The ULTIMATE Concrete Landscape Edging (DIY Concrete Garden Curb)

🛠 Tools and Materials Used: amzn.to/3PuEqUT
🧰 RapidSet Concrete Used: www.ctscement.com/product/cts...
Learn how to build concrete landscape edging with this DIY guide! Building a DIY Concrete Garden Curb is a great way to separate your garden from the rest of your yard. Additionally, building your garden curb edging out of concrete will ensure that it will last a very long time (unlike wood that will rot or that HORRIBLE plastic edging...).
In this video, I will show you how to:
1. Plan out and prepare the Site for the New Concrete Landscape Edging
2. How to Build the Concrete Forms for the Concrete Garden Curb
3. How to Mix and Pour the Concrete for the Concrete Garden Perimeter
4. How to Install Control Joints so that your Concrete Garden Curb won't have random cracks
Here are the Tools and Materials Needed to Complete this Project:
- Concrete Finishing Trowel: amzn.to/3Za9tHu
- Concrete Edging Trowel: amzn.to/3m2KQh5
- Concrete Grooving Trowel: amzn.to/3IDNi5x
- Dry Concrete Mix: www.ctscement.com/product/cts...
- Concrete Mixer: www.mudmixer.com/andrew
- Concrete Forms: 2"x4" and 2"x6" Lumber
- Stakes: amzn.to/3xZMqDb
- 6' Level: amzn.to/3HowUDn
- Expansion Joint: amzn.to/448r3xE
Link to Concrete Bag Calculator: www.ctscement.com/concretecal...
I almost always use Rapidset's 24/6 Concrete Mix for my concrete projects since it is easy to work with and cures within 24 hours. However, if you are only pouring a limited amount of concrete, Rapidset's Mortar Mix or CementAll could also work!
Here are my other Concrete projects!
How to Build a Concrete Sidewalk Entryway: • How to Pour a Concrete...
How to Replace a Broken Section of Concrete: • How to Replace a Segme...
How to Resurface Old Concrete: • How to Resurface Concr...
5 Ways to Mix Concrete: • Five Ways to Mix Dry C...
Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss any future videos! I have some big plans for the font of the house that I hope will boost the curb appeal!
Follow me on Instagram: / atimprovements
Check out my Blog: Atimprovements.com
Subscribe to my KZbin Channel ⬇️ kzbin.info...
Check out my Website for additional DIY Content: atimprovements.com
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🎥 MY KZbin GEAR
Camera (Iphone Max): amzn.to/3d5HxSo
Microphone (Maono Condenser Mic): amzn.to/3RCAb7N
Tripod: amzn.to/3Rz5Gj3
Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3Rvt2WM
Lighting: amzn.to/3d4QdZ5
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
🛠🧰 TOOLS THAT I USE
Carbide Tipped Drill Bit: amzn.to/3S0hdIM
Tapcon Screws: amzn.to/3OxEWxh
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Tape Measure: amzn.to/3HaTWgE
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Masonry Drill: amzn.to/36yP1JW
Level: amzn.to/3HowUDn
Hammer: amzn.to/35fIpiT
Chalk Line: amzn.to/3MwSDg8
Clamps: amzn.to/3HLqwpK
Drill: amzn.to/3JICKkk
Sawzall: amzn.to/3HcdeSI
Circular Saw: amzn.to/3BFotC4
Jig saw: amzn.to/3I6lcyd
Air Compressor: amzn.to/34TatJf
Framing Nailer: amzn.to/3JGpBYU
Roofing Nailer: amzn.to/3BEAuYF
Orbital Sander: amzn.to/34UwlUD
Bar Clamps: amzn.to/3JjFrJe
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Thank you so much for watching!
*All content on the Andrew Thron Improvements KZbin channel reflects my own opinions. Please seek out guidance of professionally trained and licensed individuals before making any decisions. Links in the description may be affiliate links.

[@Waltuh8l]

Now I can edge like a pro. Thanks.

[@CristanioPeweyyy]

I egded to this video

[@MrNikobellic120]

I use pieces of 1inch pvc as the spacers between the forms and just leave them in there and pour on top to make drainage holes. Looks good. Needs rebar though

[@thetoolman3]

Using a reciprocating saw as a vibrator is a great idea. I would have placed a couple of #3 rebars in there for good measure in case roots push on it as the plants mature. Also, tooling control joints in wet concrete is tedious. I'd finish it smooth and cut them into the green concrete with a diamond (or abrasive) blade in a circular saw. Thanks for the content. It looks great.

[@Nedddo]

nothing quite like edging with the help of a vibrator!

[@groth3395]

2x6 forms seem a bit of expensive overkill....contractors mostly use 1x or even 3/4 ply...good DIY video

[@brandonryan15]

i do agree.

