How to Cut Pavers

Cutting Pavers With a Circular Saw or Angle Grinder

Both a standard circular saw A 7 1/2-inch blade or angle grinder (4 1/2-inch blade) makes clean, easy cuts and involves similar techniques. In either case, be sure to use a diamond blade made for masonry and stone. It's best to set the paver on a non-slip mat (such as a rubbery all-purpose grip mat) to help hold it in place during cutting. You can also clamp the paver to your work surface if desired.

1. Mark the Cut

   Mark the cutting line across the top face of the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge. Transfer the line to the bottom face of the paver.

2. Set the Saw Blade

   Place the paver onto a non-slip mat atop your work surface. Adjust the saw blade to cut a shallow depth (1/8-1/4 inch), if using a circular saw.

3. Cut on the Top Side

   Cut along the marked line, starting with a shallow cut at the surface, then make several passes, adjusting the depth of the saw with each pass until you reach a depth of about 1/2 to 1 inch.

4. Cut on the Bottom Side

   Flip the paver over and repeat the same cutting process on the bottom face.

5. Break Along the Cuts

   Set the paver flat on your work surface, and gently but firmly, tap the waste portion of the paver with a hammer to break the paver along the cutting line.

Cutting Pavers With a Masonry Wet Saw

A wet saw makes a clean cut all the way through a paver. Saws capable of cutting pavers are large versions of the wet saws you can rent for cutting ceramic tile. Water sprays onto the blade during the cut to minimize heat and dust.

1. Mark the Cut

   Mark the cutting line on the top face of the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge.

2. Position the Paver

   Place the paver on the saw sled, making sure it is resting fully against the back lip of the sled. Line up the paver's cutting line with the saw blade, then slide the sled all the way back.

3. Turn on the Saw

   Turn on the saw and let it come up to full speed. Water should flow over the blade whenever the saw is running.

4. Make the Cut

   Hold the paver firmly against the sled, keeping your hands well away from the saw blade. Push the sled slowly and steadily toward the blade until the blade cuts through the paver.

5. Retract the Sled

   Slide the sled back, remove the paver pieces, and turn off the saw.

Cutting Pavers With a Brick Splitter

Sometimes called a guillotine, a brick splitter is a non-power tool that operates somewhat like a log splitter—except that it cuts bricks and pavers. It is sometimes preferred over other methods because it produces no dust and is much quieter than a power saw. If you're cutting concrete pavers, which tend to be harder than brick, make sure the splitter you rent is designed for concrete. Brick splitters typically do not work with stone pavers.

1. Mark the Cut

   Mark the cutting line on the top face of the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge.

2. Align the Paver

   Position the paver on the base of the tool so the marked line is aligned with the splitter's cutting edge.

3. Split the Paver

   Pull down sharply on the handle of the tool to split the paver. 

Cutting Pavers With a Hammer and Chisel

If your layout calls for relatively few cut pavers, you can do this work with a masonry chisel and hammer. 

1. Mark All Sides

   Mark the cutting line across the top face of the paver using a pencil and a square or straightedge. Transfer the line to the remaining three sides of the paver.

2. Score the Paver

   Carefully tap the chisel with the hammer to cut a shallow groove (about 1/8 inch deep) along the cutting line on all four sides of the paver. Do not strike too hard, or the paver may break irregularly. 

3. Break Along the Scored Line

   Set the paver face-up on a flat, sturdy surface. Position the chisel edge into the groove at the center of the paver face. Hit the chisel sharply with the hammer to break the paver along the grooved line. 

Tips for Cutting Pavers

Making Curved Cuts

All standard cutting methods work for straight cuts, but a circular saw or angle grinder is used for curved cuts. Score the curved cut along the top of the paver first, cutting about 1/8 inch deep. Make a full straight cut tangential to (touching) the scored line, and break off the bulk of the waste. Finish with multiple cuts to pare down the remaining waste to the curved line.

Protecting the Paver Surface

It's crucial to protect the bottom of your circular saw base when working with pavers. Cover it with blue painter's tape to prevent scratches and damage to the paver surface. Remember to remove the tape from the paver surface as soon as you're done with the project, ensuring it's not hard to remove later. This responsible approach will keep your tools in good condition and your projects looking professional.

Cutting Holes into Pavers

Sometimes, holes need to be cut into pavers to install posts, provide drainage, or for design purposes. Use a rotary hammer for newer concrete or an electric hammer drill for older, denser materials equipped with masonry drill bits. Mark the location of the hole and drill downward on a flat surface. Your hole is formed when the drill bit works its way through the bottom of the paver.