How to Calculate Concrete for Landscape Edging
Concrete edging creates clean, permanent borders between lawns and landscape beds. To calculate how much concrete you need, multiply the total length of your edging run by its depth and width (both in feet), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
Concrete Edging Formula:
Cubic Yards = (Length × Depth in ft × Width in ft) ÷ 27
Example: 100 ft of edging at 6" deep × 4" wide = (100 × 0.5 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 0.617 cubic yards
Standard Concrete Edging Dimensions
| Edging Type | Width | Depth | Best For |
|---|
| Curb style (residential) | 4–5" | 5–6" | Lawn/bed borders |
| Mow-over curb | 6" | 4" | Easy mowing edge |
| Deep barrier edging | 3–4" | 8–10" | Invasive plant control |
| Decorative scalloped | 8–10" | 4–5" | Formal garden beds |
Concrete Edging Cost
| Method | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|
| DIY (materials only) | $1.50–$3.00 |
| Professional installed | $5–$15 |
| Decorative / colored | $8–$20 |
| Machine-extruded curb | $6–$12 |
Concrete Edging Installation Steps
- Mark your edging line with spray paint or a garden hose
- Dig a trench to your desired width and depth
- Set form boards (for poured edging) or use an edging machine
- Mix and pour concrete, tamping to eliminate air pockets
- Smooth the surface and add control joints every 3–4 feet
- Cover with plastic and allow 24–48 hours to cure before removing forms
- Backfill and compact soil against the finished edge
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete edging cost per foot?▾
DIY concrete edging costs $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot in materials. Professional installation runs $5–$15 per foot for standard edging and $8–$20 for decorative or colored concrete. A typical suburban property with 200 linear feet of edging costs $1,000–$3,000 professionally installed.
How long does concrete edging last?▾
Properly installed concrete edging lasts 20–30+ years. The main causes of failure are poor soil preparation, inadequate control joints (leading to cracking), and freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates. Sealing the concrete every 3–5 years extends its lifespan.
Can I install concrete edging myself?▾
Yes, especially with a rented concrete edging machine. For shorter runs, hand-poured edging with form boards is manageable for a DIYer. The key skills needed are: consistent trench depth, proper concrete mixing, smooth finishing, and adding control joints.
What is the best alternative to concrete edging?▾
Steel edging (Ryerson or Core Edge) is the most popular alternative — it's clean, durable, and nearly invisible at ground level. Aluminum and plastic edging are cheaper but less durable. For a decorative look, natural stone, brick, or pavers can serve as edging with no concrete required.