unlike wood or plastic edging, concrete curbing is durable, weather-resistant, and doesn’t require frequent replacement or upkeep.
3. Weed and Grass Control: Acts as a barrier to prevent grass or weeds from spreading into garden beds, reducing maintenance time.
4. Erosion Prevention: Holds soil, mulch, or gravel in place, preventing erosion from rain or foot traffic.
5. Durability: Resistant to cracking, fading, and damage from lawn equipment, ensuring long-term functionality.
6. Property Value: Adds a polished, professional look that can increase curb appeal and property value.
7. Versatility: Can be shaped into curves, angles, or straight lines to fit any landscape design, with options for stamped patterns or colors.

It’s a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for defining and enhancing outdoor spaces.

The process of installing landscape curbing involves several steps, typically completed by professionals using specialized equipment, though DIY options exist with rented tools. Below is a concise overview of the process:

1. Planning and Design

• Consultation: Discuss the desired layout, shape, color, and style (e.g., stamped patterns, textures) with the installer or plan your DIY design.
• Marking the Area: Outline the curbing path using spray paint, string, or a garden hose to visualize the design (straight lines, curves, etc.).
• Permits/Approvals: Check local regulations or HOA rules for any required permits.

2. Site Preparation

• Clear the Area: Remove grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from the marked path.
• Excavate the Trench: Dig a shallow trench (typically 4-6 inches deep and 8-10 inches wide) along the outlined path to create a base for the curbing.
• Level the Ground: Ensure the trench is even and compacted to provide a stable foundation.

3. Mixing the Concrete

• Prepare the Mix: Combine cement, sand, aggregates, and water (often with color additives or fibers for strength) in a mixer. Professionals use a curbing machine’s built-in mixer for consistency.
• Customize: Add pigments for color or prepare for stamped patterns if desired.

4. Installing the Curbing

• Set Up the Curbing Machine: A specialized extruder machine is used to pour and shape the concrete. For DIY, rent a curbing machine or use molds.
• Extrude the Concrete: Feed the concrete mix into the machine, which extrudes a continuous, shaped curb directly onto the prepared trench. The machine forms the curb to the desired height and width (typically 4-6 inches high and 6-8 inches wide).
• Shape and Smooth: Workers use trowels to smooth the surface and refine the shape as the concrete is extruded.

5. Adding Design Elements

• Stamping/Texture: Apply stamps or rollers to create patterns (e.g., brick, stone, or slate) while the concrete is still wet.
• Coloring: If not pre-mixed, apply color hardeners or stains to achieve the desired look.
• Control Joints: Cut shallow joints every few feet to prevent cracking as the concrete cures.

6. Curing and Sealing

• Curing: Allow the concrete to cure for 24-48 hours, keeping it moist to prevent cracking (cover with plastic or mist with water if needed).
• Sealing: Apply a concrete sealer to protect the curbing from weather, UV rays, and stains, enhancing durability and color vibrancy.

7. Cleanup and Final Touches

• Clean the Area: Remove any debris or excess concrete from the site.
• Backfill: Add soil or mulch around the curbing to integrate it into the landscape.
• Final Inspection: Ensure the curbing meets design specifications and is properly set.

This process creates a durable, attractive border that enhances and defines your landscape. 

 Yes – DIY landscape curbing is achievable with proper planning, tools, and effort, especially for small projects. However, it requires physical work and some skill to achieve a professional look. If you’re comfortable with hands-on tasks and have access to the necessary equipment, you can save money and create a custom landscape feature. For complex or large-scale projects, or if you want a polished finish, hiring a professional may be worth the investment.

Choosing a color for landscape curbing involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and harmony with your environment. Here’s a concise guide:

• Match Your Home’s Exterior: Select a color that complements your house’s siding, brick, or trim. For example, earthy tones like browns or grays work well with neutral homes, while bolder homes might pair with contrasting shades.
• Blend with the Landscape: Consider your garden, lawn, or hardscape. Natural tones (beige, tan, or slate) blend seamlessly, while vibrant colors (reds, charcoals) can create a striking border.
• Consider Climate and Maintenance: Lighter colors reflect heat, staying cooler in hot climates, but may show dirt more. Darker colors hide stains but can fade in intense sun. Check if the curbing material offers UV-resistant sealants.
• Purpose and Style: Want a subtle edge or a standout feature? Neutral colors (gray, brown) are timeless and subtle, while bold hues (terracotta, black) add modern flair or highlight specific areas.
• Test Samples: Request color samples from your curbing provider and view them in your yard at different times of day to see how lighting affects the look.
• Check HOA Rules: If you’re in a homeowner’s association, confirm any color restrictions.

Quick Tips:

• Popular choices: Gray for modern looks, brown for natural settings, red for traditional gardens.
• Mix colors or add texture (e.g., stamped patterns) for custom effects.
• Look at nearby homes or online galleries (e.g., Pinterest, landscaping sites) for inspiration.

Affordable Curb will always give you suggested color options as well as style options when giving their free price quotes.

 Cost per Linear Foot:

• Concrete Curbing: $5–$18 per linear foot (poured concrete: $3.50 (DIY) –$17; precast blocks: $3.50–$14; stamped concrete: $5–$18.50).
• Brick: $7–$13 per linear foot (materials: $2–$3; labor: $5–$10).
• Granite or Stone: $16–$43 per linear foot (materials: $11–$33; labor: $5–$10).
• Plastic or Steel: $2.50–$7.75 per linear foot (materials: $0.50–$4.50).

Yes!  Affordable Curb carries full general and professional liability insurance.  All employees are fully covered with our Workers Comp Insurance giving home owner’s the peace of mind they deserve.

Durability and Longevity:

• Concrete Curbing: Made from poured or precast concrete, it resists weather, rot, and wear, lasting 20–30 years with minimal upkeep. Unlike wood (rots in 5–10 years) or plastic (cracks in 3–7 years), it withstands harsh climates.
• Vs. Metal: Steel or aluminum edging can dent or corrode; curbing is more resilient.
• Vs. Stone: Loose stones shift over time; curbing stays fixed.

Aesthetic Versatility:

• Customizable with colors, stamps, or textures (e.g., brick-like patterns) to match your home or garden. Plastic and metal offer limited styles, while wood looks rustic but fades.
• Vs. Natural Stone/Brick: Curbing mimics their look at a lower cost ($5–$18 vs. $16–$43 per linear foot for stone) and with seamless installation.
• Creates clean, continuous lines for a polished look, unlike loose stone or uneven wood.

Low Maintenance:

• Requires only occasional cleaning or resealing (every 3–5 years, ~$0.50–$1 per linear foot). Plastic traps weeds, wood needs staining, and metal may rust.
• Vs. Stone/Brick: Loose materials need repositioning or weed control; curbing stays weed-free due to its solid form.

Functional Benefits:

• Prevents grass or mulch from spilling into beds, reducing upkeep compared to no edging or flexible plastic, which shifts.
• Strong barrier for mowers or foot traffic, unlike flimsy plastic or thin metal.
• Vs. Wood/Stone: Curbing’s solid structure better contains soil and mulch.