[@patricksmith3135]

Great job Andrew. You always put out a great show with all necessary, helpful information included. That concrete machine is fabulous and the ATI Team is too.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, Patrick! Thanks for watching! And Ryan came through big time on this one 💯

[@gejmrvlogger7554]

i edge to you patrick

[@drfatmasclass9159]

thanks for showing me the way to edge correctly

[@declaneric]

Nice job. And I've never seen anyone use an empty reciprocating saw to vibrate forms to eliminate air pockets. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I get to learn a new pro-tip. Thanks for that! 👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@Jeevankataria93]

Great content Andrew! You make it look so easy in each video. Just wondering when you’ll be doing a deck project video.

[@DrMJJr]

4:13 I was NOT PREPARED for those arms!! Wow 🔥🔥

[@garrettmetcalf8382]

saw trick was brilliant. I don't do concrete but that looked like a fancy tool until you explained what it was love watching videos like this

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it - glad it helped you out!

[@travisyarbrough4033]

New to the channel but love all the tasks. The part for us beginners is the supplies and the right mixing of the concrete. Other than that it is nice to see the finished product on here.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Welcome! I appreciate it

[@itstagh1902]

Now i can edge in class

[@joosepkunder]

Very nice and professional job. Such a pleasure to watch how everything is done correctly.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it, John! Thanks for watching

[@himybro2]

Now i can edge all the time thank you

[@toriegrenier3985]

This is my agenda this season. Planning the dimensions and process so this was helpful

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Good luck with your project!

[@Braddy_Daddy]

Bro you’re killing it with the house. Love your concrete builds 👌

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! It’s almost done ✅

[@nedcramdon1306]

Not overkill at all, trust me. Nice work!

[@daveray6335]

I love your channel, Andrew. Keep it up! I feel obliged to let folks know that curbing-in landscaping CAN be equivalent to purposefully damming water up against a foundation. Drainage is key! With this in mind, the gutter above the bed in the video is showing clear signs of overflowing into the bed. This is a worst case scenario! All of this to say that DIY landscape curbing is fine, but drainage must be assessed as part of the project.

[@billsmith8339]

My 72 year old back hurts just watching you dig HAHA Great job! But I would have put in curves HAHA

[@jim6235]

That is really awesome! You make it look so easy.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it - Thanks for watching!

[@nickmarek]

Great work and info. Thanks!!!

[@carltonbauer2779]

More involved than I had thought. Thanks.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I feel like every project is like that haha thanks for watching!

[@surfacetoaircreations]

Awesome man, looks really clean. Going to try something similar in my front yard. Keep the great content coming!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! Good luck with your project!

[@luisqueremelmilani5023]

Just what I needed to see! Great job

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! Good luck with your project.

[@johnstup4479]

Looking sharp Andrew!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it, John!

[@Chris_winthers]

I don't usually edge to that kind of stuff, but i get why some people might

[@patriciahogg5763]

👏👏👏 Excellent instructions!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@thomasnappo6309]

Good job..nice little projects😊

[@markb8954]

Nice job & looks great. You probably could have done something fancy with the drain/downspout. Taking it down into ground and angling out into a French drain for your lawn or for the new flower bed.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it. And you are totally right. I just kept it simple 👍

[@smiley2477]

This is what I need… love concrete

[@Juywbdosb6292]

Great job Bud!!!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@chaderic27]

Never even heard of the MudMixer Now I want one

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha it’s pretty nifty

[@Cozcacuauhtli]

THANKS FOR SHARING

[@guysolis5843]

Good job, love the finish. I won't be able to leap out there and do any of that but I could instruct some neighborhood boys..

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I appreciate it. And I had some neighbors come by as I was doing the project haha

[@pacwest1000]

Nice job Andrew.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

🙏🙏

[@Maria___28]

Great job!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@user-ul3sr8wp4v]

you forgot motor oil on the 4x 4 framing to reduce the bumpy side finish on the cement when you pull the wood framing off.

[@Iegend17]

Good stuff man

[@treemanog112]

finally some good edging

[@jtltet]

Looks good. I would have used washed stone instead of crusher run though especially since you wanted it for drainage.

[@Velox404]

pouring concrete with water when it dries help to prevent cracking, especially when there's direct sun. For lazy solution - cover concrete with soaking wet blanket :)

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Good tip - thanks for watching!

[@brunoangel4556]

Awesome job

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@juliahelland6488]

I really like the look of this. I'm wondering how it would work in central WI zone 4b and do you think we'd have to do anything different? Thanks for sharing this!

[@hddoug72]

Good job! Having done this a number times myself i know how much time and effort is required. I always put in a # 3 bar centered but i think I'd more inclined to mix in a reinforcing fiber next time.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I think a stick of rebar would have been a good idea in hindsight. Hopefully it holds up for a while regardless!

