Concrete Curb Edging

How to Install Concrete Curb Edging

1. 1 Use Rope or Garden Hose to Lay Out Contours

   Lay out the contours of the edging using a rope or garden hose. For straight runs, use stakes and mason’s string to mark the layout. Make the curb at least 5" wide.

2. 2 Dig Trench Between Layout Lines

   Dig a trench between the layout lines 8" wide (or 3" wider than the finished curb width) at a depth that allows for a 4"-thick (minimum) curb at the desired height above grade. Compact the soil to form a flat, solid base.

3. 3 Stake Edges of Trench

   Stake along the edges of the trench, using 1 x 1 x 12" wood stakes. Drive a stake every 18" along each side edge.

4. 4 Fasten Form Sides to Insides of Stakes

   Build the form sides by fastening 4"-wide strips of 1/4" hardboard to the insides of the stakes using 1" wood screws. Bend the strips to follow the desired contours.

5. 5 Add Spacers Inside Form

   Add spacers inside the form to maintain a consistent width. Cut the spacers from 1 x 1 to fit snugly inside the form. Set the spacers along the bottom edges of the form at 3-ft. intervals.

6. 6 Fill Form with Concrete Mix

   Fill the form with concrete mixed to a firm, workable consistency. Use a margin trowel to spread and consolidate the concrete.
   

7. 7 Tool Concrete + Smooth Surface

   Tool the concrete: once the bleed water disappears, smooth the surface with a wood float. Using a margin trowel, cut 1"-deep control joints across the width of the curb at 3-ft. intervals.

8. 8 Tool Side Edges

   Tool the side edges of the curb with an edger. Allow to cure.
   

9. 9 Seal Concrete + Cure for 3-5 Days

   Seal the concrete, as directed, with an acrylic concrete sealer, and let it cure for 3 to 5 days before removing the form.