How to Cut Paving Slabs

Many people may believe that cutting paving slabs is one job best left to the experts, however with the right tools and know how you can easily cut your own paving slabs at home. If you fancy yourself a keen DIY’er, this new skill will enable you to lay your own patio and re-shape your paving stone to suit your needs. There are a variety of ways, and tools, to cut paving slabs – so let’s take a look at two of the most popular.

Masonry Saw

A circular saw is a common choice for cutting paving slabs among landscaping experts. When using these cutting tools, it is essential to wear safety glasses and a dust mask as they produce large dust clouds which can often leave behind a lot of residue. Masonry saws are ideal for paving slabs made from porcelain, granite and concrete.

You’ll need a tape measure, chalk, a workbench, four C-clamps, power saw or angle grinder with the correct blade and a rubber mallet.

1. Measure the space where the paving slab is to go and mark the cutting line on both sides of the slab using chalk.
2. Using the c-clamps secure the paving slab to the workbench so that it does not move.
3. Using the power saw, cut through the paving stone along the marked line. You should aim to cut about 1cm through each side before flipping it and doing the same on the other side.
4. Continue until you have cut all the way through and repeat on each slab as necessary.

Slab Splitter

Slab splitters are ideal for cutting particularly dense paving stones such as concrete and heavy-duty paving. Split splitters are available in several types including electrically powered and hydraulic versions.

When using a slab splitter, you will also need a tape measure, chalk and a rubber mallet.

1. Place the machine on a level surface and make sure you have enough space to work.
2. Measure where the slab needs to go and mark the slab with the chalk.
3. Lift the handle of the slab splitter and position the slab in it, with the chalk lined positioned at the point which is to be cut.
4. Lower the handle, applying force to split the paving slab.

Once you have cut your paving slabs using either of these methods you can put them into place, using a rubber mallet to secure them in place if needed.

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