Borders and curbs: types and sizes of curb stones, manufacturing and laying technology, how to make a border with your own hands

Garden beds, driveways, and pathways are all made more aesthetically pleasing by the addition of curbs and borders. They perform practical functions like directing water flow and preventing erosion in addition to providing a visual boundary. Any professional or do-it-yourself landscaping enthusiast must be familiar with the various sizes and types of curb stones as well as the manufacturing and installation methods.

Curb stone comes in a variety of forms, each intended to meet specific landscaping requirements. Curbs that are used for straight or gently curved edges are commonly classified as either straight or angled. Taller curbs are frequently used along roadsides or parking lots to keep cars from intruding onto pedestrian areas, while low-profile curbs are perfect for delineating garden beds.

Curb stone production usually starts with concrete being poured into molds. This enables size and design flexibility to meet various project requirements. The curbs go through a curing process after casting to guarantee strength and durability. They are prepared for installation after curing.

There are several steps involved in installing curb stones to guarantee stability and durability. In order for the base to support the weight of the curbs, it must be properly leveled and compacted. After that, the curbs are installed, making sure they are properly spaced and aligned. Finally, to secure the curbs and stop them from moving over time, jointing materials like sand or mortar are applied.

With the correct equipment and supplies, curbs can be made by hand for individuals wishing to take on do-it-yourself projects. Usually, this process entails using metal or wood forms to form the shape, filling the forms with concrete, and finishing the surface to give it the desired look and texture. Handmade curbs can give landscaping projects a unique touch and give the satisfaction of creating something both beautiful and useful.

Types and Sizes	Curb stones come in various types and sizes, typically ranging from small garden borders to larger roadside curbs. They can be rectangular or curved, with dimensions suited to different applications.
Manufacturing and Laying Technology	Manufacturing involves molding concrete into the desired shape, often with reinforcements for durability. Laying requires proper preparation of the base, precise alignment, and secure fixing to prevent displacement.
DIY Border Making	To make a border yourself, prepare a formwork, mix concrete, pour it into the form, level it, and smooth the surface. Once cured, remove the formwork carefully to reveal your custom-made border.

Types of road curbs

Road curbs are categorized based on how they are made and used. The following exist depending on how the border element was produced:

• chopped;
• sawn;
• burnt;
• polished.

They can be used to decorate any kind of road surface because of their natural base and attractive appearance. The material’s high quality also makes it possible to install borders for nearly any kind of construction project, from sidewalks to highways. The products’ large weight and expensive cost are drawbacks.

Side stone comes in the following varieties:

Apart from the aforementioned, there exist additional curbstone subtypes that vary in terms of size and appearance:

Curb fences can also be categorized based on the kind of raw material that is used:

Our article on borders and curbs on the "All about concrete" website discusses the various sizes and types of curb stones, their manufacturing process, and the technology used to lay them. We’ll go over helpful hints for making your own borders, providing easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Knowing these basics will help you select the appropriate supplies and techniques for a successful project, whether you’re trying to manage driveway edges or improve your garden.

Laying a road curb

The technology works in the same way as curbing a sidewalk. The size of the work accounts for the distinction.

1. A site is prepared for laying the curbstone, followed by digging a trench 40 cm wide and a depth greater than the height of the curbstone by a third.
2. Crushed stone with sand is poured onto the compacted bottom of the trench with a total layer height of 15 cm.
3. A solution is prepared for bonding products to the base in proportions of 2.5:1:2:2 (sand, cement, fine-grained crushed stone, water).
4. The solution is applied to the base.
5. The curb element is installed. Using a rubber hammer, the product is tapped until immersed in the solution for a third of its height.
6. Joints are fastened together with mortar on both sides, then the remaining gaps of the trench are filled.

Video about cutting a road curb at an angle

Road blocks are cut at an angle so that parts fit together more tightly. Concrete grinders are used to cut the road curb. When modifying the fence’s length is required, this process is carried out.

Sanding beveled edges improves and speeds up the adhesion of surfaces during installation.

Sidewalk curb

Technical indicators should be taken into consideration when selecting a sidewalk curb.

physical characteristics

Among them are:

Advantages of sidewalk curbs

Benefits of curb fencing made of concrete:

• durability;
• frost resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• aesthetics;
• ease of installation.

