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Calculate concrete needed for curb and gutter projects instantly. Estimate cubic yards, bags of concrete, and project costs for standard vertical curbs, rolled curbs, barrier curbs, and curb & gutter combinations.
Where H = height (in), W = width (in), L = length (ft)
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A concrete curb is a vertical or sloped barrier installed at the edge of a road, parking lot, or driveway. It serves multiple purposes including directing water drainage, preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway, protecting pedestrians, and defining parking areas.
For simple rectangular cross-sections:
Convert height and width from inches to feet by dividing by 12, multiply by length in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
For curb with attached gutter:
Calculate the cross-sectional area in square inches, multiply by length in feet, then convert to cubic yards.
Project: 100 ft of standard vertical curb (6" × 6")
V = (6/12 × 6/12 × 100) / 27
V = (0.5 × 0.5 × 100) / 27
V = 25 / 27 = 0.93 cubic yards
Order 1 cubic yard to account for waste and ensure you have enough concrete.
A vertical face curb that provides a clear barrier. Typically 6" high × 6" wide.
Best for: Parking lots, driveways, streets where vehicle crossing is not intended
A sloped curb that vehicles can drive over. Typically 4" high × 6" wide with angled face.
Best for: Residential driveways, areas where occasional vehicle crossing is needed
A taller, stronger curb designed to contain vehicles. Typically 8" high × 8" wide or larger.
Best for: Highways, high-speed roads, areas requiring maximum vehicle containment
Combines a vertical curb with an attached gutter for water drainage. Gutter is typically 18" wide.
Best for: Streets and roads where stormwater management is critical
| Curb Type | Height | Width | yd³ per 100 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vertical | 6 in | 6 in | 0.93 yd³ |
| Rolled (Mountable) | 4 in | 6 in | 0.62 yd³ |
| Barrier | 8 in | 8 in | 1.65 yd³ |
| Tall Barrier | 10 in | 8 in | 2.06 yd³ |
| Small Landscape | 4 in | 4 in | 0.41 yd³ |
| Large Landscape | 8 in | 6 in | 1.24 yd³ |
Note: Add 10-15% extra for waste, spillage, and overfill
A simple curb is just the vertical barrier at the pavement edge. Curb & gutter combines the curb with an attached concrete gutter channel (typically 18" wide) that directs stormwater runoff. Curb & gutter requires significantly more concrete per linear foot.
Place expansion joints every 10-20 feet along the curb length, at all building connections, and where the curb changes direction. This prevents cracking from thermal expansion and contraction. Use 1/2" fiber expansion joint material.
ADA-compliant curb ramps must have a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%), a minimum width of 36", detectable warning surfaces (truncated domes), and landing areas at top and bottom. Curb ramps are required at all pedestrian crossings in public spaces.
Small landscape curbs (50 ft or less) can be DIY projects with proper planning. However, street curbs, curb & gutter, and barrier curbs require professional installation due to precise grading requirements, heavy equipment needs, and code compliance. Professional installation ensures proper drainage and longevity.
For curved curbs, use flexible forming materials like 1/4" plywood or specialized plastic curb forms. Make relief cuts on the back of plywood every 6-12" to allow bending. Stake forms closely (every 2-3 feet) to maintain the curve. Pre-mark the curve radius before setting forms.
Concrete curbs reach 70% strength in 7 days but continue curing for 28 days. Wait minimum 7 days before light use, 14 days before vehicle traffic, and 28 days for maximum strength. Keep concrete moist during the first week for proper curing. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles during curing.
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