Curb Paving in Pittsburgh, PA

Define and protect your property with durable and professionally installed concrete curbs. RMK Services is the leading concrete curb paving contractor for residential and commercial projects in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Top Curb Paving in Pittsburgh, PA

John Daly
September 20, 2025
Clinton Eastwood
September 14, 2025
Jason I
August 22, 2025
Chris T.
August 20, 2025
Nathan B.
August 19, 2025

RMK Services OFFERS Curb Paving IN Pittsburgh’s Top Neighborhoods

RMK Services provides professional Curb Paving for homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Below is a full list of nearby neighborhoods and townships we serve, all within our 60-mile service radius. If your property is located in one of these areas, we’re ready to help you with Curb Paving:

Our Curb Paving Service

Our concrete stair service begins with a detailed on site consultation and design process. We understand that stairs are a critical functional element of your home. We carefully measure the rise and run to design a set of stairs that is comfortable and safe to use. Our team ensures that the design complies with all Our curb paving service begins with a detailed site assessment and project layout. We meet with you to understand the purpose of the curbing, whether it is for a residential driveway, a commercial parking lot, or a decorative landscape border. Our team carefully measures and lays out the precise location of the new curbs. We use string lines and survey equipment to ensure the curbs will have the correct lines, grades, and curves as specified in the plans. Proper layout is essential for ensuring the curbs function correctly for drainage and look professionally installed. We provide a clear project plan and estimate.

Thorough preparation of the subgrade is the foundation for a durable curb that will not settle or crack. We excavate a shallow trench along the layout lines to the required depth and width. We then place and compact a sub-base of high quality crushed stone within the trench. This compacted gravel base provides a stable, load bearing foundation for the curb and promotes good drainage. A solid sub-base is critical for preventing the curb from sinking or shifting over time, especially in Pittsburgh’s climate with its freeze thaw cycles. We take the time to prepare the base correctly for a long lasting installation.

We use two primary methods for curb installation: slipform paving and traditional hand forming. For long, straight, or gently curving runs of curb, such as in a parking lot, we often use a specialized piece of equipment called a slipform paver or curb machine. This machine extrudes the concrete into the correct curb profile as it moves along, resulting in a very uniform and efficient installation. The machine compacts the concrete as it is formed, creating a very dense and durable final product. This method is ideal for larger commercial and municipal projects.

For smaller residential projects, tight curves, or custom shapes, we use traditional hand forming techniques. Our skilled craftsmen build custom wooden or steel forms along the layout lines. These forms are securely staked in place to create the exact shape and profile of the desired curb. We install steel rebar reinforcement within the forms to provide added strength and tie the curb together, especially at joints and corners. This hands on method allows for a high degree of precision and customization, perfect for driveway aprons, landscape borders, and intricate designs.

Regardless of the method used, we always use a high quality concrete mix specifically designed for curbing. This mix has the right balance of strength, durability, and workability for the application. During the pour, our team ensures the concrete is properly consolidated to eliminate any air pockets. We then expertly finish the top and face of the curb with specialized trowels to create a smooth, dense surface. We pay close attention to creating crisp, clean lines and a professional finish. We also install control joints at regular intervals to control cracking as the concrete cures.

After the concrete has been finished, proper curing is essential for the curb to reach its maximum strength and durability. We may apply a liquid membrane forming curing compound to the surface of the new curb. This compound slows down moisture evaporation, allowing the concrete to hydrate and cure slowly and properly. This is a critical step in preventing shrinkage cracks and ensuring a hard, weather resistant surface. We protect the new curbs from damage while they are curing and will advise you on when they are strong enough to withstand traffic or backfilling.

Our project concludes with backfilling, site cleanup, and a final inspection. We carefully place and compact soil or asphalt against the new curbs to bring the surrounding grade up to the correct level. Our team then performs a thorough cleanup of the job site, removing all excess materials and debris. We will conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure the new curbing meets your expectations and our high standards of quality. Our 5 star service commitment means we deliver a finished product that is both functional and enhances the appearance of your property.

All Concrete Services By RMK in Pittsburgh, PA


RMK Services offers Curb Paving in Pittsburgh, but we also offer many other residential concrete services for homeowners across Pittsburgh. From new installations to full tear-outs and replacements, we handle everything with precision and care. Below is a complete list of concrete services available alongside Curb Paving:

Why Homeowners Trust RMK Services in Pittsburgh, PA

At RMK Services, we focus on delivering honest, high-quality concrete work backed by real experience and dependable service. From the first estimate to the final pour, our team shows up, communicates clearly, and gets the job done right without sales pressure or surprises. We take pride in treating every property like it’s our own and standing behind everything we do.

