Curb Creations

for the Concrete Landscape Edging Industry.

Concrete landscape edging is an integral part of your landscaping and should be done right the first time. Curb Creations has created the “CODE OF STANDARDS” for our industry. These are key standards we feel are necessary in producing a distinctive, creatively sculptured, durable concrete border. Make sure your contractor has adopted these standards. Do not compromise the quality of your permanent concrete edging with an inexperienced or substandard company.

Experience: 10 years minimum, preferably 15 years+. Full-time, not part-time. Minimum 70,000 feet per year. Ask for company photos, not franchise photos, installation addresses and referrals.
Job Preparation: Trench should be dug 2-inch depth by 10-inch wide. Great care must be taken to eliminate bumps and fill in low areas. Finished base should be uniform and consistent to produce a finished curb with a consistent height. You should be able to mow on curb without having to trim. Ask for guarantee that you will be able to mow on the concrete edge.
Design and Consultation: Design is crucial and should compliment your existing or new landscaping. Ideas and expert consultation should be given, not just an estimate for filled out! Ask for photos of different designs and installations.
- Straight Areas – straight areas should be just that…STRAIGHT. No wavy lines. Even with a high
- Curves and Contours - This is an artistic ability. Look out for quick wavy turns that are not contoured correctly, and a busy "snake like" look. Only simple, precise contours should be done. Look at photos and see jobs.
Quality Product Specifications:
- Cement - Type 1A or 2A Portland cement should only be used.
- Sand - Fine washed mason sand is best. Preferably a more course sand.
- Reinforcement - Polypropylene fibers are added at the ratio of 1.6 pounds per cubic yard.
- Mix - The mix should consist of 3 parts washed mason sand to 1 part cement. Fibers are added during the mixing process. If color is desired, it is also added during the mixing process.
- Control Joints - 2 to 2-1/2 feet apart. Joints should be scored 1/2 through the concrete. Straight bladed tool should be used. Width of joint shall not exceed 3/16 inch.
- Strength - 3500 pounds per square inch.
Curb Machine: Should be patented and made in the United States . Some companies use machines not patented in the U.S. and actually are limitations of the originals. A high-powered gas machine is better for compaction and produces a stronger curb.
Curb Extrusion: Curb should be extruded extremely close to lawn side of the trench. There should be no large gaps between lawn and curb. Homeowner should not have to fill in dirt or put sod back in. curb should match existing lawn elevation creating easy mowing and maintenance.
Coloring: Integral colors should be used. Powdered dye should be measured and slowly added to mortar mixer so the blending of colors is uniform throughout the concrete. A well-known company that documents all the steps in the manufacturing process to ensure the pigment will be the most consistent in quality and color should be used.
Stamping and Texturing: All companies should offer this. Experience and craftsmanship is the key in making this process look great. Can they use release agent colors in an artistic way giving your concrete edge a distinctive marble effect? They should have the experience and ability to use a 4 color process that matches your home's exterior and landscaping. Again, demand photos, of prior jobs and installation addresses.
Professional Tie-ins: All starts, stops and tie-ins must be professionally done. They should not stick up or look unsightly. All tie-ins must be flared in and aesthetically pleasing.
Clean Up: Excess concrete deposited along mold should be picked up so your lawn can grow to edge. All pieces of concrete dropped on lawn or other areas in the yard should be picked up. Driveways and sidewalks should be swept and hosed off as needed. Street mess from mixer hosed down as needed. Yard should be left as they found it. Unsightly concrete waste makes your curb look inferior.