Whether you’re after a brand-new patio for sunny summer evenings, neat pathways to zone your garden, or a larger driveway to create an impressive entrance to your property, the right set of paving slabs or outdoor tiles can completely transform the look of your home exterior.
However, a flawless new paving project is always down to putting in the time and attention into the smaller details, such as knowing how to cut your tiles correctly, in order to ensure a perfect fit.
Fortunately, with the right know-how, cutting paving slabs to the size and shape you require is a relatively simple process, provided you also have the right safety and slab-cutting tools for the job.
So, if you want to learn how to cut paving slabs correctly along with what do you use to cut paving slabs, either by hand or using a specialist cutting saw, take a look at our recommended steps below to complete your next outdoor paving project with that sought-after professional finish.
What method should you use when cutting paving slabs?
When it comes to cutting paving slabs of any variety, there are two main methods you can choose from:
- Cutting your slabs by hand using a hammer and chisel.
- Cutting your slabs using a specialised circular saw.
Generally speaking, cutting your slabs by hand is seen as the more traditional method and is best used when working with softer natural stone pavers. The process is simple, but it does require a level of patience and precision for clean cuts.
Alternatively, if you know you’ll need to cut more durable materials - for example, if you’re cutting porcelain slabs - then using a specialised and more powerful circular saw is necessary.
Using this sort of tool allows you to make clean and precise cuts, but more importantly, it will reduce the likelihood that you’ll fracture or break your pavers during the cutting process.
What tools do you need to cut paving slabs?
Regardless of whether you plan to cut your outdoor slabs by hand or with a circular saw, you will need to invest in a variety of essential tools to ensure that the cuts you make are done smoothly, safely and correctly.
These tools include:
- A hammer and chisel (if cutting by hand)
- A diamond-tipped paving circular saw (if following this method)
- A tape measure
- A metal ruler
- A pencil
- Gloves
- Goggles
- A dust mask
- Kneepads
Once you have all of the tools you need, you can then move on to cutting your slabs.
Martello Beige Porcelain Paving
How to cut paving slabs by hand
First off, let’s look at how to cut paving slabs by hand. Again, this is the sort of method you can use if you’re working with softer stone, such as sandstone paving, however, it should only really be used if the cuts you are making follow straight lines:
1. Mark and measure your slab
To begin with, use your tape measure to precisely calculate what area of the slab you’ll need to remove so that it fits perfectly when laid. You can now lightly mark on its surface where exactly you want to make your cut.
2. Score your slab
Next, put on your safety glasses and gloves, take your chisel and score your slab. To do this, hold your chisel upright and use your hammer to gently tap the chisel along your marked line, creating a shallow score about 1-2mm deep.
3. Cut your slab
Finally, having scored your slab, position your paver onto a stable surface with its scored line overhanging the edge. Then strike your chisel along the scored line with your hammer, aiming to break the slab in two along the marked line. If the slab doesn't break cleanly on the first attempt, simply rescore the line a little deeper and then try again.
Remember, patience and precision are key here, and you want to make sure that you don’t damage the rest of your slab as you use your chisel.
How to cut paving slabs with angle grinder
If you know that you’ll require something more than a hammer and chisel to get the job done properly, then a diamond-tipped paving power saw should be your tool of choice.
Perfect for anyone wanting to know how to cut porcelain paving slabs, a power saw like this allows for faster and more precise cutting, at the small cost of having to rent one from your local builder’s merchant or investing in the tool yourself:
1. Measure, mark, and secure your slab
As before, the first thing you need to do when cutting slabs is to mark and measure the cut you want to make on your slab so that it fits securely in place once laid. Once you’re happy with the size and shape of your desired cut, you can then secure your slab in place on a level surface using clamps.
2. Prepare your cutting saw
Next, put on your safety gear and prepare your cutting saw for use by following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, this might mean keeping the saw’s blade wet as you use it, to avoid damaging the blade and your tiles.
3. Make your cut
With a steady hand, guide the saw along the marked line, applying light but firm pressure and letting the saw blade do the work. As with keeping the blade wet, don't force the cut or you may damage your saw or your tiles.
Continue cutting until you’ve moved your saw along the whole of your marked line, and then repeat the cut again until the part of your slab you don’t need falls away.
What is the best way to cut porcelain slabs?
When it comes to dense and durable tiles, there are few options tougher than porcelain slabs. But while this density and durability are great for the long-term health of your outdoor paving, it also makes them trickier to cut than traditional natural stone paving.
Fortunately, cutting porcelain slabs is possible with the right saw. However, you need to make sure that you use a diamond-edged saw that is water-cooled, as porcelain pavers are often more susceptible to damage during the cutting process than other paving materials.
How to reduce the need to cut paving slabs?
Although making some cuts is often unavoidable during the paving process, it is possible to reduce the number of tiles you’ll need to cut by choosing slabs in a range of different sizes.
For example, here at Stone Superstore, we have a variety of paving packs that come in various dimensions to give a traditional paved finish, along with ranges in singular popular sizes like 600x600mm slabs, 900x600mm slabs, and 1200x600mm paving slabs, giving you flexibility to find the perfect size to fit those awkward edges of your new patio or drive.
Classic Sunset Buff Sandstone Paving Pack
Find your perfect outdoor tiles with Stone Superstore
You should now have all the information you need to start cutting your paving slabs and outdoor tiles with confidence. Of course, if you’re still unsure about doing it yourself, then we’d always suggest hiring a professional to do the job for you.
And if you’re on the lookout for new paving slabs or outdoor tiles, we have a range of different options on offer right here. From high-quality marble to more traditional sandstone, we have plenty for you to choose from.
Get in touch today to speak to our friendly team, and don’t forget to order your free tile samples so you can compare your favourite options in person.