How does a curb differ from a curb?

This is the same on-board stone, but it is installed differently than the border fence. Rather than protruding half the height of the pedestrian path, the curb is installed flush with it. The technology used for manufacturing and installation is the same otherwise.

Curb for paving slabs

Paving slab fencing keeps the base from creeping and helps preserve the coating’s integrity.

How to properly install a curb for paving slabs with your own hands?

Once the garden paths are where you want them to be, you can start putting in the curb. The task at hand is not difficult; all you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Prepare the site for construction: remove debris from the area, level the surface.
2. Make markings for future paths.
3. Drive pegs along the edges of the paths and stretch a cord between them. The height of the cord should be measured with a building level, since this will be the upper limit of the curb made by yourself.
4. Dig a trench along the entire length of the markings, into which the curb sections will be laid. It should be remembered that the depth of the trench should be a third of the highest point of the side, and the width – to be 10 cm more than the curb.
5. Pour a solution of sand and cement in proportions of 3:1 (sand-cement) onto the bottom of the trench, previously tamped and compacted. The solution should have the consistency of viscous sour cream for more convenient pouring.
6. Lay the curb elements, adhering to the level of the cord. In this case, the stones must be leveled in height, pouring the solution to the bottom where it is necessary.
7. Fill the butt joints with the solution, leave the structure to harden for a day.
8. Fill the remaining gap with soil, carefully tamping.

It’s important to keep in mind that installing the curb should come before actually laying the tiles.

What is needed for the solution, in what ratio to mix

Curb stones can be handmade or bought from a store. Although prefabricated forms can be used to create the sides, it is preferable to construct them from scratch. Installing a formwork system will be necessary in the second scenario.

The blocks can have any size. For piece borders, the length of the section is the only consideration; it should not be longer than two meters. If not, the curb structure will quickly collapse and be inconvenient to install.

The following is the technology used to create borders:

1. A form is prepared for pouring fences.
2. A dry mixture is prepared at the rate of 3: 1 (sand-cement); The components are thoroughly mixed.
3. Then, small-fractional crushed stone is added there at the rate of 3: 1 (crushed stone-dry cement-sand mixture), after which everything is poured with water and mixed. The appearance of lumps in the solution and the formation of air bubbles should be avoided.

One side of the element needs to be completed with a small chamfer after being released from the formwork system in order for the sides to be installed conveniently. You can accomplish this by trimming off excess.

Types of paving borders

These consist of vibration-pressed and vibration-cast concrete curbs and curb stones.

Concrete curbs

Because they divide the road from the pedestrian area, curbs are frequently used in road construction. As per GOST, curbs are produced through pressing or casting techniques.

Vibration-cast curbs

These casting-produced goods are curved in shape because liquid concrete mortar was used in their construction. Because the air that is still in the solution is not released, the final product has a porous structure and is easily destroyed. These curbs are less expensive than vibration-pressed curbs, but they are only available in gray, and if they are cut, the reinforcing frame will make installing fences more difficult.

Vibration-pressed curb

With current manufacturing technology, a smooth surface can be achieved. Technical indicators show that vibration-pressed curbs are less strong, resilient to wear, and absorb less moisture. By using the stamping method, you can produce a wide variety of finished products in various colors.

What is the difference between vibro-pressed and vibro-cast curbs?

The products’ production processes vary, to start. Vibro-pressing uses vibration units because it is a large-scale product production process. Moreover, vibro-cast curbs are created by hand.

Type of curb	Technical characteristics	Appearance
Vibro-cast	Heavy weight, low frost resistance and performance indicators. Due to pores, cracks and chips quickly form, which leads to rapid destruction of the curb.	The surface is porous, unaesthetic gray color, rough joints remain after installation. Difficulty in installation when making turns – it is difficult to cut the reinforcement without damaging the overall appearance of the product.
Vibro-pressed	Compactness and relatively low weight, smooth surface, no pores, good performance indicators due to high strength and frost resistance.	Smooth surface without pores, aesthetic appearance, a wide range of color solutions, the possibility of using it to decorate corners.

