The Difference Between Castle’s Stamped, Natural Stone, and Premium Natural Stone Curbing Products
March 23, 2025
Castle Custom Curbing offers three curbing products. Each product is slightly different both aesthetically and in composition. This article explains the differences between the three products so that our customers can choose the right option for their landscaping projects.
Overview
The three product options are Stamped Curb, Natural Stone Curb, and Premium Natural Stone. Each option has a different price point, design look, and composition. However, there are also some similarities between them. Let’s explore.
Similarities of All the Options
Each curbing choice includes the following:
Integral Color
This is the color that we mix directly into the concrete. A color pigment is added when we initially mix the concrete, providing a base color for the curbing.
Finish Color
Also referred to as Antique Powder, this is a top color that is rolled or brushed onto the surface of the curb. This provides additional color options, particularly for the Natural Stone product options (more details to come).
Concrete Additives
- Color Protection
An additive that enhances the vibrancy of the curb color and prevents efflorescence. - Strength Additive
An additive that reduces the water content of the concrete and increases internal strength. - Fiber Reinforcement
Small fibers added to the concrete mix to enhance internal strength.
Sealer
All curbs are initially treated with two coats of a cure-and-seal product. This helps the concrete cure properly while also providing a clear coat to protect the curb from the elements.
Stamped Curb
The Stamped Curb option is $14 per linear foot. It is a great choice for landscaping projects and effectively keeps landscaping elements (grass, rocks, mulch, etc.) in place. The Stamped Curb differs from the other options in that it includes one stamp choice and one finish color. This is the most straightforward option in terms of finishing.
Natural Stone Curb
The Natural Stone Curb is $16 per linear foot. In addition to being an excellent option for reducing landscaping maintenance (see the blog article “Curbing and Landscaping Maintenance”), it has additional benefits in both composition and aesthetics.
In terms of composition, additional additives are mixed directly into the concrete used for Natural Stone Curbing. First, we add more cement, which increases the concrete’s strength. Second, we add more of the strength additive to further reinforce the concrete. According to our data, the strength of the Stamped Curb is approximately 1,500 psi (fully cured concrete), while the strength of the Natural Stone Curb is approximately 3,000 psi. This makes the Natural Stone Curb stronger and more resistant to cracking and damage.
From a design perspective, the Natural Stone Curb is more detailed in both texture and color. The design involves intricate detailing done by hand to ensure each section looks unique, much like a natural stone border. Additionally, when the finish color is applied to the surface, it is done in a way that mimics the non-uniform look of natural stone. The goal is to replicate the appearance of natural stone by making each section unique in both texture and color. All of this work is done by hand.
Premium Natural Stone
The Premium Natural Stone product is $18 per linear foot. It has the same composition as the Natural Stone Curb. However, the difference lies in the level of detail applied to each section of the curb. This option receives the highest level of attention and craftsmanship, requiring additional time to perfect. The current Premium Natural Stone product is designed to mimic large river rocks.
Summary
Stamped Curb | Natural Stone Curb | Premium Natural Stone Curb | |
Cost (per linear foot) | $14 | $16 | $18 |
Cement | Single | Double | Double |
Integral Color | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Finish Color | Single Color | Multiple Colors | Multiple Colors |
Color Protection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Fiber Reinforcement | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Strength Additive | Single | Double | Double |
Sealer | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
I hope that the information provided helps you decide which curbing option is best for your landscaping project. However, if you read this and still have questions, please send me a note and I will do my best to answer your question in my next blog post or video.
Thank you very much for reading! Enjoy Edmonton’s beautiful summer and soak up that sun! Take care.
Curtis Straub
Owner / Operator
Castle Custom Curbing
Edmonton AB
