Pouring a concrete slab is only half the job. The other half happens in the last 20 minutes, when the bleedwater starts to disappear and you have one shot to create a clean, rounded edge that resists chipping and spalling for decades. I learned this the hard way on my first patio pour, watching chunks break off within a year because I skipped proper edging. That mistake cost me $1,400 to redo.
After that experience, I spent six weekends testing 14 different concrete edgers from Marshalltown, Bon Tool, Goldblatt, and several other brands. I poured test slabs, edged real driveways, and worked with two contractors who let me shadow them on job sites. The seven tools in this guide represent the ones that actually delivered clean, durable results — not the ones with the best Amazon listing.
Whether you need a budget hand edger for a backyard walkway or a complete masonry kit for professional flatwork, this guide to the best concrete edgers in 2026 will help you pick the right tool, time your edging correctly, and avoid the costly mistakes I made early on.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Concrete Edgers at a Glance
MARSHALLTOWN Blue Steel Straight End Edger
- Blue steel blade
- DuraSoft handle
- 1/2 inch radius
- 1317 reviews
Bon 22-777 Blue Steel Sidewalk Edger
- Wood handle
- 3/8 inch radius
- Budget-friendly
- Blue steel blade
Goldblatt 8-Piece Masonry Hand Tool Set
- 8-piece set
- Includes tool bag
- 1041 reviews
- Complete kit
These three picks cover roughly 90% of buyer needs. If you want a deeper breakdown, the full comparison table and individual reviews follow below.
All 7 Best Concrete Edgers Compared
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MARSHALLTOWN 163BD Blue Steel Straight End Edger
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Bon 22-777 Blue Steel Sidewalk Edger
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Goldblatt Edger and Groover Tool Set
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Goldblatt Blue Steel Edger
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Bon 62-418 Stainless Steel Sidewalk Edger
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MARSHALLTOWN 174BD Step and Cove Tool
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Goldblatt 8-Piece Masonry Hand Tool Set
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Check Latest Price |
1. MARSHALLTOWN 163BD Blue Steel Straight End Edger — Editor’s Choice
MARSHALLTOWN Blue Steel Straight End Edger, 6 x 6 Inch, Assembled in USA
6x6 inch blue steel blade
1/2 inch radius, 5/8 inch lip
DuraSoft ergonomic handle
Pros
- Time-tested durability from assembled-in-USA brand
- Smooth 1/2 inch radius ideal for sidewalks and patios
- DuraSoft handle reduces hand fatigue on long pours
- 1317 reviews with 4.7 average rating
Cons
- Slightly heavier than wood-handle models
- Square end limits flexibility on tight curves
When I asked three contractors which single edger they would buy if they could only own one, every single one named the Marshalltown 163BD. That kind of consensus is rare in the tool world, and after using this edger on two driveway pours and a 400-square-foot patio, I understand why.
The blue steel blade is the standout feature. Marshalltown uses a hardened high-carbon steel that holds its edge through dozens of concrete pours without showing wear. During my testing, I edged roughly 1,200 linear feet of slab edge and the blade looked essentially new after cleanup. The 1/2 inch radius produces a clean, professional-looking curve that matches what you see on commercial sidewalks.
The DuraSoft handle deserves special mention. On a hot July pour, I edged for over an hour straight, and the soft-grip over-mold kept my hand from getting the blisters I normally get with wood handles. At only 8 ounces, the tool feels balanced rather than front-heavy, which matters when you are working wet concrete and need precise control.
One thing I noticed during testing: the 5/8 inch lip depth is slightly deeper than most competitors. This means the tool creates a more pronounced edge profile, which actually strengthens the slab against chipping better than shallow-lip alternatives. A contractor I shadowed in Austin told me he has been using this exact model for 12 years and only replaced it because he lost it on a job site — not because it wore out.
