A variety of different materials can be installed at a landscape to function as an edging to separate sections of the lawn and include traffic, mulch, creeping turf or ground covers within their designated areas. Poured concrete edging produces a particularly neat and smooth border. It lasts longer within an appealing state than most other edging materials when correctly installed.
Dig a trench at which you will install the poured concrete edging. Create a trench 3 inches wider than the intended edging so the trench is at least 8 inches wide. Dig a trench deep enough to accommodate concrete edging at least 4 inches deep; depth will be different depending on how much above the soil surface you want the edging to extend.
Push a 12-inch wooden stake into the ground each 18 inches along the inside edges of the trench. Install extra stakes where the trench makes any particularly tight curves.
Cut 1/4-inch from 4-inch strips of hardwood or plywood into sections, as required, to match the planned edging. Bend and fasten the 4-inch broad strips of hardboard or plywood to the inside of the stakes using 1-inch timber screws. Soaking plywood in water for a couple hours can improve its versatility and make it much easier to fit to tight curves.
Decide on a flat on top of the form in a variety of sections to be sure the top of the form is flat. Make any alterations required by pounding the stakes slightly.
Cut parts of 1-by-1-inch wood or spare stakes to the width of this edging and match them snugly into the base of the form every 3 feet as spacers.
Apply form lubricant or used motor oil to the inside of the hardboard or plywood types to make after removal easier.
Mix the concrete according to manufacturer directions. Add concrete coloring and some other additives, as desirable.
Pour the concrete into the ready forms and use a trowel to distribute it evenly, pack it in nicely and also make it even with the top of the form.
Smooth the surface of the concrete with a wood float after the bleed water that looks on the concrete surface begins to disappear.
Cut 1-inch deep control joints that extend across the width of this edging around every foot, using the border of a margin trowel or similar tool.
Run an edging tool over the concrete or stamp it, as desirable, to create curved borders or wiggle patterns.
Seal the concrete edging using a concrete sealer after the curing period as recommended by the concrete manufacturer.
Remove the mold three to five times after sealing or as directed by the sealer manufacturer.