Concrete and Cement Garden Edging [Tips, How-To Guide & Pictures]

Concrete has long been and remains one of the most popular materials for garden edging. Its strength and weather resistance make concrete one of the top choices for gardeners that want their garden to stand the test of time.

If you think the term "concrete" eliminates the possibility of a cool aesthetic, think again. Believe it or not, there are several different types of concrete garden edging options out there, and each of them has a distinct visual appeal that is sure to add aesthetic value to your garden.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of concrete garden edging styles and how they can best be used in your garden. We will also list some products to consider to start your own concrete edging project!

4 x 6 Concrete Curb

This type of landscape edging is your classic curb look and one of the most popular options out there.

This edge is slightly raised and highlights your garden or other landscape features. By shaping this edge, you can easily create the look you want.

Highlight and define your garden and landscape features with the 4 x 6 concrete curb. Keep your garden elements in place and make yard maintenance trouble-free.

This option is permanent and requires virtually no maintenance aside from occasional cleaning.

Since concrete is a more permanent material, it is recommended that you have an expert come to pour the concrete for you.

Completing the project on your own may be a more involved process. If you'd like to do that, check out the how-to video below.

This concept showcases a concrete curb that has been seamlessly integrated into this beautiful garden landscape.

This type of curb effortlessly separates the lawn from your garden. You can easily create curves or straight lines with a concrete curb.

Custom Curbing Concrete Edging Landscape DIY

With an option like this, you can create your own concrete curb without the added cost of hiring out the labor. The kit includes the tools and instructions that you will need to complete the project.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Lighted Concrete Borders

Lighted concrete borders are an excellent way to spruce up and (literally) illuminate your landscape.

These borders consist of poured concrete with a channel in the back of the curb to run the lighting through it. Use rope lights or other LED lights.

Having your border embedded with lights guarantees a wire-free and clutter-free space. If you want your landscape lit up, you won't have to worry about installing small lights into the ground with this option. Experiment with different colored lights for added intrigue.

With more added features comes more maintenance. Keep this in mind if you plan on installing lighted concrete borders. Because of the skill necessary to install these borders, you'll most likely want to hire out the labor.

As you can see in this picture, your landscape will truly shine at night. The lighted concrete borders add a distinct aesthetic.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is concrete that has literally been stamped or patterned to mimic other materials such as brick, flagstone, wood, tile, and stone.

As soon as the concrete has been poured, you use the tools to texturize it. This process is a bit more involved than ordinary concrete pouring.

Stamped concrete is a beautiful option for edging your landscape. It combines beauty and functionality without skimping on either of those.

You can choose from many different color and texture options, perfectly matching the aesthetic you desire.

Stamped concrete is also known for being very durable and able to stand the test of time. It's a very reliable choice. Its beauty can also help to increase the value of your home and property, boosting its resale price.

One thing to remember when you have stamped concrete installed is that you will have to occasionally reseal it. This will keep the product looking great and help to expand its lifetime.

The cost of stamped concrete is a bit higher; the minimum cost is between $8 and $12 per square foot.

Check out how this stamped concrete emphasizes the beauty of this side garden and improves the area's aesthetic.

GlobMarble Concrete Stamp Flex

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Common Questions

As you prepare to install your own garden edge, you may be asking yourself a few questions. We will help answer some of the biggest questions you may have.

What are the Pros and Cons of Concrete and Cement Garden Edging?

Using concrete and cement as garden edging is one of the most permanent yet durable options on the available.

Because of its durability, it can withstand the test of time. It will not rust, warp, fade, or deteriorate like many other landscape edgers. Once the concrete dries, it will remain solid and firm for decades to come.

Though you probably want to hide your other types of garden edging, concrete is installed and shown off. It can be stained and imprinted with other patterned designs and shapes formed with it.

Since this type of garden edging is very durable, it is somewhat time-intensive to install. If you use poured concrete, you use a form to cast the concrete (which takes significantly more time and drives up the cost compared to other methods of garden edging).

If you use pre-formed concrete, the cost is still greater than other edging options, but it is much less time-intensive than pouring the concrete yourself.

Since concrete is permanent, pouring it yourself does pose the risk of it not turning out exactly as intended.

Another thing to consider when using concrete and cement is the longevity of its shape. If you like to change up your landscape and the shape of it every few months or years, this may not be the best option.

How Much Does the Installation Cost?

The cost of installation truly depends on which concrete or cement edge you choose to install. Cost also depends on materials, the labor involved, and square footage of the edging.

On average, concrete curbing will cost you about $10 per square foot. On top of that cost, if you are not doing it on your own, you will have the additional expense of paying someone to do the labor.

