When you want to gild with paving stones on the plot, you will certainly need to cut your stones here and there. If not next to the edges then maybe to a laying pattern. We tell you how to proceed when cutting paving stones and slabs.
Why do I need to cut paving stones?
There are several reasons why you may need to cut paving stones. The most common when laying a garden path, patio or driveway is to saw to fit pieces to the outside for smooth and attractive paving. You also need to do this to be able to supplement with a stable curb. If you want to lay curved stone walkways, you may also need to cut the stones so that large gaps do not occur. By cutting the paving stone, you are not bound to its shape either. Create interesting laying patterns with a personal touch. Dare to break color, design and shape!
Tools for cutting paving stones for your paving
When you need to cut paving stones, there are several tools to use. The most common option is to use a round cutter with a stone or diamond blade. But even an angle grinder works for smaller cuts and thinner stone slabs. Just be careful when cutting so that you do not injure yourself. In addition, it can dust a bit if you do not wet cut. Be sure to use protective equipment no matter how you cut your paving stone.
Common tools for stone cutting:
- Angle grinder, disc cutter or motor cutter
- Stone cut (flat or wall cut)
Cutting paving stones with an angle grinder often works
Cutting paving stones with an angle grinder and diamond blade is a common alternative. It is easy to drive the diamond blade through the paving stone, but keep in mind that it can dust a bit when you dry cut. Sometimes it can be better to wet cut stone, then it will not be as dusty, and that your stone often gets a nicer cut. Our granite ceramics, granite slabs, and slate slabs are examples where we recommend wet cutting precisely to avoid chipped edges and for best results. And if you are going to cut thicker tiles or lay larger areas with more cuts, a larger cut is an advantage. Rent a diamond-cut engine hood from your nearest machine rental company!
Cutting concrete blocks with a stone cut is painless
An alternative when you want to cut concrete stone is to use a so-called stone cut. Place the concrete stone in the stone cut, fasten it, and then cut to the desired size. Using the stone of the stone cutter, you give the stone a straight cut without noise or dust. With a stone cut, the cuts are also notched, which makes it extra good for tumbled paving stones instead of a sharp cut as it is with the angle grinder. If the stone becomes a little well notched during the splitting, you can easily fill in the latter at the moment of jointing.
How to cut paving stones safely and neatly
It is important that you cut your paving stones with great care. We also recommend that you do not cut small pieces that are smaller than 1/3 of the stone’s normal size. These have a greater risk of cracking and are not always so stable. In addition to reducing the load strength and durability of the stone, it is also more difficult to cut small pieces. In addition, your paving will not be as nice! If, contrary to expectation, you need to lay small pieces of paving stones, it is important that you place them next to whole stones. Feel free to check with us at Stenbolaget or a specialist before you cut smaller parts for your construction.
Start by laying the paving stone where you want it to be. Then mark with a pencil where you want the cut to go. Then you pick up the paving stone and cut it with your tool. Be sure to use protective equipment for the eyes, ears, and mouth, and nose. Work gloves and otherwise suitable clothing are of course recommended!
Rent or buy the tools
For a single stone project and smaller job, it can be nice to rent the equipment you need instead of buying. Flat and wall cutters have a specific area of use – and are therefore well suited to rent before the project!
If you have a large project in front of you where you just need an angle grinder and also feel that it may be needed for future projects, you can still consider buying instead of renting the equipment. The angle grinder also has several other uses. Should it be relevant to acquire your own tools, it may be interesting to check out the secondary market.
If you hire professional help, they usually assist with all the equipment needed, either through rent or that they have the equipment in their possession. It is therefore not surprising that you can be responsible for machine rental even if you hire craftsmen. Always ask beforehand to avoid unexpected expenses.
Choose a paving stone for your particular garden, surface, and project. You can always turn to one of Stenbolaget’s stores or to our customer service for further advice and tips.