curbscape

Concrete vs. Plastic, Metal and Paver Edging (What's Best)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:48:20 GMT

A good landscape border does more than outline a flower bed. It helps separate grass from mulch or stone, gives the yard a more finished appearance, and makes landscaped areas easier to maintain.

The difficult part is deciding which material to use.

Concrete curbing, plastic edging, metal borders and landscape pavers can all serve a purpose. The best landscape edging for your Wisconsin property depends on your budget, the look you want, how permanent the landscape is and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.

Here’s an honest comparison of the most common options.

Concrete Landscape Curbing

Decorative concrete curbing is installed as a continuous border around flower beds, trees, walkways and other landscape features. It can follow straight lines, sweeping curves and custom layouts.

Unlike basic poured concrete, decorative curbing can be customized with different shapes, colors, textures and stamped patterns. This allows the border to complement the home, landscaping and surrounding hardscapes.

Advantages of concrete curbing

Creates a permanent, finished border
Does not have loose sections that need to be realigned
Offers numerous colors, shapes and decorative designs
Can follow curves and custom bed layouts
Provides a clear separation between grass and landscaping
Offers mower-friendly shape options
Works for residential and commercial properties

Things to consider

Concrete typically requires a larger initial investment than plastic or basic metal edging. It is also meant to remain in place, so it may not be the best choice if you expect to frequently move or redesign your landscape beds.

Concrete can develop cracks if it is poorly prepared or installed without appropriate reinforcement and control cuts. For Wisconsin properties, installation quality is especially important because of our recurring freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete curbing is best for homeowners who have an established landscape and want a durable, customized border.

Plastic Landscape Edging

Plastic edging is widely available and relatively easy to install. It is commonly sold in rolls or interlocking sections that are anchored into the soil.

Advantages of plastic edging

Low initial material cost
Available at most home improvement stores
Flexible enough to form curved bed lines
Can be installed as a do-it-yourself project
Easier to remove or relocate than concrete

Things to consider

Plastic edging can lift out of the ground as soil freezes, thaws and shifts. Sections may separate, warp or become visible above the grass. Lawn equipment can also damage exposed edges.

Although plastic is inexpensive initially, it may require occasional straightening, re-anchoring or replacement. Its appearance is usually more functional than decorative.

Plastic edging can make sense for temporary gardens, evolving landscape plans or projects where keeping the upfront cost as low as possible is the main concern.

Metal Landscape Edging

Metal edging creates a narrow, understated line between the lawn and landscape bed. Steel and aluminum are common choices, although their durability and resistance to corrosion can vary.

Advantages of metal edging

Creates a clean, minimal appearance
Takes up very little visual space
Works with straight or gently curved layouts
Less visually noticeable than many plastic products
Can be removed or adjusted more easily than concrete

Things to consider

Metal can bend when struck by lawn equipment or other heavy objects. Sections and anchors may move as the soil shifts. Depending on the material and finish, corrosion may also become a concern.

Because the upper edge is narrow, it may not provide the same decorative presence or visual separation as concrete curbing or pavers.

Metal edging is often a good fit for modern landscapes where the homeowner wants a simple border that nearly disappears into the design.

Landscape Pavers and Blocks

Pavers, bricks, and landscape blocks can create an attractive border with a traditional or handcrafted appearance. They are available in numerous sizes, shapes and colors.

Advantages of paver edging

Wide variety of styles and materials
Individual pieces can be replaced
Can complement an existing patio or walkway
Suitable for straight lines and gradual curves
Can be installed by an experienced do-it-yourselfer

Things to consider

Each paver is a separate piece, so the border can shift unevenly as the ground moves. Pavers may sink, tilt, or separate over time. Grass and weeds can also grow through the joints.

Keeping the border level may require resetting individual pieces and refreshing the base beneath them. Tight curves can be difficult to create without small pavers or extensive cutting.

Pavers work well for homeowners who like their traditional appearance and do not mind occasional adjustments.

