How to finish messy cement edging?

[happy_bay]

Hi team! I had someone install my main gate and they had to cement a portion of my front yard. Unfortunately they did a really messy job with just irregular chunks of cement sticking out and making the area look really messy. I am hoping to do a DIY job of placing edging around the garden using bricks and was wanting to know if there is something I can do to get the edges a bit more even so the edging looks decent. 

I have tried breaking the chunks up using a pickaxe but the pieces that are breaking up are uneven. Could you please advise if there is a better way to go about this?

Here is a picture of what I am working with at the moment. 

Cheers!

Happy

[EricL]

Hello @happy_bay 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your concrete edging.

This is a bit tricky as the concrete was poured irregularly without digging a proper base for the rail. Plus, we don't know how deep they excavated for your gate rail. I propose engaging the services of a concrete specialist and asking them if they can cut the edge of the base without damaging the foundation for the rail of the gate. The trades person will able to assess if the slab can be cut safely without compromising your gate. It's probable that they will cut it as close as they can to the irregular shape of the concrete to prevent cracking the base.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Morning @happy_bay 

I can think of two options both are not great.

The first is the one I prefer. And that is to get a builder to come out and cut the concrete square, As you dont know how thick the concrete is that could be a problem and they will know the best way to cut it.

The second one, form a new edge that is square and concrete some more. Not real keen on this idea as you will have that diagonally join line that wont be a smooth transition but will make it look square.

As to the suggestions of forming up an edge on top, that would work as well. Maybe a straight edged timber sleeper styled garden bed from the widest section of the concrete pour in line with the fenceline, then dig out the soil between that and the concrete edge to say 70mm, weedmat and then White pebbles. With plants growning in the garden bed it will soon cover the view of the area. That way you keep your gate free from growth and still accessible. I would resist following the contour of the concrete as it will stand out even more so with a raised edge.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @happy_bay 

If the concrete is no more than about 150mm in depth, you can hire a concrete cutting saw. They are essentially a high-powered chainsaw with a large diamond wheel. Just be very aware that they are heavy (12-14kgs) extremely loud and take a firm grip. Other than that, they are very relatively, easy, fast and efficient concrete cutting machines that I have hired many times. Just draw a line with a marker to follow. To keep the dust down, you plug your garden hose in to it. For that small amount, it will probably take about 5min.

Nailbag