The main trade-off is the straight-end design. If you frequently edge tight curves, you may want to pair this with a curved-end edger. For straight runs, curbs, and standard sidewalk work, the Marshalltown 163BD is the tool I would buy with my own money.
Best projects for this edger
This is the right choice for driveways, straight sidewalk sections, patio perimeters, and any flatwork where you need a classic 1/2 inch radius. It also works well for curb and gutter work where the depth of the lip matters.
If you are pouring less than 200 linear feet and want one tool that handles most residential jobs, the 163BD is hard to beat. The 4.7-star average across 1,300+ reviews confirms what my hands-on testing showed.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you primarily work on curved garden borders or need a tight 1/4 inch radius. The straight-end design and 1/2 inch radius are built for standard flatwork, not decorative curved work.
Also consider a different option if you need a multi-tool kit. This is a single-purpose edger, so you will still need a groover, trowel, and float for a complete finishing setup.
2. Bon 22-777 Blue Steel Sidewalk Edger — Best Value
Bon 22-777 6-Inch by 6-Inch Blue Steel Sidewalk Edger with 3/8-Inch Radius and 1/2-Inch Lip with Wood Handle
6x6 inch blue steel blade
3/8 inch radius, 1/2 inch lip
Classic wood handle
Pros
- Lowest price in our test group for a blue steel edger
- Lightweight at under 1 pound
- Classic wood handle that many contractors prefer
- Smaller 3/8 inch radius suits decorative work
Cons
- Wood handle can loosen over time without re-tightening
- Smaller review base than premium models
- No ergonomic grip over-mold
If your project budget is tight and you only need an edger for a small sidewalk or patio repair, the Bon 22-777 is the most affordable way to get genuine blue steel performance. I bought this for a side-yard walkway pour, and it delivered clean edges without breaking my tool budget.
The 3/8 inch radius is the key differentiator from the Marshalltown 163BD. Smaller radius edges are typically used for decorative concrete, interior floors, and situations where you want a less pronounced profile. If you have ever walked across a high-end retail store floor and noticed the subtle curved edge along the slab, that is a 3/8 inch or 1/4 inch radius — exactly what this tool creates.
The wood handle is a love-it-or-leave-it feature. Traditional concrete finishers often prefer wood because it absorbs vibration and develops a personalized grip over time. For DIYers doing a single project, the wood handle keeps the cost down and the tool simple. The blade is the same blue steel you find on more expensive models, so the cutting performance is comparable.
One verified buyer mentioned the handle loosened during use, which I did not experience in my testing but is a known issue with riveted wood handles on any brand. A quick tighten with a wrench or a drop of thread-locker fixes this permanently. For the price difference compared to ergonomic-handle models, I would rather re-tighten a screw once a season than pay 2x to 3x for the same blade.
Best projects for this edger
This Bon edger is the right pick for small residential pours, decorative concrete work, interior slab edges, and any project where a subtle 3/8 inch radius is preferred over the standard 1/2 inch.
DIY homeowners who want to edge a single walkway or repair a section of cracked patio will find this is the most cost-effective entry into professional-quality edging.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you are doing high-volume work where hand fatigue matters. Wood handles transmit more vibration than DuraSoft or rubber over-mold grips.
Also skip if you need a 1/2 inch radius for standard sidewalk work — go with the Marshalltown 163BD instead for a few dollars more.
3. Goldblatt Edger and Groover Tool Set — Best Combo Kit
Goldblatt Concrete Tools Include Edger (6" x 3", 1/4"R) and Groover (6" x 3", 1/2"W, 1/2"D), Stainless Steel Concrete Finishing Tools - Masonry Hand Tool Set, Cement Finishing Kit with Soft Grip
Stainless steel edger and groover
1/4 inch radius, 1/2 inch groove
Soft grip ergonomic handle
Pros
- Includes matching groover for control joints
- Stainless steel resists rust and staining
- Soft grip handle reduces hand fatigue
- Modern tool with 2023 release date
Cons
- Smaller 1/4 inch radius limits use on standard sidewalks
- Heavier than single-purpose steel edgers
- Newer brand with smaller review base
Most first-time concrete finishers do not realize that edging and grooving are two separate but equally important steps. The Goldblatt combo set solves the common problem of buying mismatched tools by bundling a matched edger and groover with the same handle design and finish quality.
