DIY How to Cut Cement Pavers

Walkways are commonly made of cement pavers.

Cement pavers, also known as concrete pavers, are commonly used for exterior patio walkways and exterior paved pathways, but they are also used for driveways, steps and patios. No matter how they are used, at some point they will need to be cut to fit, and because they are composed primarily of cement, they need either a special technique, special tools, or both to get the job done correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Wet saw with diamond cutting blade
• Marker (a black crayon works well for this)
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Cold chisel

Instructions

With a Wet Saw

1. Measure the paver to be cut with a tape measure, and mark the cutting line. A black crayon works best for this application.

2. Place the paver onto the wet saw table and make sure the saw reservoir is filled with water. Line up the mark on the paver with the diamond cutting blade.

3. Turn on the wet saw, and push the paver toward the blade. Allow the saw to cut the paver, and don't force the paver into the blade any faster than it will cut. Diamond blades cut slowly, unlike wooden saw blades, and therefore taking it easy while feeding the paver into the blade will result in a good, clean straight cut.

With a Hammer and Chisel

1. Measure the paver to be cut with a tape measure and mark the cutting line. A black crayon works best for this application. The line must extend around the entire paver, side to side, edge to edge.

2. Position the chisel on the marked line and begin tapping the head with a hammer. You want to make a chipped line where the marked line is, and continue this action going completely around the paver. Don't tap hard, just enough to chip away pieces of cement around the entire paver.

3. Strike the paver hard on the side to be discarded. It will crack and break directly on the chipped line. The deeper the chipped line, the easier the paver will split in two, and the less force that will be needed when striking.

Tips & Warnings

• A masonry saw blade on both a chop saw and a jigsaw will also successfully cut pavers. But so much dust will be created, that a respiration mask will be needed to protect your lungs. Using a wet saw, which can be rented at most hardware stores, is a far better and easier way to cut pavers, without the flying dust health risk.

• Always wear gloves and safety glasses when cutting pavers.

References

• Belgard Hardscapes: How To: Install Concrete Pavers, Step #8
• Grounds Maintenance Magazine: Install concrete pavers
• Sustainable and Urban Gardening: Homemade Cement Pavers and Decorations
• Custom Patio Designs: Cut Pavers and Tile

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: Cutting Tile with a Wet Saw: Homeowners Clinic