BuildCalc Pro

Concrete Curb & Gutter Calculator

Calculate concrete volume, expansion joints, rebar, and cost for curbs, gutters, and combined curb-and-gutter installations. Choose from standard profiles or enter custom cross-section dimensions.

6" curb face with 24" gutter pan — most common residential

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select your measurement unit (Imperial or Metric). 2. Enter the total length of curb and/or gutter. 3. Choose a standard profile or select "Custom Dimensions" for your own cross-section. 4. Toggle the footing option (recommended for stability and frost heave prevention). 5. Set concrete cost per cubic yard (optional, defaults to $150). 6. Click "Calculate" for volume, materials, and cost breakdown. Tip: Standard residential curb & gutter is a 30" combined section (6" curb + 24" gutter). Rolled/mountable curbs are used at driveway aprons. Always use 3500+ PSI concrete for curb work exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Curb & Gutter: Types, Costs & Installation Guide

Concrete curbs and gutters serve essential functions in both residential and commercial settings: directing stormwater drainage, defining road and driveway edges, preventing erosion, and improving property appearance. Understanding the different profile types helps you choose the right option for your project.

The most common residential curb-and-gutter profile is the standard 30-inch combined section — a 6-inch vertical curb face with a 24-inch gutter pan. This profile is used along streets, driveways, and parking areas. It provides effective drainage while creating a clear boundary between road and lawn.

Rolled (mountable) curbs are designed to allow vehicles to drive over them, making them ideal for driveway entrances. They have a lower, sloped profile (typically 4 inches high) that reduces tire and suspension damage. These are increasingly popular in suburban developments for their clean, modern appearance.

Barrier curbs are taller (8 inches or more) vertical-faced curbs that prevent vehicles from mounting the curb. They are used in high-speed areas, parking lot perimeters, and locations where pedestrian safety is paramount. Commercial and municipal projects typically specify barrier curbs.

The cost of concrete curb and gutter varies by profile type and project size. DIY curb work costs $5-$10 per linear foot in materials. Professional installation runs $15-$30 per linear foot for standard residential profiles. Specialized curbing machines can extrude continuous curb profiles at $12-$20 per linear foot, reducing labor costs for long runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does concrete curbing cost per linear foot?

DIY concrete curbing costs $5-$10 per linear foot in materials (concrete, forms, rebar). Professional installation costs $15-$30 per linear foot for standard profiles. Machine-extruded decorative landscape curbing costs $5-$12 per linear foot.

What type of curb is best for a residential driveway?

Rolled (mountable) curbs are best at driveway entrances because vehicles can drive over them without damage. Use standard barrier curbs along the rest of your property frontage for drainage and edge definition. Most municipalities have specific requirements — check local codes.

How deep should a curb footing be?

Curb footings should extend 6-12 inches below grade, depending on frost depth in your area. A standard footing is 12 inches wide by 6 inches deep. In frost-prone areas, extend the footing below the frost line to prevent heaving.

Do I need a permit for curb and gutter work?

Yes, most jurisdictions require permits for curb and gutter work, especially along public roads and right-of-ways. The permit ensures proper drainage grades, ADA compliance at crosswalks, and connection to the municipal storm drainage system.