How To Cut Concrete Paving Slabs

Garden paving can upgrade your garden instantly. You can create creative garden patios, cosy seating areas or unique garden paths with concrete paving slabs. The possibilities are endless. Read more about paving ideas in our blog post, ‘9 Creative Block Paving Ideas for Gardens’. 

If you are working on a concrete paving project, then it is likely that you will need to know how to cut the slabs you are working with. There are 4 effective ways to do this, and these are cutting paving slabs with block and slab splitters, cutting slabs with a handheld saw, and cutting concrete with a chisel and hammer and with an angle grinder. We will talk you through each of these methods below… 

How To Cut Concrete Paving Slabs By Hand 

Learn how to cut concrete paving slabs by hand below…

1. Cut paving slabs with block and slab splitters

Cutting concrete paving slabs with block and slab splitters will make it look as though you have hired a professional. 

Tools Needed:

  • Block splitter
  • PPE (glasses and gloves) - read about the importance of PPE in construction and DIY here 
  • Hammer
  • Pencil 
  • Measuring tape

Find all of the tools that you need on the Beesley and Fildes website. All of the tools that we sell are made to the highest standards and supplied at the best possible price. 

Instructions: 

  1. Firstly, you need to prepare the block splitter on a safe and level surface, and ensure you have lots of room to work with.
  2. Take your tape measure and measure the area you are working with, mark on guidelines with a pencil on the slab you intend to cut.
  3. Put the slab into the splitter and lower the handle so that the blade can slice directly through the slab. 
  4. Once the slab has been cut, place it into position and tap it with a hammer until it has been levelled off. 

2. Cut slabs with a handheld saw

Use the tools you already have in your toolbox and shed by cutting concrete slabs with a handheld saw. 

Tools Needed:

  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Work stand 
  • PPE (glasses and gloves)
  • Pencil 
  • Measuring tape 
  • Bucket of water

Instructions:

  1. Gather all materials needed and lay them out. Set up the work stand and adjust it according to the size of the paver you are using. 
  2. Take your tape measure, and measure the size of the space. Grab your pencil and mark up the area where the slab will need cutting.
  3. To make cutting easier and reduce the amount of dust, you can dip the slab into water.
  4. Put the paving slab in a secure position on the work stand, follow the pencil marks and cut through it with the saw. 
  5. Cut until the paving is completely cut through.
  6. Now you can lay the paver and tap it into place using a hammer. 

If you are planning to completely upgrade your outdoor area, then check out Beesley and Fildes's extensive selection of garden and landscaping materials and tools. We have everything you could possibly need…

3. Cut with a chisel & hammer

Bring it back to basics with the oldest, yet easiest method. Use a chisel and hammer for a simple and cheap way to cut concrete paving slabs. 

Tools Needed:

  • Chisel
  • Hammer 
  • PPE (glasses and gloves)
  • Pencil 
  • Measuring tape 

Instructions:

  1. Measure out the space that you want to fill, and mark this around the concrete paving slab with a pencil.
  2. Assemble the hammer and chisel, and cut the slabs. Firmly tape to get a clean, neat finish.
  3. Once the paving slab has been cut to the desired size, tap it into place with a hammer. 

How to cut concrete paving slabs with an angle grinder

If you plan to use an angle grinder, ensure that the blade you are using is a diamond blade that has been specifically designed for stone cutting. Check out this video to learn how to use one if you are a beginner. 

This is an easy and effective way to cut concrete paving slabs, and it is ideal if you are planning an intricate design for the paving area.  

Tools Needed:

  • Angle grinder
  • PPE (glasses, gloves and mask)
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Non-slip mat

Instructions:

  1. Put on all required PPE to keep yourself safe whilst you are working. Also, ensure that the angle grinder has a safety guard around it. 
  2. Measure the size of the slot you need the slab to go into, and then mark this around the paving slab using a pencil. 
  3. Put the slab onto the area you will be cutting it. We recommend using a non-slip mat.
  4. Cut along the tip of the paver, and then the bottom.
  5. Once you have completed the cutting stage, you can slot the paver into place and tap it with a hammer. 


Learn more about paving on our blog. Check out ‘How To Lay Paving Slabs For Your Patio’ and ‘A Guide to Block Paving Patterns’.