How To Cut Paving Slabs

When it comes to laying paving, in almost every application from driveways to patios, there will come a point where you need to cut some of your slabs. Whether it be for the purpose of finishing an edge, creating a step-up, or filling a recessed manhole cover, you will need to create bespoke-sized slabs by cutting them to complete your project. We understand that this process may seem difficult to those with less experience in this area and you may not be sure of exactly what tools you need, so below we aim to outline the process of cutting paving slabs and provide all of the tips you need to achieve a neat and tidy paving installation!

Methods For Cutting Paving Slabs

There are three main methods for cutting paving slabs, each requires a different set of tools and is more suited to different materials of paving slab. Cutting paving slabs with a circular power saw is the most common method and is more appropriate for porcelain and stone slabs that feature sawn edges. Then there is the more traditional and cheaper method of hand-cutting slabs with a hammer and chisel which we would recommend using for slate or sandstone slabs, especially those with an edge that is hand-cut.

The third and final method for cutting paving slabs is by using a slab splitter. We mention this method last as this is by far the most expensive option and requires the most skill to achieve the desired result. For most projects, we would recommend the first two methods.

How To Cut Paving Slabs By Hand

As previously mentioned, cutting paving slabs by hand with a hammer and chisel is the least expensive and safest method, it also requires the least amount of equipment and overall fuss. For this method you will need the following tools:

• Hammer
• Rubber Mallet
• Chisel
• Pencil or Chalk
• Tape Measure
• Protective Gloves and Glasses
• Spirit Level or Ruler

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to cut paving slabs by hand.

1. Use a tape measure to calculate the dimensions of the space that needs filling with paving and using either a pencil or piece of chalk, mark this required size on one of your paving slabs. If required, use a ruler or spirit level to ensure the marking is a straight line.
2. Now you will need your hammer and chisel to begin cutting. For the best results, hold your chisel a few millimetres outside of the lines you’ve drawn. Hit the base of the chisel gently but firmly with your hammer and the paving should split well.
3. After you’ve separated the size of paving you need from the rest of the slab you are cutting from, even out the edges with some more light taps from the hammer and chisel.
4. Slot the new paving into the required area and ensure it is firmly fitted by tapping it in place with a rubber mallet.

Cutting Paving Slabs With A Circular Saw

Using a circular saw to cut paving slabs is a great method for those with experience using power tools and is faster than the traditional method of using a hammer and chisel. It is important to note however that when using a circular saw on paving, you should not use standard circular saw blades as these are designed for use on wood and do not have the strength to cut through paving materials. Instead, we would recommend using diamond-tipped masonry blades. For this method, you will need the following tools:

• Circular Hand Saw
• Circular Diamond Tipped Blade
• Workbench or Work Stand
• Pencil or Chalk
• Rubber Mallet
• Protective Gloves and Glasses
• Measuring Tape

Follow the steps below for cutting paving slabs with a circular saw.

1. Use a tape measure to calculate the dimensions of the space that needs filling with paving and using either a pencil or piece of chalk, mark this required size on one of your paving slabs. If required, use a ruler or spirit level to ensure the marking is a straight line.
2. Secure the slab that you are going to be cutting to your workbench to ensure that it will not move while being cut.
3. Cut through the paving slab using your markings as a guide. We would recommend cutting a few millimetres deep and then turning the slab over and repeating the securing and cutting process along the same line. Depending on the thickness of the slab you’re cutting, you may need to make multiple passes with the blade until the slab separates.
4. Slot the new paving into the required area and ensure it is firmly fitted by tapping it in place with a rubber mallet.

We hope that the information we have provided here is enough to assist you with cutting paving slabs with either method discussed above, but if you require any further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team.