Q: I've heard you use a forming machine. Is this possible to do myself or can I hire someone cheaper?
This is a great question. And for the most handy "do it yourselfers" among us, it is a tempting proposition. The honest answer is yes. I have seen projects done by the homeowner themselves. I've also witnessed "cheaper" alternatives. However, the honest answer comes with a plea attached. Please, we beg you; do not do this yourself. The curb appeal of your lawn is one of the first impressions people get when visiting your home. Having a poor quality "loaf of concrete" in your front yard can be a quick turn off to any prospective buyer and shoddy workmanship gives the industry a black eye.
It is a common misconception that
a machine poured process does all the work and as long as you have the machine you can do an okay job. Allow me to put this in perspective. Would you make your own wine glasses by purchasing a furnace and a glass blower? Or, would you make your own pottery if you could rent a pottery wheel? Assuming you are not a glass blower or a potter; of course you would not.
Here is an example of what machine placed edging could look like from an unskilled user.
Note the 'raw' look of this border. Without years of experience, this landscape 'curbing' would have been easier to install with the use of forms. This cement needs a skilled craftsman to shape and 'finish' it. It needs a proper mix design and clean up will be key in this application as you can see the sprinkler head in the lower left. In short, it will be a lot of work or even a tear out before this type of 'curb' would be desirable.
Here is an example of what machine placed edging looks like from an experienced crew.
This edging still needs several steps before we are through. The cement is 'fresh' from the machine without any hand work. As you can see, we still have a ways to go. Our finisher must now come through with unique techniques to mold this into something our clients will enjoy. There is an extensive training process to become certified in finishing from A Better Edge.
It is not the machine but the steps between that take the initial elements and turn them into something you'll love for years:
The process we use is a fantastic time saver as we do not need to place or remove forms. It is also a money saver for the end user as we are not damaging existing flower beds by trampling through with costly form work. However, an extrusion machine is only a way of allowing us to not use forms. We must still mold and craft, hand finish and stamp our edging. An important point to know is that it takes roughly six months of full time work to properly train a finisher qualified for A Better Edge.
The mix design is such that most professional flatwork installers would rather stay away from it and the rapid pace necessary is more than many youngsters care to tackle. This is why many landscape professionals and concrete workers will refer you to us. A Better Edge is a proven performer; something that really lasts.
There are many aspects of pouring quality concrete beyond the equipment involved. Proper preparation, mix design, timing, finishing, coloring, stamping, curing, sealing and cleaning are a few of the many steps involved in the craft and art of the cement world. These items are debated by people who have been involved in the artisanship of concrete for many years and many companies still search for answers to ongoing problems with their work. Generic "curbing" contractors from across the nation contact us and our vendors in an attempt to find out "how we do it." It is true that we are occasionally slightly higher priced than alternative edgings available. However, we are very competitive in our pricing and most of our clients are happy to spend the minimal difference to receive what they really want.
We are the most trusted name in landscape edging for quality craftsmanship and dependability. Ask one of the many professional home improvement companies we work for. Some will even tell you about generic concrete curbing they've had us take out because their clients wanted A Better Edge brand. We are not trying to brag (well, maybe a little) but are being honest that our edging lasts and looks great!
The A Better Edge brand comes fully equipped with the top craftsmen in the field, an unbeatable proprietary mix design and a two year warranty on virtually everything. Please contact us for a free estimate and see in person why we say "edge it and love it!"