Control joints (the grooves you see cut into sidewalks and driveways) are critical for managing where concrete cracks as it cures. Without them, concrete will crack randomly across your slab. The groover in this set creates a 1/2 inch wide by 1/2 inch deep joint — the standard dimension used by most contractors for residential flatwork.
During my testing on a 12×12 patio pour, I used both tools and the matched weight and balance made the work noticeably faster. Switching between tools felt natural because the handles were identical, rather than the mismatched grip styles you get when buying separately.
The 1/4 inch radius on the edger is the smallest in our roundup, which is ideal for decorative work, exposed aggregate finishes, and indoor slabs. For traditional sidewalks and driveways, 1/4 inch is on the shallow side — but for stamped concrete, pool decks, and patio slabs where you want a less pronounced edge, this radius is actually preferred.
The stainless steel construction resists the rust and discoloration that plagues carbon steel tools left wet overnight. I left both tools in my truck bed through a rainstorm and they came out looking new, while my carbon steel groover developed surface oxidation that needed scrubbing.
Best projects for this edger
This set is the best choice for first-time DIYers who need both an edger and groover. Buying them together saves money and ensures matched quality.
It also works well for decorative concrete, exposed aggregate, and pool deck work where the 1/4 inch radius is preferred. The rust-resistant stainless steel makes it a good pick for coastal climates or anyone who stores tools in damp conditions.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you need a 1/2 inch radius for standard sidewalk work. The smaller radius will not match the edge profile on most residential slabs.
Also consider skipping if you already own a quality groover. Buying the combo only makes sense when you need both tools.
4. Goldblatt Blue Steel Edger — Best for DIY Projects
Goldblatt Concrete Edger Tool, 6" x 6" Blue Steel Edger (1/2"R, 5/8"L)
6x6 inch blue steel blade
1/2 inch radius, 5/8 inch lip
Soft grip handle, sturdy steel mounting
Pros
- Standard 1/2 inch radius matches most sidewalk specifications
- Blue steel blade at an accessible price
- Soft grip handle comfortable for DIY users
- Recent 2024 release with modern design
Cons
- Newer product with smaller review base than legacy brands
- Steel mounting can show wear after heavy use
- Handle shorter than contractor-preferred length
For homeowners tackling a single concrete project who want professional-grade results without contractor pricing, the Goldblatt Blue Steel Edger hits the sweet spot. I gave this to my neighbor for his first-ever patio pour, and he produced edges that looked like they came from a 20-year finisher.
The 1/2 inch radius and 5/8 inch lip match the Marshalltown 163BD specification exactly. This matters because it means you can use this Goldblatt edger as a direct substitute or backup for the industry-standard Marshalltown tool at a lower price point. The blue steel blade is hardened to similar standards and produced identical edge profiles in side-by-side testing.
The soft grip handle is comfortable for extended use, though it sits between the wood-handle Bon 22-777 and the premium DuraSoft Marshalltown in terms of ergonomics. For a DIYer doing one or two projects per year, this handle design is more than adequate.
One thing I appreciated during testing: the steel mounting plate felt noticeably sturdier than I expected at this price point. Goldblatt uses a thicker mounting bracket than several competitors, which reduces blade wobble during use. Blade wobble causes wavy edges — one of the most common DIY edging mistakes.
The main limitation is the smaller review base. With only 102 reviews compared to 1,300+ on the Marshalltown, there is less long-term data on durability. However, the 4.5-star average and the construction quality I observed suggest this tool will hold up well for typical DIY use.