  • Licensed & Insured in Pennsylvania (PA License #203908)
  • Over 10 Years of Construction Experience
  • Free In-Person Estimates With Honest, Fair Pricing
  • No Upsells or Games; Just Solid, Reliable Work
  • Family-Owned and Operated in Pittsburgh
  • Serving a 60-Mile Radius Around the City
Years in Business
5-Star Reviews
Satisfied Clients
Jobs Completed

A Homeowner’s Guide On Curb Paving in Pittsburgh

Common Curb Paving Questions

Concrete curbs are a common but often overlooked feature of our built environment. They play a critical role in managing traffic, drainage, and landscaping. For property owners in Pittsburgh considering new curbs, several questions often arise about their types, purpose, and installation. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about curb paving.

There are several different types or profiles of concrete curbs, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common type you see along streets and in parking lots is a barrier curb, sometimes called a straight curb. This type of curb has a steep, vertical or near vertical face and is typically six inches tall. Its primary purpose is to create a physical barrier to prevent vehicles from leaving the paved surface. It is used to protect pedestrians on sidewalks, define parking spaces, and direct the flow of traffic within a parking lot.

Another common type is the mountable curb, also known as a roll curb or slant curb. This curb has a sloping face, which allows vehicles to cross over it easily at low speeds. Mountable curbs are often used for residential driveways where they meet the street. The gentle slope allows for a smooth transition into the driveway without damaging tires. They are also used in parking lots to define islands or medians where occasional vehicle access might be needed, or to simply provide a softer edge than a hard barrier curb.

There are also decorative landscape curbs, which are typically smaller in scale and are used for aesthetic purposes. These are often installed with a special curbing machine that can create various custom shapes and profiles. They are used to create permanent borders for flower beds, tree rings, and pathways. They can be integrally colored or stamped to match other decorative concrete elements in the landscape. While they are decorative, they also serve the functional purpose of containing mulch, rock, or other landscape materials and providing a clean edge for mowing.

Concrete curbs serve several crucial functions, with the most important being drainage control and pavement protection. One of the primary purposes of a curb is to form the edge of a gutter. The curb and gutter system works together to collect rainwater and melted snow from the pavement and channel it towards a storm drain inlet. This prevents water from pooling on the road or parking lot surface and keeps it from flowing into adjacent properties or landscaped areas. Proper water management is essential for preventing flooding, erosion, and water damage to buildings.

The second major purpose of a curb is to provide structural support to the edge of the pavement, whether it is asphalt or concrete. The edge of a pavement is its weakest point. Without a curb, the weight of vehicles driving near the edge can cause the pavement to crack, crumble, and spread outwards. This is known as edge failure. A concrete curb provides a strong, rigid border that contains the pavement material and supports the edge, preventing this type of deterioration. This significantly extends the life of the driveway, road, or parking lot.

In addition to drainage and pavement support, curbs also serve to delineate spaces and improve safety. They create a clear and physical separation between vehicular traffic areas and pedestrian areas, such as sidewalks. They define the boundaries of parking lots, driveways, and landscape islands. This organization helps to guide drivers and pedestrians, improving the overall safety and functionality of the space. In landscaping, they create a clean, defined edge that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property.

There are two main professional methods for installing concrete curbs: slipform paving and hand forming. Slipform paving is the most efficient method for installing long, continuous sections of curbing. It utilizes a specialized piece of equipment called a slipform paver or curb machine. Concrete is fed into a hopper on the machine, and as the machine moves forward along a pre set guide wire or string line, it extrudes a continuous, perfectly shaped curb. The machine compacts the concrete as it is formed, resulting in a very dense, strong, and uniform curb.

Hand forming is the more traditional method and is used for smaller jobs, tight radii, or complex custom shapes where a large machine is not practical. In this method, skilled workers build a temporary mold on site using wood or steel forms. These forms are staked securely into the ground along the planned path of the curb. If required by the design, steel reinforcement bars are placed inside the forms. Concrete is then poured into the forms and is finished by hand using specialized trowels and tools to create the desired profile.

Both methods require meticulous preparation of the ground beforehand. A trench must be excavated and a compacted base of crushed stone must be installed to provide a stable foundation. After the curb is formed by either method, control joints are cut into it at regular intervals. These joints control where the concrete will crack as it shrinks and cures. Proper curing procedures are then followed to ensure the concrete reaches its full strength and durability.

Whether a concrete curb needs a full footing depends on its type, size, and application. For heavy duty applications, such as the barrier curbs used along municipal roads or in high traffic commercial parking lots, the curb is often constructed integrally with the gutter and rests on the same robust, engineered sub-base as the pavement itself. In these cases, the curb and gutter system is essentially a thickened edge of the pavement and acts as its own foundation. It is designed to handle significant loads and provides structural stability.

For many standard applications, like parking lot curbs or driveway edging, a full, deep footing like the one used for a building foundation is not necessary. However, a curb should never be placed directly on topsoil. A quality installation always includes a properly prepared sub-base. This involves excavating a trench and installing a layer of compacted aggregate, such as crushed stone. This compacted stone base acts as a stable foundation, distributing the load and allowing for good drainage, which is crucial for preventing heaving in a freeze thaw climate.

