Comparing concrete kerb edging for roads, pavements and borders

Kerb edging is used extensively on the roads, pavements, and borders of housing developments, and a range of products are available on the market to meet both the structural demands and aesthetic requirements of a wide variety of projects. Here we will be looking at the types of kerb edging and how to select the product, or products, that fit your housing development’s project objectives. 

Kerb edging forms an important physical barrier between areas used for different purposes. Where kerbs are separating road vehicles from pedestrian walkways, they need to be hard-wearing and robust. They also have practical functions, as they direct surface water off of the road and into drainage systems and help prevent soil erosion when used as edging between soft and hard landscaping.  

When concrete kerbs form driveway edging, as well as providing a hard separation border between the drive and the rest of the landscaping, they have a practical purpose to keep the internal block paving used in the driveway in position. 

However, the required functionality of specifying strong, highly durable concrete kerb edging does not compromise their visual appearance. Concrete kerb edging blocks are available in a combination of hard finishes, edging designs, and colours to complement the aesthetic requirements of a wide range of housing developments. 

The kerb edging considered for specification will depend on its intended application and the desired visual appearance of a project. 

Which concrete kerb edging options are available for roads and pavements? 

Concrete kerb edging blocks for roads and pavements are designed with strength and durability in mind. They are available in a range of finishes that help to match them with the surrounding aesthetics of the road and pedestrian walkways, as well as the overall housing development feel. 

The most sought-after options include modern alternatives to traditional standard precast concrete kerbs, such as: 

• Smooth concrete 

• Textured concrete kerbs  

• Granite aggregate kerbs  

 Smooth concrete alternatives to precast concrete kerbs 

Standard precast concrete kerbs are traditionally selected because they are robust and cost-effective. There are now modern alternatives with a more attractive smooth finish for projects where aesthetics matters. The specified standard size of large smooth kerb edging is 200x127x100 mm. Where a more versatile application is required, small edging at 125x127x100 mm may be the preferred choice. Both sizes can be used for a bullnose or a splayed finish. 

Textured concrete kerbs 

Shot blasted textured kerbs offer another aesthetic alternative to concrete kerbs. As well as offering a different surface finish, their textured surface can increase slip resistance. Where standard concrete kerbs do not quite provide the visual appearance required, shot blasted concrete kerbs, such as our Textured Kerb, offer an exposed granular surface finish as a budget friendly decorative option for specifiers.  

Granite aggregate kerbs 

Kerbs made from natural granite offer a kerb solution that is hard-wearing, non-porous, low maintenance, and of high aesthetic appeal, especially when complementing granite paving. However, they command a premium in the market, and cost-effective premium concrete kerbs are available. Granite aggregate kerbs are a strong, relatively easy to install solution that emulates the appearance of traditional granite kerbs. Fusion Kerb, featuring an exposed granular surface with a hint of sparkle, can offer the specifier a contemporary granite aggregate kerb with an attractive surface finish.  

Selecting concrete kerbs with an antique finish to suit timeless project aesthetics 

Whether your housing project has a contemporary or more traditional style, concrete kerbs are available. These can complement the visual appearance of your hard landscaping selections.  

Standard concrete kerbs, whilst being at the lower end of the cost scale, offer little in terms of visual appeal to projects. The composition, colours, and textures of the natural stone used in granite kerbs provide a variety of visual options for projects towards the top end of the budget. Concrete aged effect kerbs are still on the lower cost scale and are processed to give them a more antique appearance. They offer a more cost-effective way for projects to use kerbs to add extra character to hard landscaping specifications. 

To achieve a traditional appearance, aged effect concrete kerbs undergo a tumbling process during their manufacture. An example is Tegula Kerb Large, which is given an aged, antique appearance to provide the perfect finishing touch for projects with a traditional, rustic feel. Where smaller kerbs are required, for areas such as patios, steps, and pathways, tumbled kerb edging, such as Kerbstone, also offers a concrete kerb in a warm, aged finish. With all sides of the product finished, Kerbstone is a hugely versatile option as it can be laid in various orientations. 

Where can I learn more about the wide range of concrete kerb edging that is available? 

Tobermore offers concrete kerb edging products in a range of styles, colours, and textures that can add the perfect finishing touch to complement the hard landscaping aesthetics of your housing development.  

We know that sometimes you need to assess a variety of options when you are making specification choices to make sure they are perfect for your project.  

Craig McBride, Tobermore’s Technical and Product Training Manager, comments:

“We offer a wide variety of concrete kerb specification options, and to help our customers bring their hard landscaping projects to life, they can use our free design consultation service. The Tobermore Live Design Studio allows customers to collaborate virtually with their Tobermore project team. During the consultation, case studies, product samples, colour options, textures, and laying patterns can all be shown to help illustrate the effect of different product combinations. The Live Design Studio also saves specifiers time and reduces their carbon footprint, as they won’t have to wait for physical samples. In this way, specifiers for all types of hard landscaping projects can have confidence in their design and product selection.”