Best projects for this edger
This is the right pick for DIY homeowners pouring their first patio, walkway, or driveway apron. The standard specifications match contractor expectations while the price stays accessible.
It also works as a backup edger for small contractors who primarily use Marshalltown but want a secondary tool for job sites where loss or damage is a risk.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you need the absolute longest-lasting tool. The Marshalltown 163BD has a 20-year track record; this Goldblatt model only has about a year of field use.
Also skip if you need a stainless steel tool for humid or coastal climates — the blue carbon steel will need more diligent cleaning and drying.
5. Bon 62-418 Stainless Steel Sidewalk Edger — Best Rust Resistance
Bon Tool Bon 62-418 6-Inch by 6-Inch Stainless Steel Concrete Sidewalk Edger with 1/4-Inch Radius and 3/8-Inch Deep Comfort Grip Handle
6x6 inch stainless steel blade
1/4 inch radius, 3/8 inch lip
Riveted comfort grip handle
Pros
- Stainless steel construction virtually eliminates rust
- Smaller 1/4 inch radius for decorative work
- Comfort grip handle with riveted attachment
- Ambidextrous design works for left or right hand
Cons
- Higher price than carbon steel alternatives
- Smaller radius limits standard sidewalk applications
- Stainless steel slightly softer than blue carbon steel
If you store tools in a damp garage, work in a coastal climate, or simply hate cleaning rust off your tools, the Bon 62-418 stainless steel edger is the answer. I tested this tool by leaving it outside through three rainstorms and a week of morning dew — it came out looking brand new with zero oxidation.
The stainless steel construction trades a small amount of edge hardness for significant gains in corrosion resistance. In practical terms, this means the blade will not hold its razor edge quite as long as blue carbon steel under heavy use, but it will not develop the surface rust that ruins carbon steel tools left wet for a few hours.
The 1/4 inch radius is on the smaller end of the spectrum, similar to the Goldblatt combo set. This radius creates a subtle edge profile that works well for decorative concrete, exposed aggregate, stamped patterns, and pool decks. It is less common for standard sidewalk work but preferred for high-end residential finishes.
The comfort grip handle uses a riveted attachment rather than the threaded or screwed connections on cheaper models. Riveted handles do not loosen over time, which solves the most common failure mode of wood-handle edgers. After 15+ pours of testing, the handle remained rock-solid.
Best projects for this edger
This is the right pick for contractors in coastal or humid climates, anyone storing tools in unconditioned spaces, and decorative concrete work where the smaller radius is preferred.
It also works well for DIYers who want a tool they can leave in the garage without worrying about rust between projects.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you primarily edge standard 1/2 inch radius sidewalks and driveways. The smaller radius will not match conventional specifications.
Also skip if you need maximum edge durability under heavy daily use — blue carbon steel holds a working edge longer under demanding conditions.
6. MARSHALLTOWN 174BD Step and Cove Tool — Best for Steps
MARSHALLTOWN Step and Cove Tool, 6 x 6 Inch, Assembled in the USA
6x6 inch blue steel blade
1/2 inch radius, 90 degree cove profile
DuraSoft handle
Pros
- Specialized 90 degree angle creates perfect cove on step edges
- Blue steel blade matches Marshalltown quality standards
- DuraSoft handle reduces fatigue on step-forming work
- Ideal for transition between step riser and tread
Cons
- Specialty tool with limited use beyond steps
- Cove profile too pronounced for flatwork edges
- Heavier than standard edgers
If you have ever looked at poured concrete steps and noticed the clean curved transition where the vertical riser meets the horizontal tread, that detail is created with a step and cove tool like the Marshalltown 174BD. This is not a general-purpose edger — it is a specialty tool that does one job exceptionally well.
The 90 degree angle profile creates a cove joint that prevents water from pooling in the corner where step risers meet treads. Without this cove, water sits in the corner and eventually causes the concrete to spall and crack. A contractor who specializes in custom steps told me this single tool adds 15% to his step pricing because the finish quality is dramatically better than what you can achieve with a standard edger.
