When it comes to defining flower beds, walkways, or property lines, choosing the right type of landscape edging is essential. Many homeowners debate between concrete borders and more common edging materials like plastic, metal, or wood. While all have their pros and cons, concrete borders are becoming the go-to option for those who want both style and longevity.

In this post, we’ll compare concrete curbing to traditional edging methods so you can make the best choice for your yard.

Appearance and Curb Appeal

Traditional edging materials like black plastic rolls, wood timbers, or metal strips are functional—but they often look basic or fade with time.

Concrete borders, on the other hand, are fully customizable. They can be stamped, stained, or shaped to resemble natural stone, brick, or modern clean lines. This creates a high-end look that immediately enhances curb appeal.

Verdict: For visual impact and customization, concrete borders win.

Durability and Maintenance

Plastic and metal edging can bend, crack, or rust over time. Wood rots, attracts termites, and may require yearly replacement or sealing.

Concrete borders are installed as one continuous piece, making them far more durable. At J&J Custom Curbing, our edging is reinforced with stainless steel cable and made with high-strength fiber-infused concrete—designed to resist cracking, buckling, and separation.

Verdict: Concrete curbing offers long-lasting strength and minimal maintenance.

Functionality

All edging serves the purpose of keeping mulch in place, preventing grass from spreading, and defining landscaping sections. But plastic and wood edging often shift, pop out of the ground, or allow grass to creep through over time.

Concrete borders are flush to the ground, shaped to fit your exact landscape contours, and won’t move out of place. They're ideal for both practical use and aesthetic cohesion.

Verdict: Concrete offers better long-term function and stability.

Installation Process

Traditional edging can be a DIY project, but it often leads to inconsistent results. Uneven lines, gaps, or poorly anchored materials are common.

Concrete curbing requires professional installation but delivers a much more polished, seamless finish. At J&J Custom Curbing, we mix, pour, and mold your borders on-site to ensure precision and quality.

Verdict: Concrete requires more effort up front, but the results are far superior.

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