A Natural or Spade-Cut Edge

Another option is to skip an installed material and create a clean trench between the grass and landscape bed.

A fresh natural edge looks neat and costs very little to create. However, it gradually loses its shape as grass spreads, soil erodes, and mulch moves. Maintaining it requires repeated cutting throughout the growing season.

This approach can work well for homeowners who enjoy regular yardwork or want to test a new bed layout before installing permanent edging.

Which Edging Requires the Least Maintenance?

Every landscape border requires some care, but the type of work varies.

Plastic and metal edging may need to be pushed back into place or re-anchored. Pavers may need to be leveled and cleared of weeds. A natural edge must be recut regularly.

Concrete curbing eliminates loose individual pieces and maintains a consistent shape. Basic cleaning and reasonable care around lawn and snow-removal equipment are still important, but homeowners do not typically have to rebuild the border each spring.

Which Option Looks Best?

Appearance is personal, but the architectural style of the home should guide the decision.

Metal edging works well when the border is meant to disappear. Pavers can coordinate with a brick walkway or patio. Natural edging creates a soft, informal transition.

Decorative concrete curbing becomes a visible part of the landscape design. CurbScape offers multiple curbing shapes , nearly 50 color options , and patterns ranging from subtle textures to stone- and brick-inspired designs .

The result can be quiet and understated or become a more noticeable architectural accent.

What Handles Wisconsin Weather Best?

No landscape material is completely unaffected by Wisconsin weather.

Plastic may become brittle or lift as the soil moves. Metal can bend, shift, or corrode. Pavers may heave individually. Concrete can crack if movement is not properly managed.

The difference comes down to product quality and installation. CurbScape’s concrete curbing process includes steel cable reinforcement, compaction, control cuts approximately every two feet, and protective sealer. These elements are designed to create a stronger, more consistent border through changing seasons.

How to Choose the Right Landscape Edging

Before deciding, ask yourself:

Is my landscape layout settled, or might I change it soon?
Do I want the edging to blend in or add decorative character?
How much seasonal maintenance am I willing to perform?
Do I need the border to work around tight curves or custom beds?
How important is it for the edging to coordinate with my home?
Am I choosing based only on initial cost or on long-term value?

There is no single material that is best for every yard. Temporary beds may only need plastic or a natural edge. A contemporary design might call for thin metal. A paver border may be appropriate when it matches an existing walkway.

For an established landscape where appearance, customization, and permanence matter, decorative concrete curbing is difficult to beat.

Explore Decorative Concrete Curbing in the Fox Valley

CurbScape has helped homeowners and businesses enhance their landscapes throughout Appleton and Northeast Wisconsin since 1998.

You can explore our completed residential curbing projects and see how a well-planned border changes a property in our before-and-after gallery .

Have questions about the best edging for your property? Contact CurbScape to discuss your ideas and request project pricing.

Does Concrete Landscape Curbing Hold Up Through Wisconsin Winters?

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:16:32 GMT

Wisconsin weather can be hard on anything installed outdoors. Temperatures rise and fall, moisture freezes and expands, and the ground shifts throughout the year. If you’re considering concrete landscape curbing, it’s reasonable to wonder whether it will hold up through our winters.

The short answer is yes—quality concrete landscape curbing can perform very well in Wisconsin. However, the way it is prepared, reinforced, installed and protected makes a major difference.

Here’s what Fox Valley property owners should know before choosing permanent concrete edging.

Why Wisconsin Winters Can Be Tough on Landscape Edging

Winter damage is not caused by cold temperatures alone. The bigger issue is the repeated freezing and thawing that happens throughout the season.

Water can enter small openings in concrete or collect around the base. When that water freezes, it expands. When temperatures warm, it thaws again. This process may repeat many times during a Wisconsin winter.

Seasonal ground movement can also place pressure on landscape borders. Lightweight plastic edging may lift out of the ground, individual pavers can shift, and improperly installed concrete may crack in the wrong places.