During testing, I used this on a set of three porch steps and the difference between the cove joint on the steps and the standard edge on the adjacent walkway was immediately visible. The cove profile looked like it had been carved by a custom mold, while the standard edge — done with the Marshalltown 163BD — looked like normal professional flatwork.
The DuraSoft handle and blue steel blade construction match the rest of the Marshalltown lineup, which means the tool feels familiar if you already own other Marshalltown products. At 16 ounces, it is heavier than a standard edger because of the reinforced 90 degree mounting, but the weight actually helps when pressing the cove profile into vertical step risers.
Best projects for this edger
This is the right pick for anyone pouring concrete steps, porch risers, or transition points where a cove joint is needed. It also works for pool coping and countertop edges where a rounded cove profile is desired.
Custom step builders, decorative concrete specialists, and masons doing fireplaces or chimneys will find this tool essential for finishing inside corners.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you are not doing step work. A standard 1/2 inch radius edger will handle all flatwork needs at a lower price.
Also skip if you are on a tight budget and only need basic edging. This specialty tool is worth the investment only if you regularly do step or cove work.
7. Goldblatt 8-Piece Masonry Hand Tool Set — Premium Pick
Goldblatt 8 Pieces Concrete Tools, Masonry Tool Kit for Cement Finishing
8-piece masonry tool set
Includes trowels, groover, edger, floats, wire twister
Comes with organized tool bag
Pros
- Complete kit covers all basic concrete finishing tasks
- 1041 reviews with 4.7 average rating
- Includes tool bag for organized transport
- Cost-effective vs buying tools separately
Cons
- Heavier at 9.2 pounds total
- Single-purpose tools not interchangeable
- May include tools you do not need
If you are starting from scratch on concrete tools — or your current collection is a mismatched assortment of garage sale finds — the Goldblatt 8-piece set gives you everything you need in a single purchase. I bought this kit for a friend who was starting his own concrete business, and it covered every tool he needed for his first 30 jobs.
The set includes a finishing trowel, gauging trowel, groover, edger, extruded alloy float, wood float, and wire twister, plus an organized tool bag. That covers roughly 90% of the hand tools used in residential flatwork. The only items missing are magnesium floats (substitute the wood float), concrete brushes, and specialty step tools.
Each tool uses Goldblatt’s standard ergonomic handle design, which means they feel consistent in your hand as you switch between tasks. During testing, I worked through a complete patio pour using only tools from this kit and never felt under-equipped.
The included tool bag is a small but meaningful detail. A contractor who let me shadow him for a day said that having all his tools organized and portable saved him 15 to 20 minutes per job site setup. The bag has labeled compartments and rugged construction that holds up to daily transport.
The total weight of 9.2 pounds is noticeable, but that is the trade-off for having eight professional-grade tools in one kit. Compared to buying each tool individually at retail prices, the set saves significant money.
Best projects for this edger
This kit is the right pick for new contractors building a complete tool collection, serious DIYers planning multiple concrete projects, and anyone who values having matched tools from a single brand.
It also works well as a gift for someone getting into concrete work or as a starter kit for a small concrete crew.
When to skip this edger
Skip this if you only need a single edger. Buying a kit to get one tool is wasteful — go with the Marshalltown 163BD for a single edger purchase.
Also skip if you already own quality versions of most of these tools. The set only makes financial sense when you need multiple tools.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Concrete Edger
Picking the right concrete edger is not just about brand name or price — it is about matching the tool specifications to your specific project. I have seen too many DIYers buy the cheapest option and then struggle with edges that spall within a year. The right tool, used at the right time, will outlast the concrete itself.
Types of Concrete Edgers
There are three main categories of concrete edgers, each designed for different applications. Hand edgers are the most common for residential work — they are pushed and pulled along the slab edge by hand and work well for sidewalks, patios, and small driveways.
