How to Pour Concrete Landscape Curbing by Hand

Landscaping is an effective way to add curb appeal and value to your property. Hardscaping is the portion of the overall landscaping plan that uses stone and concrete to add beauty and structure where needed. In recent years, concrete curbing has grown in popularity as a hardscape to create borders between different landscape elements. Although building these curbs may seem difficult, their construction is straight forward and achievable with the right tools and a little knowledge.

Rope or water hose
Landscape pick
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Tempered hardboard
1-inch by 2-inch stakes, 12 inches long
3-pound sledgehammer
Drill
Sheetrock screws
Tape measure
Concrete release agent
High-strength concrete
Concrete trowel
Concrete edging tool

Instructions

- 1
  Outline the area where you will install the curb. Use the water hose or rope to delineate the shape of curb desired. Be sure to keep radii larger than 3 feet to avoid difficulties with the forms.
- 2
  Dig a trench that follows the outline of the curb. The trench should be 5 to 6 inches deep and 3 inches wider than the finished curb. Cart this material off in a wheelbarrow or bucket.
- 3
  Cut the tempered hardboard into 8-foot by 4-inch strips. This material will serve as your side form and will dictate the depth and shape of the finished product.
- 4
  Hammer the stakes into the trench following the outline of the curb. Drive stakes slightly below the proposed top of the curb. Be sure to keep this first row of stakes along one side of the trench. Place the stakes every 12 inches.
- 5
  Install the tempered hardboard along the stakes using the drywall screws. Ensure that the smooth side of the tempered hardboard is installed toward the concrete.
- 6
  Install the stakes and hardboard for the other side of the curb. Check the width regularly to ensure proper distance between the form boards.
- 7
  Coat the forms with a concrete release agent. This agent will make the removal of the forms much easier once the concrete dries.
- 8
  Mix and pour the concrete into the forms as directed by the manufacturer. Use a scrap piece of wood to strike the access concrete from the top of the forms.
- 9
  Finish the top of the curb with the trowel and dress the edges with the edging tool. Be sure to allow the concrete to dry slightly before smoothing.
- 10
  Remove the concrete forms after the material has cured as specified by the manufacturer. Replace the missing topsoil with the dirt from the bucket or wheelbarrow.

The Best Mulch for Under Shrubs and Around a Foundation

Soil Degradation Due to Irrigation

Overall Landscape Planning