How to Make A Concrete Curbing Mold

Concrete curbing can make any landscaped garden, yard, or driveway look polished and appealing. If you are currently in the design process for your next outdoor project you might want consider installing concrete curbs for their added value and increased curb appeal. To save money over buying or renting a concrete curbing machine you should make a concrete curbing mold to make the curbs yourself.

Instructions

1. Draw your project plans out on paper with specific measurements. Concrete curbing is a much more permanent landscaping choice than brick or blocks and the set concrete obviously cannot be manipulated as easily. Before you make your concrete mold make sure to have finalized plans of exactly what sizes and shapes of mold you need.

2. Purchase plywood at your local hardware store. The plywood will be used to make a wooden concrete curbing mold to your specific dimensions. You will need a base and four walls for a basic box mold. You might want to either make several molds or contour your mold so that the base of your concrete curbing is slightly wider than it's top. This contour will ensure that the mold can be reused.

3. A fully completed concrete curb will be quite heavy. You will want to assemble your wooden curb mold in a size small enough for you to move but large enough to have few seams when the curb is assembled in place. Calculate your distances based on your plans and decide on the correct length mold for your project. You might find that you will need two different size concrete curb molds for different parts of your landscaping project.

4. Cut your plywood into the five sides of your mold: A floor, and four walled edges. You may wish to make the floor of your mold wider than the curb itself so that you can brace the long walls with scrap wood to keep the mold from bowling out in the middle. To do this simply secure some scrap wood to the floor of your mold on the outside on your long walls with a hammer and nails.

5. Once your concrete curbing mold is created you will want to line the seams and corners of your wooden mold joints with wood glue, quickcrete, or another similar agent. This will keep the edges of the concrete curb rounded. When your seams and corners are dry your curbing mold is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• When making your own concrete curbing, remember to apply oil to the inside of the mold before pouring your concrete. This will ensure that your curb does not stick to the mold after it cures. Allow your concrete curbing to cure for a few days before you remove it from the mold.

Resources

• How to Improve Home Value with Landscaping and Curb Appeal