[@davidstreling3690]

LOL 6 inch's deep and for a flower garden and you think it needed rebar and fiber cement

[@hddoug72]

@@davidstreling3690 I should have been a bit clearer. Instead of a #3 bar, I'd be inclined to add some fiber and and joint it where I think it may crack. Ultimately the base would determine what if any reinforcement is needed.

[@trentneville2273]

Good work

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thanks!

[@gergemall]

Great idea using oscillating tool

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

It definitely helps!

[@frankish5314]

Nice job, I got a feeling my Wife will want concrete garden beds if I show her this..:). My only suggestion is I would have used a single strand of rebar through the middle (probably overkill) and I would have built the forms by ripping a single sheet of OSB or plywood.. Cus I'm cheap...:)

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Haha the OSB is actually a pretty good idea! So is the rebar - definitely wouldn’t hurt

[@Moondoggy1941]

Take the grass that you cut out, lay it upside down in the planter, when it dries out knock the excess dirt out and throw away the grass, it will be so much lighter in weight.

[@spekenbonen72]

One of the biggest "tricks" in building with concrete is to let it dry as slowly as possible (by for instance covering it with plastic sheets). Look it up...

[@vlr213]

do you need rebar Im making a small flower bed for mailbox thanks love the video first time doing this

[@justusalbertson]

Commenting for the algorithm - 10/10 video

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it!

[@ColinEu]

Man, you're getting better in your presentation..

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! Feedback is always welcome 🙏

[@ColinEu]

@@AndrewThronImprovements if I may, I think the pace is okay, but maybe put more 'fire' in the presentation, just a little bit..

[@hansoncrack]

dig the tip on using the sawzall as a ghetto vibrator. I will use that tip

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Hammer drill works too!

[@ionicbreeze]

Beautiful job. Do you have to treat the mulch for termites?

[@ajmaj5288]

Good Job.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it!

[@Monkeyman12534]

Personally I would just use nice pavers for this kind of thing. But it looks like a bang-on job

[@NutmegThumper]

Highly recommend a plate compactor for any significant job. The tamper gets old fast! Nice work!

[@user-zu2pi7tw7i]

Hi. Interesting project. Do you have frost in winter? Or why don't you put reinforcement inside?

[@Thompson_200]

I would have suggested brushing or brooming to give it a texture. Also, would have pulled the board on the front off, rubbed and brushed it too. But overall better than what you had before.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Texture definitely would have helped to hide some of the imperfections - that’s for sure. Thanks for watching

[@larrykiefer6109]

Any recommendations on a finishing trowel for a slab? Steel/mag, etc.

[@mfeezy8797]

For some reason this looks easy but I’m like! 😬 especially in South Florida where when you dig 3 inches you hit coral rock!

[@leewallis5067]

Great video and a new subscriber here. Quick question, what remedial work did you perform to fix the crack after it appeared in the control weak point you created (1 months ago after the pour)?

[@alexnelson6196]

The expansion board isn’t necessary where exterior concrete contacts exterior concrete. It’s recommended when exterior meets interior (driveway against garage floor).

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Fair point - I just went for the “better safe than sorry” approach. Thanks for watching!

[@alexnelson6196]

@@AndrewThronImprovements starstruck I am! Thanks for the response dude.

[@suedzyberaj386]

So you’re saying exterior concrete doesn’t need expansion joint because it doesn’t expand ? 😅

[@alexnelson6196]

Interior floors will have a substantial temperature difference than exterior. The expansion board lets both monoliths move independently. Where everything is in the same environment it will all move together.

[@user-wk9bh9di6f]

VERY NICE 🙂👍

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Thank you 👍

[@ecuadmail]

As someone who cuts his own grass, hooray for not putting in a stupid curving curb or just dropping landscaping stones.

[@Dan-qt7kq]

Holy shit, the second I saw sawzall, I knew what yiu were doing, never thought of this. Nice video.

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

A Hammer Drill (SDS) also works. Thanks for watching!

[@Fekadukebede1]

That is good job but you miss RCB( Reinforced concrete Bar). Always while you pour concrete use RCB

[@trishmcelderry4762]

Hi Andrew do you live in winter state? Just curious what frost might do to this? Would rebar help that? Thanks for the video!

[@janetkuhl-urbach639]

Amazing. Why not put the landscape material on top of the compacted soil to mitigate migration of gravel into soil?

[@neelamharia4225]

Any reason you did not put any re-enforcement into the forms?

[@tonypointer7026]

Rebar is good to put in too. And a drill 2 ft down keeps the curb from flipping

[@davidstreling3690]

LOL flipping

[@sergeb4540]

Looks good! Some steel would have been good to avoid those cracks

[@theonlinebeatz]

Hey great job , how about a driveway with a round about , just a half circle? Any idea how to get it round ? I don't know if wood would bend,

[@markpowell1158]

Use luan/ plywood

[@jss3018]

nice.