For taller, free standing curbs that are also acting as small retaining walls, or for curbs that need to support structures like a fence or signpost, a more substantial concrete footing with rebar reinforcement may be required. The specific foundation requirements will be determined by the engineering needs of the project. A professional contractor like RMK Services will always ensure that the curb is built on an appropriate and stable base, whether it is a compacted aggregate sub-base or a reinforced concrete footing, to ensure its long term performance.

The method for repairing a damaged concrete curb depends on the type and extent of the damage. For minor damage, such as small chips or surface spalling, a patch repair is often possible. The first step is to prepare the damaged area by chipping away any loose or unsound concrete. The area is then thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush and compressed air to remove all dust and debris. A concrete bonding agent is often applied to the old surface to help the new patch material adhere properly.

Once the area is prepared, a high quality concrete repair mortar is mixed and applied. The mortar is packed firmly into the damaged area and is then shaped and smoothed to match the profile of the surrounding curb. Getting a perfect match in color and texture can be challenging, but a skilled technician can often achieve a very good result. This type of repair is suitable for small, localized damage and can restore the appearance and function of the curb.

For more severe damage, such as a large section of the curb that is completely broken, crushed, or has shifted out of place, a patch repair is usually not sufficient. In these cases, the only effective solution is to remove and replace the damaged section. This involves saw cutting the curb on either side of the damaged area to create clean, straight edges. The broken section is then demolished and removed. A new sub-base is installed, formwork is built to match the existing curb, and new concrete is poured to create a new, solid section of curb. This ensures a strong, permanent repair.

Yes, concrete curbs can absolutely be colored and decorative, which has made them a very popular choice for landscaping projects. The most common method for coloring landscape curbing is integral color. This involves adding a powdered pigment to the concrete mix before it is installed. This colors the entire curb all the way through, so if it ever gets chipped, the color underneath will be the same. Integral color produces a rich, natural, and permanent color that will not fade from sun exposure. There is a wide palette of available colors, mostly in earth tones.

In addition to color, curbs can also have texture and patterns. For landscape curbing that is installed with a slipform machine, various stamps can be attached to the machine to imprint a pattern onto the curb as it is being extruded. These stamps can create the look of stacked stone, brick, or other custom textures. The curb can also be hand stamped after it is placed. This decorative element can transform a simple garden edge into a high end design feature that complements your home and landscape.

After the decorative curb is installed and has cured, it is very important to apply a high quality sealer. A good acrylic sealer will protect the curb from stains and weather damage. It will also enhance the color, giving it a richer, deeper, and sometimes glossy appearance. The combination of integral color, stamped texture, and a protective sealer can create a beautiful, durable, and low maintenance landscape border that adds significant curb appeal and value to your property.

A driveway apron, also known as a driveway approach, is the section of pavement that connects your private driveway to the public street. It is the transition area that spans the public right of way, which often includes the sidewalk and the curb line. The driveway apron is a critical component of your driveway, as it must be strong enough to handle the stress of vehicles turning and driving over the curb and sidewalk. For this reason, driveway aprons are almost always made of reinforced concrete, even if the main part of the driveway is asphalt or pavers.

The design and construction of a driveway apron are often regulated by the local municipality. There are typically specific rules regarding the apron’s width, the slope or flare of its sides, and the type of curb that must be used where it meets the street (usually a mountable or drop curb). These regulations are in place to ensure safe access to the property, proper drainage along the street’s gutter line, and the protection of the public sidewalk. A permit is often required to install or replace a driveway apron.

A properly constructed concrete driveway apron is typically at least six inches thick and contains steel reinforcement, such as rebar or wire mesh, to give it the strength to withstand vehicle loads and resist cracking. It is poured on a well compacted sub-base to prevent settlement. It serves the functional purpose of providing a smooth and durable transition from the street to your driveway, and it also provides a clean, finished look for your property’s entrance. RMK Services is experienced in constructing driveway aprons that meet all local codes and specifications.

The time it takes to install concrete curbs depends greatly on the scale of the project and the installation method being used. For a small residential landscape curbing project, the work can often be completed in a single day. A specialized crew with a small slipform curbing machine can typically prepare the ground and install several hundred feet of decorative curbing in just a few hours. The process is very efficient. The concrete will then need a few days to cure before any landscaping work is done against it.

For a larger project involving hand forming, such as the curbs for a custom driveway or a small commercial parking area, the process takes longer. The installation of the formwork is a meticulous and time consuming step. Depending on the length and complexity, setting the forms could take a day or two. The concrete pour itself is relatively quick, but the entire project, including excavation, base preparation, forming, pouring, and curing, could take several days to a week.

Large scale commercial or municipal projects that involve thousands of feet of curbing using a large slipform paver are a different matter. While the machine can install curb very quickly, the overall project timeline is longer due to the extensive survey, layout, and site preparation required. However, the installation of the curb itself is usually a small part of the overall road or parking lot construction schedule. For any project, RMK Services can provide you with a detailed schedule so you know what to expect.

Get The Best Curb Paving Near You

For a free in-person estimate on your project, book a call-back using our 24/7 self-service system or call us directly at (352) 978-5567.