How to Cut Landscape Stone

Adding landscape stones to your garden or yard creates a decorative focal point in any yard. The addition of landscape stones can also be a difficult project if the person adding the stones does not know the proper way to cut these decorative stones. There are two ways to cut these stones to make sure they fit where needed. They can be cut with a concrete saw or broken with a stonemason's hammer. The saw is the more exact way to cut the stones, while the stonemason's hammer is the more cost-effective. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete saw
  • Stonemason's hammer
  • Plywood
  • Eye protection
  • Two bags of play sand
Show More

Instructions

  1. Concrete Saw

    • 1

      Mark the stone where the cut needs to be made, all the way around the stone if possible.

    • 2

      Place the play-sand bags next to each other on the plywood. The long sides of the bags should be next to each other.

    • 3

      Place a stone on top of the sand bags. The stone should be dropped from about 6 inches to create a dent in the sand to hold the stone.

    • 4

      Cut the stone halfway through. Rotate stone and finish cut.

    Stonemason's Hammer

    • 5

      Mark the stone where the cut needs to be made, all the way around if possible.

    • 6

      Using the chisel end of the hammerhead, tap the cut mark all the way around the stone.

    • 7

      Place the stone on the ground and strike the stone with great force on the cut mark. Rotate one-quarter turn after each strike.

    • 8

      After several blows, the stone should split on the cut mark.

    • 9

      If the stone does not split, repeat Steps three and four until the stone breaks.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use more blows with the hammer if you are not very accurate.

  • Always use eye protection with both of these techniques. Always follow all safety rules for power tools and hand tools. Keep feet out of the way when using the saw.

Related Searches:

References

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Cut Rocks for Landscaping

    The ability to cut rocks can add versatility to your landscape choices. Cutting rocks gives you a choice between a rigid straight...

  • Landscaping With Stones & Plants

    The trend of garden design involves decorating surfaces with other materials besides shredded hardwood mulch or pine needles. Stone mulches provide an...

  • How to Cut Stone Tile

    Constructing a tile floor can add a pleasing dimension to any remodel. It can spruce up a kitchen or add class to...

  • How to Use Pea Stone for Landscaping

    Pea stone, more commonly known as pea gravel, is a small, smooth stone 1/8 to 1/4 inch in size. Pea stone is...

  • What Are the Different Kinds of Landscape Stone?

    What Are the Different Kinds of Landscape Stone?. Stones typically play a major role in landscaping. A wide variety of natural and...

  • How to Landscape With Decorative Stone

    Landscape a front entry or a small back patio using stone to save on watering, weeding and mowing -- and to maximize...

  • How to Cut Gem Stones

    Gems stones are cut and polished into shapes that show off their unique qualities in order to be set in jewelry. When...

  • How to Cut Paver Stones

    Paver stones are much weaker than traditional indoor ceramic and natural floor tiles. They are typically aggregates of other materials or a...

  • How to Cut Natural Stone

    Natural stone, such as granite, marble and slate, is a popular choice for tiles and countertops in homes. The attraction to natural...

  • How to Cut Manufactured Stone

    Manufactured or cultured stone is a cast replica of natural stone. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, mimicking...

Related Ads

Featured