Starter Equipment Guide for Pavers Companies Expanding Into Decorative Concrete Curbing

The decorative concrete industry continues to evolve, prompting smart pavers companies to recognize concrete curbing as a natural expansion of their services. Your customers already trust you for driveway installation and patio construction. Why not offer the finishing touches that complete their hardscape projects?

Adding curbing equipment and services lets you capture more revenue per job while providing comprehensive solutions that set you apart from competitors who only offer basic paving services.

Why Pavers Companies Are Perfect for Curbing Services

Pavers companies possess inherent advantages that make the transition to decorative concrete curbing smoother than contractors entering from other trades.

Your existing customer base is the ideal market for landscape curbing services. Homeowners investing in new driveways, patios, or walkways frequently seek cohesive hardscape designs that include professional concrete edging. When you offer complete solutions rather than referring clients to other contractors, you maintain control over project quality and capture additional revenue.

The skill sets you’ve developed in concrete work and paving installation translate directly to curbing services. Understanding concrete mixing ratios, curing processes, and finish techniques gives you a significant head start over contractors without concrete experience. Your familiarity with site preparation, drainage considerations, and working around existing hardscape elements eliminates much of the learning curve associated with decorative curbing.

Market demand continues to grow for paving companies that can provide turnkey landscape solutions. In regions like Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, where seasonal construction windows are limited, maximizing revenue per project is crucial for profitability. Concrete curbing work can often extend your season, as these projects require less extensive work than major paving installations.

Essential Curbing Equipment for Pavers Companies

As a vendor with decades of experience in concrete curbing installations, here’s what you need to focus on:

Primary Curbing Machine Selection

Consider your curbing machine the core of your new service offering. Pavers companies typically benefit from versatile machines capable of creating multiple profile styles to match various hardscape designs. Look for equipment that handles standard residential applications while offering enough flexibility for custom decorative concrete work. Machine portability matters significantly, as curbing projects often require navigating tight spaces around existing pavement and landscape features.

Supporting Tools and Equipment

Beyond your primary curbing machine, essential supporting equipment includes concrete mixing capabilities, finishing tools, and safety equipment. Many pavers leverage existing concrete mixers and basic hand tools to reduce startup costs. However, specialized curbing tools for edge finishing and detail work will be necessary additions to your toolkit.

Concrete Mix and Materials Handling

Decorative concrete curbing requires specific mix designs optimized for extrusion and durability. Unlike standard concrete paving mixes, curbing concrete needs a higher cement content and specific aggregate gradations. Understanding these material requirements helps prevent common installation problems and ensures long-lasting results.

Essential startup equipment for pavers companies includes:

• Professional curbing machine with multiple profile capabilities
• Specialized concrete mixer or mix modification equipment
• Curbing tools for finishing and detail work
• Safety equipment specific to concrete curbing operations
• Material handling equipment for efficient job site logistics

Curb Depot has developed equipment packages specifically designed for pavers companies entering the curbing market. We combine proven machines with comprehensive training and ongoing support.

Startup Costs and ROI Expectations

Decorative concrete curbing offers lucrative opportunities, but understanding the investment and potential rewards is key for pavers considering expansion.

Initial equipment investment for quality curbing machines and supporting tools typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on machine capabilities and package selections. This amount is often manageable for established pavers companies with existing cash flow from concrete paving operations.

Revenue potential for curbing services can significantly enhance the profitability of your existing paving business. Residential decorative curbing projects usually cost $8 to $15 per linear foot, with experienced contractors completing 200 to 400 linear feet per day. Combined with hardscape projects, curbing work often proves to be a high-margin addition that improves overall profitability.

Most pavers companies achieve break-even on their curbing equipment investment within 6 to 12 months of consistent operation. The key advantage for established paving contractors lies in cross-selling opportunities. Adding concrete curbing to existing driveway or patio projects increases contract values without proportional increases in marketing or overhead costs.

Take the First Step Toward a Successful Curbing Business

The transition from traditional paving services to comprehensive hardscape solutions, including decorative curbing, is a strategic growth opportunity that pavers companies are perfectly positioned to capture. With the right curbing equipment and proper training, you can quickly establish a profitable new revenue stream while strengthening your competitive position.

Reach out to Curb Depot to explore equipment packages designed specifically for pavers companies expanding into the concrete curbing market.