What Can I Cut a Pavestone Cap Stone With?

A circular saw outfitted with a masonry blade can be properly used to cut capstones.

Capstones are an important component of many masonry walls, as they often protect the wall from weathering while giving the wall an attractive, finished look. Capstones, which are generally thin, flat stones or bricks, may occasionally require cutting or clean breaking. There are multiple methods and tools that can be used to cut Pavestone capstones and other masonry products.

Circular Saw

A circular saw with a masonry or diamond blade can be used to cleanly cut a capstone. Mark lines on both sides of the stone where it will be cut, then place the stone on soft, flat ground. Score the stone on each side by making three cuts on each side, lowering the blade by 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch for each cut, giving you a final depth of around 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. Strike the portion of the stone to be removed with a maul or hammer.

Chisel and Hammer

A masonry chisel and small sledgehammer or stone hammer provide a basic means to cut capstones. Mark a straight line along the stone where it should be split and place the stone on soft flat ground. Score the stone along the line by holding the chisel to the line and striking it with the sledgehammer or stone hammer using moderate strength. Turn the stone over and prop it up on a wooden block with the score line directly on top of the wood. Strike the portion of stone to be removed to create a clean break.

Masonry Saw and Other Cutters

If you want a notched or a curved cut, a wet masonry saw may be the most suitable cutting tool. A wet masonry saw includes a moving table that passes the stone through a fixed diamond blade while a fine spray of water reduces dust. Hydraulic block splitters cleave stone by using a hydraulic cylinder to press a striking bar onto the stone atop a table. A cutoff saw offers a more portable stone cutting option. This handheld, gas-operated power tool has a circular carborundum or diamond blade and is operated much like a chainsaw.

Safety and Other Considerations

Always wear shatterproof safety glasses when cutting or breaking stone. If cutting the stone, you should wet the stone surface to limit the amount of dust produced. Wear a dust mask and hearing protection when operating stone-cutting power tools. Make sure that the line indicating where to make the cut is clear and easy to follow. A pencil is generally ideal, but if the stone will be wet for cutting, a marker or carpenter's pencil will provide greater visibility. The Pavestone company advises that while their capstones and many other products can be cut with a masonry blade, masonry blades will not effectively cut some of their paving products.

References

• Pavestone Company: Frequently Asked Questions
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Brick Pavers
• "Landscape Construction"; David Sauter