Concrete Curbing vs. Plastic Edging: A Comprehensive Comparison

Concrete curbing and plastic edging create distinctive borders, but they offer vastly different benefits, durability, and long-term value. As specialists in high-quality concrete curbing supplies, Curb Depot often receives questions about how our products compare to more temporary alternatives, such as plastic edging. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision for your landscape.

Plastic Edging Benefits and Disadvantages

Plastic edging typically comes in rolls or sections, made from various plastics, and is installed by digging a shallow trench and securing it with stakes. It’s often marketed as a DIY-friendly and inexpensive solution.

Pros of Plastic Edging

• Low Initial Cost: Plastic edging is generally much cheaper to purchase than concrete curbing.
• Easy DIY Installation: Installation is straightforward for homeowners with basic tools and minimal landscaping experience.
• Flexibility: Plastic edging is flexible, making it easy to create curves and intricate shapes.
• Lightweight: Easy to transport and handle.

Cons of Plastic Edging

• Not Durable: Plastic is prone to cracking, fading, and becoming brittle over time. It can easily be damaged by lawnmowers or foot traffic.
• Poor Stability: Shifts, buckles, or pops out of the ground, requiring frequent adjustments.
• Limited Aesthetic Appeal: Looks less substantial and rarely matches the polished look of concrete.
• Ineffective Barrier: Often not strong enough to contain aggressive grass roots or prevent soil and mulch runoff.
• Environmental Concerns: Many are not made from recycled materials and contribute to plastic waste.

Concrete Curbing Benefits and Disadvantages

Concrete curbing is a continuous, permanent landscape border extruded on-site using specialized machinery. It can be customized in terms of shape, size, color, and texture to match any landscape design.

Pros of Concrete Curbing

• Superior Durability and Longevity: Strong and built to last for decades; resists damage from lawn mowers, weed eaters, and environmental factors.
• Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Clean, professional finish with various styles, colors, and stamps to suit any design.
• Excellent Stability: Firmly stays in place, providing a stable barrier against grass, weeds, and soil erosion.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep; prevents grass from invading beds and reduces string trimming.
• Versatility in Design: Offers practical mower styles, elegant slant styles, and decorative stamped options.
• Effective Root and Mulch Barrier: Solid structure contains mulch, gravel, soil, and blocks invasive roots.

Cons of Concrete Curbing

• Higher Initial Investment: Material and professional installation costs are higher than plastic edging.
• Professional Installation Recommended: Ensures best results; some DIY possible with specialized tools.
• Less Flexible for Curves: Machines handle gradual curves, but tight turns are more challenging.
• Repair Complexity: Damaged curbing is harder to repair than replacing plastic sections.

Cost and Value Comparison

Plastic edging has a lower upfront cost but a shorter lifespan, while concrete curbing requires a higher initial investment but provides decades of low-maintenance performance. Over 5–10 years, repeatedly replacing plastic edging often costs more than a one-time investment in concrete curbing.

Choose Lasting Value Over Temporary Solutions

Plastic edging offers a cheap, temporary fix but ultimately falls short on longevity, stability, and visual appeal. Investing in concrete curbing means investing in the long-term beauty and functionality of your property, reducing future headaches and increasing overall value.

We invite you to explore our curbing equipment and profiles to discover how we can help you achieve a superior landscape finish.