Concrete Edging: Types, Costs & Installation Guide (2026)

Concrete edging is one of the most cost-effective landscape improvements you can make — it creates clean lines between lawn, beds, and hardscape that last 20+ years with minimal maintenance. At $3–$15 per linear foot installed, it's far more durable than plastic or metal edging and adds real curb appeal. This guide covers every type of concrete edging, installation methods, real costs, and when to DIY vs. hire a pro.

Types of Concrete Edging

1. Concrete Mow Strips

Mow strips are flat, level concrete strips (typically 4–6" wide × 4" deep) set flush with the lawn surface. Their primary purpose is creating a clean mowing edge — the lawn mower wheel rides on the strip so you don't need to hand-trim along beds, fences, or structures.

• Width: 4–6 inches is standard. 8–12 inches for areas doubling as a walking path.
• Depth: 4 inches minimum below grade, with 1–2" exposed above soil level on the bed side.
• Cost: $3–$6/linear foot installed. DIY materials: $0.75–$1.50/ft.
• Best for: Separating lawn from flower beds, along fences, between lawn and gravel areas, around trees.

Pro tip: Set mow strips 1/4" below the lawn surface on the grass side. This lets the mower deck clear the concrete without scalping the grass. On the bed side, the strip should be 1–2" above the mulch or soil to contain material.

2. Extruded Landscape Curbing

Machine-extruded curbing is the most popular form of concrete edging for residential landscapes. A specialized curbing machine extrudes a continuous bead of concrete in one of several standard profiles. The result is a seamless, jointless edge that follows curves naturally.

• Profiles: Slant/wedge (most common), mower edge (flat top), round/bullnose, square/straight, and stamped patterns.
• Dimensions: Typically 4–6" wide at the base, 3–5" tall. Tapers to a rounded or angled top.
• Cost: $5–$10/linear foot for standard profiles. $8–$15/ft for stamped or colored options.
• Minimum order: Most curbing contractors have a 100–150 linear foot minimum ($500–$750) to cover mobilization costs.
• Best for: Garden beds, tree rings, driveway borders, pool surrounds, playground containment.

3. Poured-in-Place Concrete Edging

Traditional formed-and-poured concrete edging uses standard formwork (usually 2×4 or 2×6 lumber) to create a concrete border. This method gives you full control over dimensions and is how mow strips and larger curbs are typically built.

• Best for: Mow strips, structural curbs, custom shapes, thick borders, and any edging that needs to be more than 6" wide.
• Cost: $6–$12/linear foot installed (varies with size and complexity).
• Advantages: Stronger than extruded (higher water-to-cement ratio possible), fully customizable dimensions, can include rebar for structural applications.
• Disadvantages: More labor-intensive, visible joints every 8–10 ft, harder to do tight curves.

4. Precast/Prefab Concrete Edging

Factory-made concrete edging pieces that install like pavers. Available at home improvement stores in straight and curved sections. This is the go-to DIY option because no mixing or pouring is required.

• Types: Scalloped edges ($1–$2/ft), straight edges ($1.50–$3/ft), tumbled stone look ($2–$4/ft), decorative block ($3–$5/ft).
• Cost: $1–$5/linear foot for materials. DIY installation adds $0–$1/ft in base material.
• Best for: DIY projects, straight runs, areas where you want easy removal/relocation later.
• Disadvantages: Visible joints between pieces, can shift over time without proper base, limited to manufacturer profiles.

5. Decorative Stamped Curbing

Machine-extruded curbing that's stamped with patterns (brick, stone, cobblestone, rope, etc.) and colored with integral color or surface-applied stain. This is the premium option that mimics expensive hardscape materials.

• Popular patterns: Running brick ($8–$12/ft), European fan ($10–$14/ft), cobblestone ($9–$13/ft), flagstone ($10–$15/ft), rope/cable ($8–$11/ft).
• Color options: Integral color ($1–$2/ft premium), acid stain ($1.50–$3/ft premium), or painted (cheapest but requires repainting every 2–3 years).
• Best for: Front yard landscapes visible from the street, commercial properties, high-end residential, anywhere aesthetics matter most.

Concrete Edging Cost Comparison

What Affects Concrete Edging Cost?

1. Linear footage: More footage = lower per-foot cost. Most contractors offer volume discounts at 200+ feet. The mobilization cost ($200–$500) is spread over more feet.
2. Profile/design: A simple mow strip is half the cost of stamped decorative curbing. More complex profiles require more material and slower machine speeds.
3. Curves: Tight curves (under 3 ft radius) slow production and increase waste. Straight runs are cheapest.
4. Color: Integral color adds $1–$2/ft. Acid stain adds $1.50–$3/ft. Both are worthwhile for curb appeal.
5. Access: If the curbing machine can't drive to the work area, materials must be wheelbarrowed in, adding significant labor cost.
6. Soil conditions: Rocky soil requires more excavation. Soft soil may need compaction or gravel base. Both add cost.

