7 Ways to Cut Pavers of All Kinds

How to cut pavers with a hammer and chisel

If you’d like to cut pavers without a saw, using a hammer and masonry chisel is the simplest, most low-tech way to do it. Use this method to cut concrete and stone pavers, but know that it will provide a somewhat ragged edge. “This is a great option for homeowners doing a small project who don’t want to spend a lot on tools,” Laterreur says.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a dust mask.
• Place a masonry chisel onto the line and tap with a hammer. The goal is to create a mark that is 1/16 inch deep. Do not use excessive force — light taps will suffice.
• Repeat this step along the marked line until all of the line has a 1/16-inch score.
• Place the chisel in the center of the scored line.
• Deliver several strong blows to the chisel with the hammer to split the paver.
• Clean up any ragged edges with the chisel and hammer.

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How to cut pavers with a circular saw

Although circular saws are not designed to cut pavers, you can use one with a diamond cutting blade. It will be a dry cut, though, producing a lot of dust. Always wear at least an N-95 mask when dry-cutting concrete pavers, as silica dust is harmful when inhaled. Circular saws can produce straight and curved cuts.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Set the paver on a stable work surface and use clamps to keep it in place.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Set the blade depth to 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
• Start the saw and allow it to get up to full speed.
• Apply steady pressure and guide the saw through the paver.
• Use multiple passes, increasing the blade depth each time until you reach a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch.
• Use a chisel and hammer to split the paver at the cut line from the saw.

How to cut pavers with a wet tile saw

A wet tile saw includes a stationary diamond blade and table with an integrated water spray system to minimize dust. Used for cutting porcelain, stone, ceramic and marble tile, tile saws can also be used to cut straight or curved cuts in concrete pavers. Most tile saws will not be powerful enough to cut stone pavers. This is my preferred method to cut pavers, as I already own a tile saw, and it is quick and easy to make cuts.

• Make sure the water reservoir is full.
• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Place the paver on the saw table and match the marked line to the blade.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• Grasp the paver on each side and guide it into the saw blade until the cut is complete.

How to Cut Pavers with an Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are versatile, powered hand tools that cut, grind and polish materials. With a diamond cutting wheel, you can use an angle grinder to cut concrete pavers, and a diamond blade meant for stone can be used to cut granite blocks.

Most angle grinders cut dry, but some wet-cut models connect to a hose.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line.
• Set the paver on a stable work surface like a workbench and clamp it in place.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask. “And always keep the guard on the angle grinder,” Ricalde says. “It helps keep dust out of your face and protects your hands.”
• Turn on the angle grinder.
• Direct the blade onto the paver at the marked line to begin cutting.
• Lightly score the length of the line across the paver face. “This way, you won’t lose track of it,” Ricalde says.
• With long, back-and-forth movements, guide the blade across the paver.
• When the blade has reached its maximum depth, turn off the angle grinder.
• Hold the paver and hit the side you intend to discard with the hammer to finish the cut.
• Clean up any ragged lines with the angle grinder.

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How to cut pavers with a masonry table saw

Like a wet tile saw, masonry table saws have stronger motors and bigger blades to cut harder materials like stone, concrete, pavers and bricks.

Masonry table saws are useful for cutting straight and curved lines. “We use a table saw on most jobs,” Laterreur says. It’s fast and can make different types of cuts.”

• Fill the reservoir with water or connect a water source to the saw.
• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• Place the paver on the table with the line matched to the blade.
• Guide the paver into the saw blade until the cut is complete.

How to cut pavers with a block splitter

A block splitter is a manual tool that uses hydraulic power to split pavers, bricks and blocks. This method is a quick way to split pavers for a straight cut. Rentals are available at home centers and hardware rental centers.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a dust mask.
• Place the paver on the tray below the blade.
• Set the marked line underneath the top blade.
• If your splitter has a blade adjustment, adjust now for the paver thickness.
• Pull the splitter bar toward the ground to bring the blade to the paver.
• Continue lowering the splitter bar to increase pressure on the paver until the paver splits.

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How to cut pavers with a demolition saw

A demolition saw, also called a cut-off saw, is a handheld, gas-powered saw used to cut masonry. While often used during demolition projects, these saws can also quickly cut pavers in straight and curved lines.

Ricalde recommends renting one, as they’re easily available at any home center.

Demo saws do not have a dust management system, so they produce a lot of dust. Consider using a helper to direct water onto the paver to reduce dust. “It’s a motorized saw, so you can safely use water to keep the dust down,” Ricalde says.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• While your helper directs a stream of water onto the paver, begin cutting at the edge of the marked line.
• Apply steady pressure and guide the saw through the paver.
• Use multiple passes for thick pavers.

Pro-tip: To save time, Ricalde recommends laying your walkway or patio and leaving the edges uncut. Then, mark your cuts and walk along the edge with the demo saw to cut them in place. “This way you don’t have to cut each individual piece,” he says.

About the Experts

• Ricky Laterreur is the owner of Laterreur Landscapes and Gardens in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He offers hardscaping and landscaping services and has over fifteen years of industry experience.
• Paul Ricalde creates home improvement videos on his YouTube channel, Paul’s Toolbox with over 360,000 subscribers. He has over thirty years of experience in construction.