That is why landscape curbing should be installed as a complete system—not simply poured on top of the lawn.

Proper Preparation Creates a Stronger Foundation

Durable landscape curbing begins before any concrete is mixed.

The proposed layout should first be marked so the curves, corners and bed lines fit the property. A strip of sod is then removed to create a prepared curb bed. This gives the curbing a consistent place to sit and helps create a clean, uniform installation.

Good preparation also gives the installer an opportunity to account for the shape of the yard, nearby pavement, drainage and other conditions that could affect the finished border.

Concrete curbing placed on a properly prepared bed has a much better chance of remaining consistent through changing seasons.

Reinforcement Helps the Curbing Work as One Continuous Border

Concrete is strong under compression, but long, narrow sections can be vulnerable to movement if they are not reinforced.

CurbScape installs aircraft-grade steel cable within its concrete curbing. The cable is fed into the concrete during extrusion, helping connect and reinforce the continuous border.

This does not mean concrete becomes completely immune to movement or cracking. No reputable concrete contractor should promise that. Reinforcement does, however, provide additional support and helps the curbing work as a unified system rather than as a series of disconnected pieces.

CurbScape’s DuraCurb system includes this steel cable reinforcement along with a five-year warranty and sealer/protectant.

Control Cuts Give the Concrete Room to Move

One of the most important details in landscape curbing is something homeowners may barely notice: control cuts.

Concrete naturally expands, contracts and responds to changes in the ground beneath it. Control cuts create planned points where that movement can occur. Without them, stress may lead to unsightly cracking in unpredictable places.

As part of its installation process, CurbScape places control cuts approximately every two feet. These cuts help the curbing flex through Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles while reducing the risk of lateral cracks and chipping.

Control cuts do not weaken the curbing. They help manage movement in a controlled way.

Compaction and Finishing Matter

CurbScape mixes its concrete, color and strengthening additives on site. A curbing extruder then compacts the mixture while forming it into a continuous border.

Compaction is important because it helps create dense, consistently shaped concrete. After extrusion, the curbing is finished by hand to produce smooth curves, straight lines and a uniform appearance.

These steps affect more than curb appeal. Consistent mixing, extrusion and finishing all contribute to the strength and quality of the finished product.

Sealing Protects the Finished Surface

Sealer adds another layer of protection to decorative concrete curbing. It helps protect the surface and maintain the vibrancy of the selected color and design.

CurbScape applies a quality sealing product at the end of its installation process. This creates a professional finish and helps protect the curbing from exposure to sunlight and the elements.

Sealer does not make concrete indestructible, but it is an important part of protecting a decorative concrete surface.

How to Care for Concrete Curbing During Winter

Professionally installed concrete curbing is relatively easy to maintain, but a few practical habits can help protect it.

Be careful with snow-removal equipment

Avoid striking the curbing with a snowblower, plow, shovel or other metal equipment. A direct impact can chip an edge even when the concrete itself is in good condition.

If curbing is installed near a driveway, walkway or parking area, make sure anyone handling snow removal knows where the border is located.

Ask before applying deicing products

Some deicers can be harsh on concrete surfaces. Before applying salt or another ice-melting product directly on or next to decorative curbing, ask the installer what products are appropriate.

Pay attention to drainage

Water should not be allowed to collect against the curbing whenever it can be avoided. Proper grading and drainage help reduce unnecessary moisture around any outdoor concrete installation.

Inspect the border in spring

Once the snow melts, walk around the curbing and check for damage caused by plows, shovels, falling branches or other impacts. Finding a problem early makes it easier to ask about the proper next step.

Concrete Curbing Versus Lightweight Edging in Winter

Plastic and thin metal edging can be useful for temporary or budget-conscious projects. However, these materials may lift, bend or shift as the soil moves. Sections can also separate over time, leaving uneven bed lines.