When it comes to stamped concrete, cost per square foot ranges between $8 and $12 per square foot but can reach up to $22 per square foot.

For this type of concrete, it depends on many different factors. It depends on the material, labor, and complexity of the layout.

How Do You Install Concrete and Cement Edging?

Pouring and finishing concrete yourself is an understandably daunting task. The following video will walk you through the process. We have also provided a set of written instructions down below!

How-to Video

If you are a visual learner, follow along with this video to learn how to build concrete lawn borders.

1. Before you begin, you will need a shovel, square shovel, wood float, concrete edging tool, rake, two-inch wooden stakes, hammer, saw, screws, power drill, concrete, wheelbarrow or barrel-mixer, water source, and quarter-inch plywood,
2. Using a rake or shovel, move any landscaping material like mulch or rocks out of the way.
3. With a shovel, create an outline of the edging.
4. Determine the desired width and height of the concrete border. Then dig a trench a half-inch to one inch deeper than the desired thickness of the border. This helps account for any variation in the ground level.
5. Use a square shovel to remove all material from the trench, ensuring to make the trench slightly wider than the desired concrete border to save room for the forms. Keep the walls of the trench as vertical as possible, as it will help support forms once they are in place.
6. Position a sheet of plywood in the trench along the desired contour. Hammer a wooden stake into the ground on the outside of the plywood form until the top of the stake is level with the top of the plywood. It is important to keep the stake snug against the form.
7. Using the power drill, drive two screws through the plywood form and into the wooden stake, one near the top of the form and the other in the middle of the form.
8. Drive a wooden stake at the other end of the form. Ensure that only half of the stake is covering the form to allow another piece of plywood to be laid flush against the previous form. Drive two screws through the form into the stake. Ensure that the entire length of the form is oriented vertically.
9. Once you have constructed a few sections of one side of the form, start constructing the other side of the form.
10. To keep the width of the form consistent throughout, place wood spacers every few feet at the bottom of the inside of the form. Simply cut some of the long wooden stakes to the width of the form.
11. Once the forms have been constructed, compact the ground beneath the form. Then, pour about a half-inch of gravel between the forms and spread it evenly. This will prevent the concrete from seeping out under the forms.
12. Mix the dry concrete with water in a wheelbarrow or barrel-mixer. Refer to the concrete manufacturer's directions.
13. Once the concrete has been mixed, use a shovel to place it inside the forms. The concrete should be mostly level, and it should be slightly taller than the forms.
14. Using a wood float, consolidate and level the surface of the concrete. Work the mix around to ensure that the concrete is solidly packed.
15. Use a concrete edging tool to consolidate and shape the edges of the concrete. You will need to make several passes with the edging tool for a nice, smooth finish.
16. The concrete should be water-cured for 3-5 days with a fine water mist.
17. After 5 days, begin carefully removing the wooden forms. Be careful not to crack the concrete.
18. Backfill any gaps between the new concrete border and the landscaping with dirt.

Concrete and Cement Garden Edging Inspiration Photos

Let's take a look at what concrete or cement garden edging can end up looking like.

Curved Garden Edge

This kind of concrete curb is a great way to delineate the border between a flower bed and the rest of the yard. The concrete helps create a contour that is smooth and crisp. Take advantage of what stamped concrete has to offer you.

Cement Rain Drain

This concrete curb has light imprints that give it a more interesting aesthetic. When concrete is wet, it is remarkably easy to create your stamped concrete patterns like this!

Light Up Your Landscape

This garden boasts of the clean look that a concrete curb provides with the added benefit of built-in lighting.

A setup like this will make your garden be the focal point of the area! At night, it can also help guide you in your yard and add a soft glow to it.

Mimic Stone

This concrete garden edging was done in such a way to resemble the appearance of flagstone.

The great thing about concrete is that, when it is wet, it can be shaped and patterned to the desired look! You also have the benefits of concrete with the aesthetic of stone.

Raised Cement

Concrete is also a great option for taller gardens and flower beds. Concrete can also be colored and painted to attain your desired color scheme.

Pre-formed Slabs

If you don't want to go through the time and hassle of pouring concrete on your own, pre-formed slabs are available! This option will significantly cut down on time required.

Small Landscape, Big Impact

Even if you have a small space that you want to be edged, make the most out of the beauty that poured concrete can offer.

Color and Texture Options

Check out the beautiful details and colors that you can create from your poured concrete. Replicate the intrigue of stone.

A Clear Separation

Stamped concrete helps create clean lines around your landscape. It will separate your different garden elements.

Added Garden Aesthetic

The aesthetic and beauty of this garden have been greatly enhanced by the use of stamped concrete. It highlights the garden while also serving as something to be highlighted.