How to Cut Brick Pavers
Constructing a patio of brick pavers is a popular do-it-yourself project with homeowners. It takes relatively little skill and yields great-looking results. The edges of these patios however, are one portion of the project that does require some detail work, as you may need to cut the brick pavers to fit into your planned final dimensions. Depending on your particular needs, there are a number of effective techniques for cutting brick pavers. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Chalk line
- Circular saw with masonry blade
- Masonry chisel
- Masonry hammer
- Masonry guillotine
- Chop saw equipped with masonry or diamond blade
Instructions
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Make a count of the number of pavers on which you will need to make cuts. This will help you determine what technique and tool to use. A square patio may need relatively few cuts, and they can be done by hand, while a complicated curved design may need hundreds of cuts that would be made much easier by the use of a power saw.
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Make a few cuts by simply using a masonry chisel and hammer. Use a chalk line to mark the location on the paver for the cut, and then tap the chisel to score the brick along this line all the way around the four sides of the brick. Set the brick on flat ground, place the chisel on the score line again, and strike a firm and swift blow with the hammer. The paver will break apart at the score line. You can then clean up the cross section surface with a few whacks with the other side of the hammer.
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Use a guillotine for cutting bricks with one clean stroke. One of these can be rented from a tool and equipment rental shop. You simply set the brick in place under the blade of the guillotine and pull the handle down firmly to cut the brick.
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Use a basic circular saw to cut bricks. Mark the brick as before, and cut along the line with the saw. You will go through a number of blades, as the bricks wear them down quickly, even if you use the recommended diamond blades. Be sure to be safe if you choose to go this route. Use safety goggles and gloves, and secure the brick so that it won't shoot out from the force of the blade.
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Rent a chop saw that is specially made for cutting brick and other masonry. These are large, stable power saws that can cut bricks in an instant with just a lowering of the blade. You will require a masonry or diamond blade for this saw also, and many times the rental company will include this cost in the rental fee.
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