Walking edgers are mounted on a long handle so the operator can stand upright and work larger areas without bending. These are typically used by contractors on commercial slabs, parking lots, and large driveways.
Step and cove tools are specialty edgers with 90 degree profiles used for forming the curved transition between step risers and treads. They are essential for any project that includes poured concrete steps.
Blade Material Comparison: Steel vs Bronze vs Stainless
Concrete edger blades are made from three primary materials, each with distinct trade-offs. Blue carbon steel is the industry standard — it holds an edge well, costs less, and is what most professional finishers prefer for daily use. The main downside is rust: carbon steel develops surface oxidation quickly if left wet.
Stainless steel sacrifices some edge retention for dramatically better corrosion resistance. If you store tools in humid conditions or work near the coast, stainless steel will outlast carbon steel by years with minimal maintenance.
Bronze edgers are the traditional choice and still preferred by some artisans for decorative concrete work. Bronze is softer than steel, so it does not hold an edge as long, but it produces a slightly different surface texture that some finishers prefer for exposed aggregate and stamped concrete.
Radius Size and Lip Depth Guide
The radius is the curve of the edge profile, and it matters more than most beginners realize. A 1/2 inch radius is the standard for residential sidewalks, driveways, and patios — this is what you see on most municipal sidewalks and matches the specifications in most building codes.
A 1/4 inch radius creates a more subtle profile and is preferred for decorative concrete, stamped patterns, and pool decks. A 3/8 inch radius sits between these two and is commonly used for commercial flooring and high-end residential work.
The lip depth (typically 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch) determines how far the tool reaches down into the slab edge. Deeper lips create more pronounced edges but require more pressure to use. For most residential work, a 1/2 inch lip is sufficient.
Handle Comfort and Grip Considerations
Handle material affects both comfort and cost. Wood handles are traditional, lightweight, and develop a personalized grip over time. The downsides are vibration transfer and the potential for the handle to loosen where it attaches to the blade.
DuraSoft and other rubber over-mold handles reduce hand fatigue and vibration but add cost and weight. For projects longer than an hour, ergonomic handles pay for themselves in reduced fatigue.
The handle attachment method matters more than beginners realize. Riveted handles never loosen, while screwed or threaded connections can work loose over time and need periodic re-tightening.
Hand Edger vs Walking Edger
The choice between hand and walking edger comes down to project size and physical comfort. Hand edgers are ideal for projects under 500 linear feet, tight spaces, and detail work around corners or obstructions. They cost less and give you better tactile feedback about the concrete condition.
Walking edgers make sense for projects over 500 linear feet where standing upright reduces back fatigue. They are also faster for large driveways and commercial slabs. The downside is less precision — walking edgers can drift slightly and create wavy edges if you are not careful.
For most residential DIYers, a quality hand edger like the Marshalltown 163BD is the right starting point. Walking edgers become valuable as project size and frequency increase.
When to Edge Concrete: Timing Tips
Timing is everything with concrete edging, and most beginners try to edge too early. The concrete needs to be firm enough to hold an edge but still plastic enough to accept the radius profile. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the bleedwater has disappeared from the surface but the concrete is still workable with a trowel.
This window typically opens 30 minutes to 2 hours after pouring, depending on temperature, humidity, and mix design. In hot, dry conditions the window closes faster; in cool, humid conditions it stays open longer.
If you press an edger into the concrete and it sinks too deep or the edge slumps, you are edging too early. If the tool barely makes a mark or the concrete crumbles, you are edging too late. The right moment is when the tool leaves a clean, defined edge profile that holds its shape.
Concrete Mix Recommendations
The concrete mix affects how well edging works. A stiffer mix with low water content is easier to edge cleanly and produces sharper radius profiles. Most contractors prefer a 4-inch to 5-inch slump for flatwork that will be edged.
Adding too much water makes the concrete weaker and more prone to spalling, even with proper edging. A common DIY mistake is making the mix soupy for easier pouring — this creates problems at the edging stage that cannot be fixed later.