Individual landscape blocks and pavers provide a heavier option, but each piece can move independently. This can create uneven sections that need to be reset.

Concrete landscape curbing creates a continuous, reinforced border. When properly prepared and installed, it offers a more permanent solution with fewer loose pieces to straighten or replace every spring.

Is Concrete Curbing Right for Every Property?

Concrete curbing is a strong choice for property owners who want a defined, finished border around flower beds, trees, walkways or other landscaped areas. It offers durability, design flexibility and a cleaner division between the lawn and planting beds.

Because it is intended to be permanent, the layout should be planned carefully. Homeowners expecting to frequently move or expand their landscape beds may prefer a more temporary form of edging until the layout is settled.

For an established landscape, concrete curbing can provide the lasting structure and finished appearance that lightweight edging often cannot.

Landscape Curbing Built for Northeast Wisconsin

CurbScape has installed decorative concrete landscape curbing in Appleton, the Fox Valley and surrounding Northeast Wisconsin communities since 1998. Our process includes careful bed preparation, on-site mixing, steel cable reinforcement, control cuts, hand finishing and protective sealer.

If you’re considering landscape curbing for your home or business, we’ll help you select the right layout, shape, color and design for your property.

Contact CurbScape to tell us about your project and request pricing.

Why Choose a Local Pro? The Curbscape Advantage in Appleton & Beyond

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:08:40 GMT

When it comes to enhancing your property's curb appeal, a local concrete curbing professional is your best investment. While big-box stores and out-of-town contractors might seem appealing, partnering with a local expert like Curbscape offers unparalleled advantages that directly impact the quality and longevity of your project. Here in Northeast Wisconsin, from Appleton to Oshkosh and Green Bay, our team's local expertise makes all the difference.

The Curbscape Advantage: Experience that Understands Your Local Landscape

One of the most significant reasons to choose a local curbing contractor is their intimate knowledge of the regional climate. Our area experiences a challenging freeze-thaw cycle every year, which can wreak havoc on improperly installed concrete.

We don't just pour concrete; we formulate it specifically to withstand these conditions. Our team uses a proprietary mix with advanced additives and reinforces every curb with aircraft-grade steel cable, minimizing the risk of unsightly cracks and heaving. This is a level of a quality that only a company with a deep understanding of the local environment can provide.

Faster Service, Better Communication, and Accountability

We're not just contractors; we're your neighbors. That means we’re always just a phone call away. Unlike large, out-of-state companies, our local presence in the Fox Cities ensures rapid response times for everything from initial consultations to post-installation questions. We take pride in our work and our reputation within the community. When you hire Curbscape, you're getting a team that is personally invested in your satisfaction and stands behind every project. We're also familiar with all local ordinances and regulations, ensuring your project is completed to code without any unexpected delays.

Unmatched Expertise and a Proven Track Record

Our reputation is built on a foundation of hundreds of successful projects right here in your community. We can show you examples of our work in your very own neighborhood and provide references from satisfied clients. Our commitment to craftsmanship means we're meticulous about every detail, from the ground preparation to the hand-finishing of each curb.

By choosing us, you're not just hiring a crew; you're gaining access to a team with over 20 years of experience dedicated to delivering lasting, beautiful results. When you want a durable and professional landscape edging solution, a local concrete curbing professional like Curbscape is the smart choice.

Key Takeaways

Local Expertise is Key: A local professional understands the unique weather and soil conditions of Northeast Wisconsin, ensuring your curbing is built to last through harsh winters.
Superior Quality: Curbscape uses a specific concrete mix and aircraft-grade steel cable for maximum durability and crack resistance, a benefit you won't find with many out-of-town companies.
Reliability & Accountability: As a local business, Curbscape is easily accessible, ensuring quick communication, fast service, and a personal commitment to your satisfaction.
Proven Results: We have a portfolio of successful, long-standing projects in Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and the entire Fox Cities area, providing real-world proof of our quality.