Covering a concrete kerb

6 years ago

We've got ugly concrete kerbs lining the flower beds in our yard. I'm trying to figure out a way to make them look more attractive (as jackhammering them up isn't in our budget right now). Is it possible to mortar a stone veneer over top of concrete? Or bricks on top of it (ideally we'd like to raise it another 10-12 inches)? Or possibly build a wooden framed raised bed on top of it? Any suggestions would be welcome!

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User

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I wouldn’t do a wooden raised bed, I’d call a hardscape pro to get some other options. Since you’re planning to remove existing plantings, I’d use that opportunity to lower the soil level of the bed. Instead of adding more to make it higher, I’d modify and work with what you have ... it would be the most budget friendly option (and look best, IMO).

It’s possible the existing border could be scored and acid stained, but I don’t know the expense of it there. It’s very popular in my area.

As to adding a topper of some sort to the existing concrete, I’m sure it can be done since it’s a flat surface ... depending on what material it is, size, weight, etc. Again, I’d get a pro to see it in person and advise on that. Something like these — not as deep as the first one, but thin and flat.

Or using a row(s) of large river rock mortared to the concrete —

I really don’t think it looks bad as is. It’s nice to have a border, and lowering the soil level would make it a lot easier to work with. When you replant it, incorporate decorative stones, etc, for more interest. The right plantings and other decorative aspects will take the eye off whatever border is there. Having taller, raised sides would actually put more focus on that, than the plantings (and not look very pleasing from the pool).

ETA: One other idea .... putting decorative stone inside the bed, behind the existing border. We just did several beds bordering concrete this way — I like the visual of it, that it keeps mulch material from washing out, and was easy to do.

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Comments (8)

miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
The low kerb makes it easier to weed, prune, etc. If you build it up, are you planning to fill the new area with dirt and raise it to the level of the new edging? That will require quite a bit of fill and you'll also have to dig up and transplant/replace the established plants.

What if instead, you plant creeping/trailing plants that will flow over the edge and soften it?
Angel 18432
6 years ago
They are fine. I would just add black mulch and that will make a big difference to appearance. Also, get some week killer to kill those weeds in the stones.
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Ashley Shaw
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks - the plan is to take the existing plants out as they're not in great shape. Ideally we'd like to raise the beds and top them with gravel rather than dirt - a suggestion from our pool company, as this would prevent earthworms from coming out of the beds and into the pool. I do like the idea of using something trailing over the edge to soften it - I know they look fine to some people, but it's not the aesthetic we're looking for. And yep, we have someone coming in next week to power wash and re-sand the patio to deal with the weeds.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
A good DIY if you want to get rid of weeds in the cracks without using toxins is to pour boiling water in a thin stream (from a tea kettle, for example) on the weeds.
Angel 18432
6 years ago
Had never heard of worms heading to the pool. But after reading up on it, sure enough.

5. Crushed Limestone

Try adding a little crushed limestone around the perimeter of your pool’s concrete. You can even add it just on top of the soil where the concrete meets the ground. This crushed limestone will raise the pH of the soil around your pool, something the worms really don’t like. When they come out, they will actually head the opposite way of your pool.

Be careful, however, if you get heavy rains this crushed limestone could get washed into your pool affecting your water chemistry and even coating your filter in the process. If you do choose this method, make sure you test your water regularly to make sure it stays in perfect balance.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
I think if you use them as the base for raised beds they will really just disappear.
kcooz07
6 years ago
An inexpensive option would be to use concrete paint to blend with the bricks.

Covering a concrete kerb

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Comments (8)

miss lindsey (She/Her)

Angel 18432

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Covering a concrete kerb

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Comments (8)

miss lindsey (She/Her)

Angel 18432

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Ashley ShawOriginal Author

miss lindsey (She/Her)

Angel 18432

Patricia Colwell Consulting

kcooz07

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Ashley Shaw
Original Author