Garden borders

They are intended for the design of a garden plot. Flowerbeds and beds, artificial ponds and alpine slides cannot be imagined without curb fences.

What is the advantage of garden borders?

Curb stones serve a decorative purpose in addition to this.

1. Reduce the growth of weeds in the cultivated area.
2. Hold the soil, preventing it from spreading during watering.
3. Contribute to more rational care of cultivated plants.

Beds and flower beds look more attractive and well-maintained with garden borders around them. Wood, plastic, stone, concrete, and leftover materials can all be used to make them.

Plastic sidewalk curb

It has the following benefits and is primarily used in summer cottage garden area design:

• low cost;
• easy installation;
• large selection of products;
• easily replaceable;
• aesthetics.

Plastic can be processed and is lightweight, so it can be used to create borders that are almost any shape, from curving to straight. In the event of damage, individual fence sections can be readily replaced if plastic curbs are thought of as a repairable material, something that cannot be said for stone curbs.

Among the drawbacks are the following ones:

• poor fire resistance;
• low resistance to atmospheric influences;
• instability to mechanical damage.

Unlike stone curbs, plastic curbs deteriorate with time due to sun exposure and abrupt temperature changes, thereby reducing their lifespan.

Installation of a plastic curb

Concrete fence installation is more complicated than that of plastic fences, so plastic fence installation is simpler. A plastic curb is easier to install and takes less time to complete because of its low weight.

1. A trench is dug along the sidewalk. The depth of the groove should be up to 10 cm.
2. Pegs, which are at the base of the plastic fence, are driven into the trench.
3. Individual elements of the border are connected to each other "in a lock", forming a continuous row.
4. The fence is leveled using a building level, the trench is filled in.

One unique aspect of installing a plastic curb is that the construction site doesn’t need to be prepped in advance. These fences work well for encircling garden plot flower beds.

Weight and table of sizes of sidewalk curbs

According to GOST, a finished sidewalk curb is made in various weight and size ranges. Under factory conditions, curbstones made of reinforced concrete that meet the specifications of GOST 6665-81 are classified as follows: BL (straight with a tray), BV (entrance), BK (radial, radius of curvature 5–15 m), BR (ordinary), BU (ordinary widened), and BUP (ordinary widened interrupted).

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Sidewalk curb, 40 kg, brand: BR100.20.8. Garden curbs are used to border sidewalks and lawns.

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6.65 kg, small garden curb thin. used to mark off a house’s territory and a garden plot.

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15 kg of vibrocast garden border, brand BR 50.20.7. It is created through vibration casting and is utilized in the layout of parks and walkways for pedestrians.

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Garden border, 18 kg, brand BR 50.20.8. Playgrounds and pedestrian zones are designed with it in mind.

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Brand of the sidewalk border BR 50.20.6; 16 kg in weight. In park areas, it is used to fence in sidewalks.

What and how to make a border with your own hands

Not all summertime dwellers use prefabricated forms; a lot of them prefer to hand-form garden plot borders. The affordability and ability to create a unique design are two benefits of building a fence yourself.

They can be created using a variety of supplies and unconventional methods:

1. Plastic. This includes plastic bottles, polycarbonate sheets.
2. Wood. Fences can be designed in the form of a picket fence, a small fence or a wattle fence.
3. Profiled sheets. After repairs, there are always extra building materials on the site, which include trimmings of profiled sheets. Using them, you can delimit the beds on the site.
4. Brick. The simplest option for decorating flower beds is to lay them out with sand-lime bricks.
5. Rubber. Old tires can be used as a mini-fence for the lawn, painting them in bright colors.

But, if you want to pour a concrete curb, you can use forms rather than makeshift materials.

DIY curb forms

Although pre-made boards for paving paths, flower beds, and lawns are available, you can also make your own. For the purpose of pouring concrete mortar, summer residents use forms that they have made themselves.

Constructing a frame-form and employing a formwork framework. The least expensive and easiest solution is to use detachable formwork. You’ll need metal sheets or edged boards for this. The location of the curb installation is where the work is done.

