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An edging tool for concrete does one job: it rounds or shapes the edge of a fresh slab so it resists chipping, cracking and crumbling over time. If you pour a sidewalk, patio, driveway apron or garden path, the right edger makes the difference between a clean, professional-looking border and a ragged one. This guide compares eight options across the criteria that matter most: blade or radius profile, depth of cut, handle comfort, build material, and how well each tool works on wet versus cured concrete. The picks run from simple hand-held edgers to heavier options for larger jobs, so you can match the tool to your project.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Marshalltown 1/2 in. Radius Edger | Sidewalks and small slabs | Stainless steel blade with a 1/2 inch radius |
| Marshalltown 3/4 in. Radius Edger | Walkways and patio borders | Wider radius for a softer, more visible round |
| Kraft Tool Co. Concrete Edger | Hobbyists and DIY pours | Comfortable grip with a rounded blade profile |
| Bon Tool Concrete Edger | Budget-minded DIY projects | Simple, lightweight construction |
| Kraft Tool Co. Groover | Control joints in slabs | Shallow groove cutter for crack control |
| Marshalltown Magnesium Bull Float | Smoothing edges before finishing | Magnesium base for a clean surface pass |
| Marshalltown Margin Trowel | Tight corners and forms | Narrow blade for working close to forms |
| Kraft Tool Co. Magnesium Hand Float | Finishing edge transitions | Lightweight float for finishing details |
Marshalltown 1/2 in. Radius Edger
This is the go-to size for many sidewalks, stoops and small slabs where a tight, classic rounded edge is the goal. It suits people who pour concrete a few times a year and want a dependable professional-style tool.
Key specs
- Radius: 1/2 inch
- Material: stainless steel blade with a hardwood or composite handle
- Designed for use on freshly placed concrete before final finishing
Pros
- Produces a crisp, uniform edge profile that resists chipping
- Stainless construction resists rust from repeated wet use
- Widely available and easy to find replacements for
Cons
- Requires a steady hand on curves, since the blade can drag if you rush
- The small radius can look too tight on thick slabs
Marshalltown 3/4 in. Radius Edger
A better match for walkways, patio perimeters and wider forms where a softer, more visible round looks more balanced. Owners often choose this size for slabs over 4 inches thick.
Key specs
- Radius: 3/4 inch
- Material: stainless steel blade with a handle designed for two-hand control on longer passes
- Intended for freshly placed concrete edges
Pros
- The larger radius reads well on wide, thick slabs
- Stainless build holds up to repeated cleaning
- Good for transitions between walkways and lawn borders
Cons
- Less suited to small pads where the edge looks oversized
- Harder to use in tight corners compared with a narrower edger
Kraft Tool Co. Concrete Edger
This option fits hobbyists who want a comfortable grip for longer edging runs on a backyard project. It is a reasonable choice when you are finishing a small pour and want a tool that feels easy to control.
Key specs
- Rounded blade profile for finishing concrete edges
- Ergonomic handle intended for extended use
- Stainless or hardened steel construction, depending on the variant
Pros
- Comfortable handle reduces hand fatigue on longer runs
- Good balance of control and weight for DIY work
- Produces a clean finish on fresh, workable concrete
Cons
- Blade may need more frequent cleaning when concrete is wet and sticky
- Not designed for heavy commercial pours
Bon Tool Concrete Edger
A budget pick for homeowners who edge only occasionally and do not need heavy-duty construction. It works well for small patios, pathway edges and garden slabs.
Key specs
- Lightweight steel blade with a simple rounded profile
- Compact size suitable for single-hand use
- Designed for freshly placed concrete
Pros
- Light and easy to maneuver on small forms
- Accessible option for one-off projects
- Simple design means fewer parts to worry about
Cons
- Lighter construction can flex on thicker slabs
- Blade edge may dull faster with frequent use on gritty mixes
Kraft Tool Co. Groover
A groover is not an edger, but it belongs in a concrete edging kit because it cuts control joints that keep slabs from cracking randomly. Use it to score lines at regular intervals across a slab, typically spaced about the same distance as the slab is thick, or per your local code or mix guidance.
Key specs
- Shallow groove depth for control joints
- Stainless steel blade with a handle for two-hand pressing
- Used on freshly floated concrete, before the surface stiffens
Pros
- Helps direct cracking to planned lines instead of random spots
- Produces tidy, uniform joints across a slab
- Pairs well with a radius edger for a complete edge-and-joint finish
Cons
- Timing matters: cutting too early or too late causes ragged lines
- Needs a straightedge for long, accurate runs
Marshalltown Magnesium Bull Float
A float is used to smooth the surface and push fine paste to the top before edging. Many finishers run a float along the perimeter so the edger has a consistent surface to work on. This suits larger slabs where you want an even finish.
Key specs
- Magnesium base for a lightweight, smooth pass
- Long handle for reaching across wide slabs
- Used before edging and final troweling
Pros
- Magnesium base glides well and does not tear up the surface
- Long handle reduces bending on large pours
- Sets up a clean surface for the edging pass
Cons
- Overkill for small pads and narrow walkways
- Requires practice to avoid overworking the surface
Marshalltown Margin Trowel
The margin trowel works in the tight spaces an edger cannot reach, such as corners, next to forms and around posts. It is a good backup tool for finishing details that the main edger misses.
