
How to Cut Paving Slabs
Paving is an easy way to create a patio area in your garden for al fresco dining or simply so you won't have to come straight from muddy grass and step into the house.
If you're laying your own patio, you may need to cut paving stones to size. This can be done using a power tool such as a circular saw with a diamond blade or a block splitter.
Generally, it would be best if you started laying in the middle of the chosen area and then worked outwards. You may need to cut slabs smaller to fit in your garden or cut sections out to work around drains or other existing features.
There are a few methods you can use to cut paving slabs. Whichever you choose, it is imperative to wear PPE to protect you from injury and the dust created. Eye protection, a dust mask, and strong work gloves are all essential, as are work boots if working with heavy slabs.
Cutting stone material with a power tool will result in dust being created. Ensure you do this job in a well-ventilated area and use dust management controls to minimise dust if you’re cutting loads of slabs.
How to cut paving stones with power tools
A power saw, such as a circular saw or angle grinder, can cut through slabs precisely and quickly. A diamond-tipped blade suitable for cutting through masonry will be required.
Get someone to help you, especially if the paving slabs are heavy and you must lift them onto the workbench.
You will need:
- Safety PPE (dust mask, eye protection, work gloves)
- Circular saw or angle grinder
- Diamond blade
- Tape measure
- Ground pegs
- String
- Drawing chalk or pencil
- Workbench and clamps
Method:
- Measure
Measure the space you will be paving. Ideally, do this before buying the patio slabs so you know how many to get and the best size for the job.
Then, measure an individual paving slab. Remember to start laying from the centre point, so work out where this is and mark it with a peg. Then, use the string and additional pegs to mark the entire patio size.
Once you've established the entire area, you should be able to work out how many slabs you will need to cut and how much.
- Mark
Once you have laid as many full slabs as you can, then it's time to mark the cutout areas on the remaining slabs with chalk or a pencil. Use something in a colour that will show up. Mark both sides of the slab.
Secure the slab to the workbench with clamps so it is really secure.
- Cut
Use your chosen power tool to cut along the line on one side of the slab. Depending on the thickness of the slab, it may not cut right through; if it doesn't, turn the slab over and repeat on the other side.
How to cut a paving slab with a block splitter
If you're unsure of power tools or want to limit the amount of dust produced, a block splitter can help. These use a really sharp blade to make one quick incision in stone material for a clean, straight line.
You will need:
- Safety PPE
- Block splitter
- Tape measure
- Chalk or pencil
Method:
- Set the block splitter up
If you're hiring your block splitter from Speedy Hire, all our products come with user instructions and safety information. There's a chance you haven't used this tool before, so ensure you familiarise yourself with what they do and how to use them.
You must give yourself plenty of space and get someone to help.
- Measure
As above, measure the area for your patio and how much you will have to cut off the paving slabs around the edges. Mark with chalk where you will be cutting.
- Use the block splitter
Line up the cutting line with the blade on the splitter. Lower the handle to cut the slab. The blades should have hardened cutting edges and are reversible, so they should easily cut through a wide variety of common paving materials.
FAQs
Which method should I use to cut paving slabs?
Are you confident with power tools? If so, a circular saw is quick and easy if you have the correct blade. They are great at cutting in straight lines.
But the block splitter is ideal if you're not confident with tools and want to reduce the dust created. Ensure you hire a model with the correct cutting depth and width for your paving slabs.
How do I cut angles and curves from slabs?
Do you need to cut out shapes, curves, or angles from the slabs? You may have to work around a raised bed, drain, or pipework that can't be removed. Not to worry.
Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. These are smaller than circular saws, offering more precision.
Why do I need a diamond blade?
Different cutting disc materials are suitable for cutting various materials. Diamond masonry blades are the strongest and explicitly designed for cutting stone.
If your paving slabs aren't stone and are a delicate material such as porcelain or slate, you may need a porcelain blade, which is just as sharp but a bit more gentle.
READY TO HIRE?
You'll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need from Speedy Hire. Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account online or use the app for all your tool hire needs?
Speedy has more than 200 local service centres nationwide, and 4-hour delivery.
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