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How to Cut Concrete Stepping Stones
How to Cut Concrete Stepping Stones. Concrete stepping stones are a popular landscaping element and are available in a wide range of shapes, colors and surface designs. Regardless of the layout of your path, the tie-in to a sidewalk or patio will likely require some of the stepping stones to be cut to fit the available space. The basic procedure...
Concrete stepping stones are a popular landscaping element and are available in a wide range of shapes, colors and surface designs. Regardless of the layout of your path, the tie-in to a sidewalk or patio will likely require some of the stepping stones to be cut to fit the available space. The basic procedure for cutting concrete can be adapted to accommodate any style of stepping stone for a safe, accurate cut and a perfect fit.
Things You'll Need
Protective dust mask
Safety glasses
Tape measure
Chalk line or graphite marker
Circular saw
Masonry or carborundum saw blade
Measure the space the concrete stepping stone needs to fit into, and make a small mark with a graphite marker on either edge of the stepping stone to indicate where it needs to be cut. Extend the cutting line across the surface of the stone by connecting the marks using a chalk line or masonry graphite marker.
Set the concrete stepping stone on a flat, sturdy surface. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask.
Attach a masonry blade or carborundum blade to a circular saw and set the cutting depth to 1/2 inch.
Cut into the stone, beginning at one edge and following the cutting line using the circular saw. Push the saw through the stone slowly to prevent overheating.
Adjust the cutting depth on the circular saw to approximately 1 inch and repeat Step 4 to make another, deeper pass over the same cut.
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 as necessary, setting the blade to incrementally deeper settings to complete the cut through the stepping stone.
Tips & Warnings
Making the cuts slowly and gradually deeper helps avoid overworking the circular saw motor and makes a cleaner, more finished-looking cut.
Adding a strip of masking tape or duct tape to cover each of the saw motor's housing vents will prevent the abrasive concrete dust from getting into the saw's internal parts.
Concrete cutting generates an abrasive dust that can be harmful. Safety glasses and breathing protection should be used during the cutting process.