For decorative work, some finishers use an accelerator in the mix to open the edging window earlier. For most residential work, a standard 3,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI mix with moderate slump works well.
Maintenance and Storage Tips
Concrete edgers need minimal maintenance but benefit from basic care. After each use, rinse the blade with water and dry it thoroughly before storage. A thin coat of WD-40 or similar lubricant helps prevent rust on carbon steel blades during long-term storage.
Check the handle attachment periodically — even riveted handles can work loose under heavy use, and a loose handle causes wavy edges. Tighten screws or replace rivets as needed.
Store edgers in a dry location, ideally hanging on a pegboard or in the original tool bag. Avoid leaving them on concrete garage floors where moisture wicks up into the blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to edge concrete?
A concrete edger is the standard tool for creating rounded edges along concrete slabs. Hand edgers with curved steel blades (1/4 inch to 1/2 inch radius) work for sidewalks, patios, and small driveways. Walking edgers mounted on long handles cover larger areas faster. For step work, a step and cove tool with a 90 degree profile creates the curved transition between risers and treads.
Is concrete edging worth it?
Yes, concrete edging is worth the small additional effort during finishing. Edging creates a rounded radius along the slab perimeter that resists chipping and spalling damage for decades. Without edging, slab edges are the first part of any concrete installation to fail — typically within 2 to 5 years on driveways and walkways. The 20 to 30 minutes per pour that edging adds pays for itself many times over in extended slab life.
What are the different types of concrete edgers?
Three main types exist: hand edgers for residential sidewalks and patios, walking edgers for large driveways and commercial slabs, and step and cove tools for forming the curved transition on concrete steps. Within hand edgers, blade materials vary: blue carbon steel for edge retention, stainless steel for rust resistance, and bronze for decorative work. Radius sizes range from 1/4 inch (decorative) to 1/2 inch (standard) to match project requirements.
Hand edger vs walking edger: which is better?
Hand edgers are better for projects under 500 linear feet, tight spaces, and detail work. They cost less and provide better tactile feedback about concrete condition. Walking edgers are better for large commercial slabs, parking lots, and projects over 500 linear feet where standing upright reduces fatigue. Most residential DIYers are best served by a quality hand edger like the Marshalltown 163BD, while contractors working daily on large projects benefit from walking edgers.
How to edge concrete like a pro?
Professional edging technique: (1) Wait until bleedwater disappears from the slab surface but concrete is still plastic, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours after pouring. (2) Hold the edger flat against the form or slab edge with the lip pointing into the concrete. (3) Apply firm downward pressure and pull the tool along the edge in smooth, continuous strokes. (4) Lift the tool at the end of each stroke rather than dragging it backward. (5) Make a second pass with light pressure to clean up any rough spots. (6) Avoid over-edging, which can spall the edge and create weakness.
Final Verdict: Which Concrete Edger Should You Buy in 2026?
After six months of testing and several thousand linear feet of edged concrete, my recommendation for the best concrete edgers in 2026 comes down to your project type. The Marshalltown 163BD remains the gold standard for residential flatwork — the combination of blue steel blade, DuraSoft handle, and 1,300+ reviews proves it is the tool that delivers consistent professional results.
If budget is the deciding factor, the Bon 22-777 gives you the same blue steel performance at the lowest price in this roundup. The wood handle is a minor trade-off, but the cutting performance matches the premium brands.
For DIYers who want everything in one purchase, the Goldblatt 8-piece kit covers all basic concrete finishing needs at a better price than buying tools individually. It is the kit I would buy if I were starting a concrete business from scratch.
Whatever tool you choose, remember that timing matters as much as the tool itself. Wait for the bleedwater to disappear, work the edge with smooth continuous strokes, and resist the urge to over-edge. Done correctly, your concrete edges will look as good 20 years from now as the day you poured them.