The following is the work order:

1. Preparing the area.
2. Marking for future fencing using rope and pegs.
3. Digging trenches. The depth of the trench is 5-7 cm greater than the height of the future border; the width should be 20 cm, taking into account the thickness of the boards.
4. Installation of formwork. Boards are installed on both sides of the trench and secured for stability.
5. Preparing the base for the curb. A crushed stone cushion is poured onto the compacted bottom of the trench, which should also be well compacted.
6. Reinforcement. Rods are laid on the crushed stone to strengthen the future border.

Following the preparatory work, the trenches are filled with a concrete solution. The formwork can be taken down once the concrete has solidified.

The creation of border forms is the second technique. This one is different from the previous one because the fence is sectional rather than monolithic. Use an edged board of the necessary length for this purpose. From it, create a frame for pouring concrete. The resulting elements are then cut on one side at an angle for standardization in accordance with GOST.

You can also use a unique tool that looks like a screw receiver to make a curb fence with an odd shape or color. Inside is poured a mixture of sand, cement, and pigment dye that is squeezed out onto the ground as it mixes.

The following are some benefits of this method:

• high productivity;
• easy processing of the solution and installation;
• no need to prepare the base for laying the fence.

It is possible to decorate a concrete structure that is not quite hardened with different patterns and carved elements.

Making curbs with your own hands: preparing concrete and pouring molds

To build fences on your own using concrete mortar, you’ll need:

• river sand;
• cement;
• plasticizer;
• pigment additive (for colored fencing);
• used machine oil.

The stages of preparation technology are as follows:

1. Cement, sand and crushed stone are mixed in a concrete mixer in proportions of 1:3:4, respectively. First, half of the sand and crushed stone are poured into the concrete mixer, mixed, then cement is loaded and the rest of the crushed stone and sand are completely removed. The dry mixture is poured into the concrete mixer for at least 5 minutes.
2. The plasticizer is dissolved in water according to the instructions and poured into the concrete mixer, then water is gradually added. Adjust the amount of water until the mixture acquires the consistency of a viscous mass.
3. Add the pigment dye diluted in water to the solution and mix it for another 5 minutes.
4. The curb mold is lubricated with oil – subsequently, the finished product will be easier to remove.
5. The resulting solution is poured into the mold and removed from it when it sets – after at least 2 days.

Using a vibrating table will remove all of the air from the fill in molds containing a solution, increasing the products’ density and strength. It is advised to use cement grades M400 or M500 for concrete mortar in order to greatly strengthen the structure. Additionally, it is a good idea to sieve river sand prior to mixing in order to get rid of clay contaminants, which can weaken concrete.

Reinforcement is inserted into partially filled forms with mortar to add strength, and the remaining mortar is then filled in. It is not advised to install concrete blocks any earlier because the concrete product will not truly become strong until a month has passed.

Curbs and borders are essential elements that define the design and use of outdoor areas. They not only make driveways and pathways more aesthetically pleasing, but they also have functional uses like stopping erosion and directing traffic for both cars and pedestrians.

Curb stone comes in a wide range of sizes and types to suit a variety of applications and design tastes. There is a large selection to pick from, ranging from straightforward rectangular concrete curbs to more intricate decorative options. The purpose of the curb can also have a big impact on size; larger curbs are typically used for roads and parking lots, while smaller curbs are typically used for garden borders.

Curb stone manufacturing and installation technology involves several important steps. Concrete is typically used to make curbs, and the right shape and size are achieved by pouring the concrete into molds. For strength and durability to be guaranteed, the curing process is essential. It is crucial to properly prepare the base before installation. To create a solid base for the curbs, the ground must be excavated, leveled, and compacted.

A border or curb can be a rewarding DIY project for those who want to do it themselves. To ascertain the required layout and dimensions, meticulous planning and measuring are the first steps. Essential materials include molds, spirit levels, trowels, and concrete mix. Correct execution of every step, from mixing concrete to pouring and finishing the curb, is ensured by adhering to comprehensive guides or tutorials.

You can design useful and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces by knowing the types, sizes, manufacturing processes, and do-it-yourself methods for borders and curbs, regardless of whether you’re improving a small backyard or taking on a more extensive landscaping project.

Video on the topic

HOW to install a curb curb installation of a garden curb

#with your own hands: how to make a curb – curb from a building mixture with your own hands