When to Install a Concrete Curb for Pavers

If you know much about installing hardscape, you are likely aware that you should install some kind of paver edging when you put in your pavers.

So, when should you go with a heavy-duty paver restraint option and install a hefty concrete curb as your hardscape edge? The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends using concrete curbing for your paver edge in any heavier-duty project, especially if you are installing a driveway.

In this blog post, we’ll look at exactly when you should go with concrete curb edging instead of a plastic edge or another lightweight option.

Why use a concrete curb for pavers?

Why is concrete curbing necessary for some hardscape projects? Concrete curbing is used outside your pavers to prevent them from moving and shifting with geography or weather changes. Concrete curbing will add durability and strength to any paver project. It is different from bond beam, and is typically used specifically for heavy duty paving stone applications.

Use a concrete curb for residential driveways

Concrete curb edging should always be used for residential driveways. It will keep the hardscape from shifting as heavy cars or trucks come in contact with it, twisting and turning their wheels. Concrete curbing will help the driveway last longer; any lighter-weight edge could eventually be destroyed by vehicles.

Parking lots need a concrete curb

Concrete curb edging is also necessary for parking lots. It helps define the edges, prevent cars from running off, and separate designated vehicle areas from sections that are only for pedestrians. Concrete curbing also protects any landscape and helps retain parking lots that are on a slope.

Some walkways could last longer with a concrete curb

Walkways that see only pedestrian traffic don’t technically require concrete curbing. However, depending on the expected foot traffic, concrete curbing could help maintain a path’s longevity and structural integrity. It is particularly helpful if it is in a commercial space, such as a public walking path to a business entry, or if it sees light vehicular traffic. Concrete curbing can also help retain the edge of a walkway that has an incline on either side.

Are there different types of concrete curbs for pavers?

It’s important to know about the different types of concrete curbs for pavers–one type does not fit all.

18” vertical curb

The 18” vertical curb is very durable. On the ground level, you will only see a 6” tall by 6” wide curb, but this curbing extends 12” into the ground, essentially making it impossible to move.

6” concrete Permacurb

Permacurb is a type of concrete curb that is usually used in lower traffic areas. It is poured directly on the ground so that it stands 6” tall by 6” wide, but does not go underground. Although Permacurb is a less expensive option, it is not as resilient as the 18” vertical curb.

Concrete curb and gutter

Concrete curb and gutter is a 6” by 6” curb poured directly on top of a concrete gutter that’s 2’ wide . It extends 10” into the ground, making it especially strong. This type of concrete edging is used to help direct water runoff toward catch basins, and can also be made as a ramp (known as a “roll curb”) to allow road or driveway access.

“S” curb

An “S” curb is an 18” vertical curb. It includes 6” of above-ground curb, along with 12” footing underground. In addition, it has a sidewalk that is poured onto it, making it one solid concrete uni

Get help before you start

If you’re starting on a hardscape project, we have a free planning guide that’ll help make it as easy as possible. Download our free Project Planning Guide to get a PDF walkthrough of everything you need to think about as you start the process.