For homeowners, the sight of uneven or rough edges on their concrete driveways, pathways, and patios can be an eyesore. A smoothly finished edge provides a visually appealing appearance and helps extend the concrete’s longevity.
Edging concrete may seem daunting, but it is a manageable DIY project with the right tools, techniques, and guidance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of how to edge concrete, the tools required, and share some tips and tricks on how to achieve professional results.
Can You Edge Concrete?
Concrete is one of the most sturdy and long-lasting materials used in construction, and many people wonder if it’s possible to give it a sleek, polished look. The answer is yes; you can edge concrete to give it a more refined look. You can create various decorative shapes and patterns on the borders of your walkways, patios, or countertops using edging tools such as trowels or hand-held grinders.
While edging concrete can be challenging, the results are well worth the effort. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a truly distinctive and impressive look that will add value and appeal to your property for years.
Why Should You Edge Concrete?
Concrete is one of the most durable materials available for construction projects. However, simply pouring and setting the concrete isn’t enough to ensure it will last for years. Edging the concrete is a crucial step in finishing the surface, as it helps to prevent chipping and cracking over time.
By using specialized tools, contractors can create a neat and polished edge that looks great and protects the concrete from damage. Whether working on a large-scale commercial project or a small DIY job, cutting your concrete is well worth the effort. Not only will it help to improve the overall appearance of your project, but it will also extend the lifespan of your concrete surface.
A Comprehensive Guide On How to Edge Concrete Like A Pro
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before starting edging concrete like a pro, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools. This includes a quality concrete edger, a trowel, a masonry chisel, and safety gear such as gloves and goggles. You’ll also need to ensure that your work area is clean and debris-free.
2. Prepare the Concrete
Once you have all the necessary tools, it’s time to prepare the concrete for edging. Start by sweeping away any dust or debris from your work area. Then, use a trowel to remove any high spots on the surface of the concrete. Finally, use a masonry chisel to create an even edge along the perimeter of the concrete slab.
3. Mark Out Your Edging
Now it’s time to mark out where your edging will go. Use chalk or spray paint to outline the perimeter of your slab. Ensure your lines are straight and even before moving on to the next step.
4. Cut Along Your Markings
Once your markings are in place, it’s time to start cutting along them with your concrete edger. Start at one corner and slowly move around the slab’s perimeter until you reach your starting point again. Make sure that you follow your markings closely and keep even pressure on the edger as you go along to ensure a smooth finish when you’re done cutting.
5. Smooth Out The Edges
Once all of your edges have been cut, it’s time to smooth them out with a trowel or other tool designed for this purpose. Start at one corner and slowly move around in circles until all of your edges have been smoothed out evenly and completely free of any bumps or irregularities in their surfaces.
6. Clean Up Any Residue
When you’re finished smoothing out all of your edges, use a broom or brush to sweep away any excess dust or debris from your work area before moving on to the next step: sealing and protecting your newly edged concrete slab!
7. Seal & Protect Your Edge
To seal and protect your newly edged slab, apply two coats of sealant using either a brush or roller, depending on your sealant (make sure that whatever sealant you choose is suitable for outdoor use). Allow each coat plenty of time to dry before applying another coat until two coats have been applied in total (or more if desired). Once dry, enjoy admiring (and showing off!) your newly-edged concrete slab!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Edge Concrete
1. Tool Selection
When edging concrete, it is important to select the right tools for the job. The most common tools used for edging are a hand-held angle grinder, an edger, or a power trowel. Each of these tools has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to do your research to determine which tool is best suited for the job.
Additionally, if you use a power tool such as an angle grinder or an edger, wear safety gear such as goggles and gloves when operating the tool.
2. Edge Depth
Another consideration when edging concrete is the depth of the edge. Depending on the type of work being done, you may need to create a shallow or deep edge to achieve the desired look or result. It is important to measure and mark out where you want the edges before beginning work to ensure that they are even and consistent throughout.
3. Edge Finishing
Once you have finished creating your edges, it is important to finish them properly to last longer and look better. Finishing involves smoothing out any rough edges with sandpaper or a wire brush and then applying sealant or paint to protect the surface from damage caused by weathering or other external factors.
4. Clean Up
When working with concrete, it is important to clean up any excess material after finishing your edges to avoid staining or discoloring of nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture pieces. Additionally, it is important to dispose of any leftover concrete properly to prevent environmental contamination due to runoff into rivers or streams from construction sites.
5. Maintenance
Finally, it is important to regularly maintain your edges for them to stay looking good over time. This includes cleaning off any dirt or debris that may accumulate on top of your edges and resealing them periodically to keep them protected from weathering and other external factors that could cause damage over time.
5 Benefits of Edge Concrete
1. Durability
Edge concrete is one of the most durable types of concrete available. It is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and wear and tear from daily use. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications such as driveways, patios, and walkways. Additionally, edge concrete can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
2. Strength
Edge concrete is incredibly strong and can support significant weight without cracking or crumbling. This makes it an excellent choice for applications such as foundations, walls, and other structural elements that need to be able to bear a great deal of weight.
3. Versatility
Edge concrete is extremely versatile and can be used in various ways. It can be used to create smooth surfaces such as driveways or patios and to create decorative features such as steps, curbs, and retaining walls. Additionally, edge concrete can be colored or stamped for a unique look that will add beauty and value to any home or business.
4. Cost-Effective
Edge concrete is also very cost-effective compared to other types of concrete due to its durability and strength. The material itself is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, such as brick or stone, making it an economical choice for many projects.
Additionally, edge concrete requires less labor than other materials due to its easy installation process, which helps keep costs down even further.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Edge concrete is also environmentally friendly due to its low carbon footprint during production and installation processes compared to other materials, such as asphalt or brick pavers, which require more energy-intensive methods for production and installation, resulting in higher carbon emissions into the environment
4 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Edge Concrete
1. Not Preparing the Surface Properly
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to edge concrete is not preparing the surface properly before starting. It’s important to ensure the area is clean and free from debris, such as dirt, rocks, and weeds.
Additionally, any existing cracks or holes should be filled in with a patching compound before edging. Failing to prepare the surface properly can result in an uneven edge and a poor finish.
2. Not Using the Right Tools
Another mistake people often make when edging concrete is not using the right tools for the job. Several different types of tools are available for edging concrete, including hand-held trowels, power trowels, and edging machines. It’s important to select a tool appropriate for your project’s size and shape to achieve a professional-looking finish.
3. Applying Too Much Pressure
Applying too much pressure while edging concrete can also lead to poor results. It’s important to apply just enough pressure so that the edges are smooth and even without leaving marks or indentations on the surface. If you have difficulty achieving this balance, practicing on a piece of scrap wood before tackling your project may be helpful.
4. Not Finishing Properly
Finally, another common mistake people make when edging concrete is not finishing properly after they have completed their work. Using a sealant or other protective coating on your newly-edged concrete is important to protect it from weathering and wear over time. Additionally, if you plan on painting your concrete after edging it, allow ample time to dry before applying any paint or stain products.
Conclusion
Edging concrete is an essential part of any DIY concrete work. With the right tools, techniques, and attention to detail, you can create a professional-looking edge that will last for years to come.
Remember to take the necessary safety precautions and practice patience throughout the process. By following these tips and tricks, you can get your concrete project off to a great start. Thanks for reading our post about how to edge concrete, and happy edging!