[@CertifiedMailSignatureRequired]

Damn, respect - looks amazing. Considering doing something like this myself, but a bit worried it might keep water both outside the border but also, inside - and then against my foundation. Any thoughts regarding rain/storm water and this border? Cheers!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Appreciate it! I thought about drainage concerns, but ultimately I decided that the gravel subbase of 5.5” would allow for enough drainage without much ponding. It also is Approx 6’ from my house - not like 2-3 feet

[@codyshields5218]

Just cut out a part of the concrete when you lay it get a drain extender and do it that way.

[@CertifiedMailSignatureRequired]

not a bad idea at all my dude@@codyshields5218

[@vickiehitt1787]

why didn't you put geotex fabric on ground first before the rock. Love your detail!

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

I forgot and only remembered after I put the first bit of stone down haha I appreciate it!

[@111kirill111]

Я б положил б ещё пару арматур или армировочную (кладочную) сетку в бетон. И на мой взгляд щебня много наложил. А так "it's good" и выглядит "perfect"👍💪

[@brent7261]

You don’t add rebar inside the newly poured concrete to reinforce the edging?

[@lauretiu]

While that mud mixer is a great tool the mark up on it is absolutely insane for what it really is if you would take it apart. i assume the cost of manufacturing that thing can't be more than 600-800$. Besides that i absolutely love the ideea you just gave me and the knowledge i gained from your video. now time to start my project too :)

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

It’s definitely expensive and not needed if you have a wheelbarrow and a shovel 👍 thanks for watching!

[@RosaDelAmore]

HELAL OLSUN DAYI OĞLU

[@user-di6dd2xd7p]

What size of gravel did you use in the base? Also, not criticizing but going with a rounded contour would have softened the sharp edge of the house. Personally, I'm not big on one "box" to finish off another "box" look.

[@kthompson9877]

Would love to get a rough estimate on how much $/ft this method cost. I'm considering using ground contact lumber for edging but know its a temporary solution to a permanent need. Thx!

[@williambuck9216]

When you say, "let it set up a little bit before finishing." How long do you mean?

[@rockyrowlands3652]

Maybe a reinforcing rebars in the concrete?

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

Wouldn’t hurt - but probably a bit overkill for this situation

[@tony77723]

what do you think about pouring concrete against the foundation, almost like having a sidewalk running around your house, rather than landscaping, thank you

[@pansepot1490]

Funny you ask. I live in Italy and here sidewalk around the house is the rule. I’ve recently built a new house extension and I asked the architect if I could have no sidewalk or very narrow so I could plant shrubs close to the house as you guys have in the US. He said no. A sidewalk of at least a meter (3 ft) around the house is necessary to prevent excessive rainwater from leaking into the foundation and causing damp damage to the wall. Consider that here all houses are brick and mortar and need impermeable barrier to protect walls from humidity rising up from the ground. Hope the info is useful. Cheers. 👋

[@plur_ndbn]

people around world: create concrete plate for stop water flowing under house. mericans: I will create garden here and will put rainwater on it

[@FLHomelover]

Good video, made me realize I should just hire a pro 😢😅, but thanks

[@GatheringJacob]

For the amount of labor that takes and the time expenditure Belgium block would have been mich faster and a MUCH more beautiful finish. Just an FYI from a 35 year pro.

[@jeffreyvose8716]

”Semi-professional looking finish”

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

#semipro

[@-gina1114]

Is the reason why you did not use rebar in the project is because it was not necessary?

[@stavrosladeas4421]

Awesome video! Question about the control joints. I see that when you went back to make the surface smooth, these control joints had been removed. At one point, after pouring the concrete into the forms, did you remove the control joints?

[@jra55417]

Control joints didn’t go anywhere.

[@bigearlrrr]

ok, it would have been much easier to mow if your design had a radius corner and you radius it out to your existing slab. thats always gonna be tough mowing that inside corner, also you could of designed your form so outside edge sloped down to where you could have drove your mower wheel right on it so no edging would be required.also you should have put expansion joints in every so often for cracking.

[@dalton1824]

Cost?

[@reedrichards6723]

love how sexy concrete borders can be

[@mak4374]

wd-40 on the wood makes it not stick as bad

[@AndrewThronImprovements]

💯 I usually apply WD 40 to my forms but I skipped it for this project

[@disillusioned070]

Diesel in a pump spray bottle or brushed on for smaller jobs.

[@denyswoodroffe490]

Why not build a mowing strip into the curb? It would make life a lot easier. Kiwi

[@divorcedbisexual]

Thank you

[@erich6879]

What area of the country are you in i.e. does it freeze and snow there because if it does those things are going to crack and break in a year or two of winters. Next project...clean up those moldy gutters!

[@Divljina9]

why no armature in concrete?

[@victoriatrevors1306]

no rebar no weep holes no expansion joints. GL.