How to Install Concrete Edging (DIY Poured Method)

Pouring your own concrete mow strips or edging is one of the more accessible concrete DIY projects. Here's the step-by-step process:

Materials Needed

• Form lumber (2×4 for 4" edging, 2×6 for thicker)
• Wooden stakes (1×2 or 2×2, every 3–4 ft)
• Concrete mix (one 80-lb bag covers ~3 linear feet of 4×4 edging)
• String line and stakes for alignment
• Level, tape measure, wheelbarrow, mixing hoe
• Edging trowel and concrete float
• Expansion joint material (every 8–10 ft)

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Plan and mark the layout: Use a garden hose to lay out curves. Mark with spray paint. Measure total linear footage to calculate materials.
2. Excavate the trench: Dig a flat-bottomed trench 4" deep and 2" wider than your desired edging width (for forms). The trench bottom should be compacted and level.
3. Set forms: Stake 2×4 lumber along both sides of the trench. The top of the forms sets your final height. Use a level to ensure forms are consistent. For curves, use 1/4" plywood bender board or kerf-cut 2×4s.
4. Add base material (optional but recommended): 2" of compacted gravel in the bottom of the trench improves drainage and prevents frost heave in cold climates.
5. Mix and pour concrete: Use bagged concrete mix (4,000 PSI minimum). Pour in sections of 8–10 ft. Tamp to consolidate and eliminate voids.
6. Finish the surface: Float the top smooth, then use an edging trowel along both sides for a rounded edge (prevents chipping). Broom finish for traction if the edging doubles as a walking surface.
7. Install expansion joints: Place 1/4" fiber expansion joint material every 8–10 ft. This prevents random cracking as the concrete expands and contracts.
8. Cure properly: Keep moist for 3–5 days (mist with water or cover with plastic). Don't mow over new edging for at least 7 days. Full strength at 28 days.
9. Remove forms: After 24–48 hours, remove stakes and form lumber. Backfill along both sides.

DIY Cost Estimate (100 Linear Feet of 4×4 Mow Strip)

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Maintenance: Keeping Concrete Edging Looking Good

Concrete edging is low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance. Here's what to do each season:

Annual Maintenance Tasks

• Spring inspection: Check for frost heave damage, cracks, and separation from the lawn. Repair small cracks with concrete caulk ($5–$8/tube).
• Pressure wash: Remove dirt, algae, and stains annually. 1,500–2,000 PSI is sufficient — higher pressure can damage the surface.
• Re-seal (every 2–3 years): Apply a clear concrete sealer to maintain color (especially on stained or colored curbing) and prevent water absorption. Cost: $0.10–$0.20/ft.
• Weed control: Pull weeds growing in expansion joints or along edges. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in spring to prevent growth. Keep mulch and soil from burying the edging.
• Touch up color (if stained): Acid-stained curbing may need color refreshing every 3–5 years. Touch-up stain kits run $15–$30 and cover 50–100 ft.

Common Concrete Edging Problems

• Cracking: Usually from frost heave or tree roots. Small cracks can be filled with concrete caulk. If a section is badly cracked, cut it out and repour (or have the curbing company replace that section — most offer repair services at $5–$10/ft).
• Separation from lawn: Soil settles along the edging, creating a gap. Backfill with soil and compact. This is cosmetic, not structural.
• Fading/discoloration: UV exposure fades colored concrete over time. Re-staining or applying tinted sealer restores the color. Budget $2–$4/ft for professional color restoration.
• Mower damage: Hitting concrete edging with a mower blade chips both the concrete and the blade. Set edging at the correct height (lawn level or slightly below) to prevent contact.

Concrete Edging for Specific Applications

Around Driveways

Driveway edging needs to handle vehicle tire loads. Use poured-in-place edging (6" wide × 6" deep minimum) rather than extruded curbing. Reinforce with #3 rebar for driveways. Cost: $8–$14/ft installed. See our driveway cost guide for full pricing.

Around Patios

Patio edging is primarily aesthetic — it defines the patio border and contains paver or gravel surfaces. Extruded curbing at $5–$8/ft works well. For poured concrete patios, the edging is usually formed as part of the pour. See our patio cost guide for more.

Around Trees

Tree rings are one of the most popular uses for concrete edging. Standard practice: 3–4 ft radius circle around the trunk. Leave 6" minimum clearance from the trunk to allow growth. Cost: $80–$200 per tree ring installed. Use extruded curbing for seamless circles.

Garden Beds & Flower Borders

The bread-and-butter of concrete edging. Typical residential property has 100–300 linear feet of bed edging. Extruded curbing in a slant profile is the most popular choice — it's affordable, looks clean, and the angled face sheds water away from beds.

Commercial Properties

Commercial edging typically uses poured-in-place curbing for durability and ADA compliance. Standard commercial curb dimensions: 6" wide × 6" tall with a 6" gutter pan. Cost: $10–$18/ft. Must meet local stormwater and accessibility codes. See our curb cost guide for detailed commercial pricing.

Starting a Concrete Curbing Business

For contractors reading this: concrete curbing is one of the most profitable niches in landscape construction. Here's the business case:

• Equipment investment: A used curbing machine (Lil' Bubba, Curb Roller, or Border Magic) runs $8,000–$25,000. New machines: $15,000–$45,000.
• Production rate: 500–1,000 linear feet per day with a 2-person crew.
• Revenue per foot: Charge $5–$15/ft depending on profile and market. Average $8/ft.
• Daily revenue potential: 600 ft × $8/ft = $4,800/day gross.
• Material cost: $0.50–$1.00/ft (concrete, color, sealer). That's $300–$600/day.
• Labor: 2-person crew at $35–$50/hr total = $280–$400/day.
• Gross margin: 75–85% before overhead. One of the highest-margin trades in construction.

The key to success is marketing — homeowners search for concrete curbing seasonally (spring/fall peaks). SEO, Google Business Profile, and yard signs at completed jobs are the top lead generators. Read our starting a concrete business guide for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

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