Key specs
- Narrow, pointed blade for corners and tight spots
- Stainless steel construction
- Used for detail work along forms and edges
Pros
- Reaches corners and tight areas that a radius edger cannot
- Helpful for cleaning up edges after the main pass
- Compact enough to keep in a basic finishing kit
Cons
- Not suited to producing a long, continuous rounded edge
- Can leave small marks if used too aggressively
Kraft Tool Co. Magnesium Hand Float
A hand float is useful for finishing transitions between the main surface and the edge. It is a small, controllable tool for people who want to refine the look after edging is done.
Key specs
- Magnesium base for a smooth finishing pass
- Compact size for hand use
- Used on fresh concrete during finishing
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to control on small areas
- Smooths edge transitions without heavy pressure
- Useful for patching small imperfections
Cons
- Too small for larger slabs
- Works best as an accessory rather than a primary tool
Buying Guide
Selection Criteria
The right edger depends on three things: the slab thickness, the edge profile you want, and how much concrete you plan to work. A 3/4 inch radius on a 3-inch stoop can look heavy, while a 1/2 inch radius on a thick driveway apron may look too small. Start by measuring your slab and deciding on the look you want before you buy.
Important Features
- Radius size: 1/2 inch suits most sidewalks and small pads; 3/4 inch suits thicker slabs and wider borders.
- Blade material: Stainless steel resists rust and is easier to clean than plain carbon steel.
- Handle design: Look for a grip that stays comfortable during a 20- to 30-minute edging run.
- Weight and balance: Lighter tools are easier on the wrist but can flex on thick slabs.
Specs to Check
- Radius (1/2 inch or 3/4 inch is the most common range for residential work)
- Blade length and width, which affect how far you can reach across a form
- Material of the blade and base (stainless, carbon steel, magnesium)
- Handle length and material
Choosing by Need
- Small pads and walkways: A 1/2 inch radius edger keeps the look proportionate.
- Thick slabs and patios: A 3/4 inch radius edger reads better and resists chipping on the thicker profile.
- One-off DIY pours: A budget edger covers the job if you clean it well after use.
- Crack control on large slabs: Add a groover to plan joints before cracks appear.
- Surface prep: A float or magnesium hand float helps you get a smooth base before edging.
For broader context on how edging fits into a full landscape or hardscape plan, see Lawn Edging Tools: Manual Edgers, Power Edgers, Trimmers and How to Install Lawn Edging: Straight and Curved Edges. If your project involves setting pavers rather than pouring concrete, Brick Lawn Edging: Choosing Pavers and Setting Them covers that approach.
Things to Watch Out For
- Timing: Edge too early and the concrete slumps; edge too late and the surface is too hard to shape. Work when the surface is firm but still workable.
- Cleaning: Wet concrete sticks to blades. Wipe the edger after every pass to keep the profile clean.
- Forms: Make sure forms are straight and level before you start, or your edges will follow the flaws.
- Safety: Wear gloves and eye protection when working with wet concrete, since it is alkaline and can cause skin burns with prolonged contact. If you are unsure about the mix or curing conditions, consult a professional.
FAQ
What size radius edger should I use for a concrete sidewalk?
Most residential sidewalks use a 1/2 inch radius, which gives a classic, proportionate edge. For thicker slabs or wider borders, many people choose a 3/4 inch radius. Match the radius to the slab thickness and the overall look you want.
When is the right time to edge freshly poured concrete?
Edge once the surface has firmed up enough that the tool leaves a clean line without pulling up paste or aggregate, but before the surface becomes hard. The exact window depends on temperature, humidity and the mix, so test a small area first.
Can I use a lawn edger on concrete?
No. Lawn edgers are designed for turf and soil, and they cannot shape wet concrete. Use a tool made for concrete edging, such as a radius edger, to get a proper rounded profile.
What is the difference between an edger and a groover?
An edger rounds the outer edge of a slab to prevent chipping. A groover cuts shallow lines across the slab surface to control where cracks form. Many finishers use both on the same pour.
How do I keep my edging tool from sticking to the concrete?
Clean the blade after every pass with a damp cloth or a small trowel. Keep the surface only as wet as it needs to be, and avoid over-troweling, which pulls water and paste to the top and makes the tool drag.
Do I need a magnesium float before edging?
A magnesium float is not strictly required, but it helps create a smooth, even surface so the edger runs cleanly. Many people use one on larger slabs and skip it on small pads.
Is a stainless steel edger worth choosing over other materials?
Stainless steel resists rust and is easier to keep clean during repeated wet use, which is why many finishers prefer it. If you edge only occasionally, a well-cleaned carbon steel edger can also work, but it needs more care to avoid rust spots.
Conclusion
For most sidewalks and small slabs, a 1/2 inch radius edger from a well-known maker gives a clean, professional result. Choose a 3/4 inch radius when your slab is thicker or your border is wider. Add a groover if you want to control where cracks form, and keep a margin trowel on hand for corners. Pick a stainless blade if you plan to use the tool more than once, and clean it after every pass. Measure your slab, decide on the look you want, and match the tool to the job.
