6 Ways To Cut Paving Stone
You will typically need to make a few cuts in hardscape projects so that your stones fit perfectly. Although intimidating, cutting paving stones is not difficult. This how-to guide will look at six cutting techniques for paving stones, from simple to complex.
We'll explore several additional excellent possibilities between the traditional hammer and chisel and the sophisticated masonry saw.
6 Ways To Cut Paving Stone
1. Chisel and Hammer
The most appropriate tool is a hammer and chisels if you need to split a few stones and don't require an exact cut. When choosing this choice, you don't need gasoline, electrical wires, or a garden hose.
You must follow three steps to cut paving stones with a hammer and chisel. Mark your stone first. Next, score your markings on the stone. Third, set your chisel where you wish to break the material and give it a couple of hammer blows. The stone would likely break easily. You might need to chisel off more concrete depending on how well the split was made.
2. Paving Stone Splitter
As simple as option one, a paving stone splitter allows for cleaner and quicker splitting of stones. This tool is a wise choice if you need to split more than a few stones but don't need to make any intricate or very clean cuts.
The paving stone splitter is simple to use. You will first mark your stone. You'll then set your stone beneath the blade and operate the lever. It is done and finished.
3. Circular Saw
Use a normal circular saw with a diamond blade to make a few precise cuts. Additionally, you must cut your stone when it is wet. You should cut the stone with an open water source pointing straight at it if possible. This is because dry paving stone cutting produces a silica dust cloud that is extremely damaging to your lungs. Not to mention, several states forbid chopping dry concrete. However, there won't be any hazardous silica dust if you cut while wet.
Cutting paving stones using a circular saw is the same as the previous two methods. You should first mark your stone. You will then activate your water source and cut along your mark.
Although it is a practical choice, circular saws for cutting concrete and paving stones are not universally available. Be aware that if you select this option, you risk damaging your saw or its blade.
4. Demolition Saw
A demolition saw, also called a concrete saw, is used to cut steel, asphalt, tile, masonry, concrete, and other sturdy materials. Concrete saw blades are frequently abrasive diamond blades with teeth.
A demolition saw is a gasoline-powered tool that is incredibly portable. Most of these saws come with a garden hose attachment, which allows you to cut retaining wall blocks or paving stones while wet. Although the demolition and circular saw are similar, the demolition tool is significantly more abrasive and produces a smoother cut.
5. Tile Saw
Electric table saws made specifically for cutting tile, stone, and concrete are known as wet tile saws. While you cut, water is pumped over the blade from a water basin. The cutting blade is cooled off, and dirt and dust are reduced by continuously flowing water.
Paving stone cutting can be done using a tile saw because it uses a table and has a guided cut, making mistakes extremely unlikely.
6. Masonry Saw
When it comes to quick and simple cutting of paving stones, the iQMS362 Dust Control Masonry Saw is the finest in class. Because the saw includes an integrated vacuum system to collect, filter, and hold 99.5% of the dust, you may cut it dry.
This saw is superior to other saws in portability, usability, and cleanliness. Consider using a masonry saw like this, or at the very least, a demolition or tile saw if you have a lengthy, complicated paver project. This is because you'll be cutting a lot of stones.
A saw like this, meanwhile, might be excessive if you need to cut a few stones or have a modest project. A hammer and chisel, paving stone splitter, or circular saw will serve you well in that situation.