How to Cut Concrete?

Concrete cutting explained.

Concrete cutting is a precise process used to cut concrete and asphalt. Using a specialized diamond saw, skilled operators can make smooth, exact cuts for various applications.

It is essential to understand the benefits and limitations of concrete cutting if you are at home doing a DIY project or an experienced contractor working on a large project.

Here is everything you will learn in this guide:

How do you cut concrete?

Cutting concrete sounds difficult, but the right tools and training make it a straightforward and efficient job.

Step 1 – Determine the scope of your job.

Small jobs require small saws, and large jobs require large saws. It seems very straightforward, but so many people make the mistake of underestimating the scope of their concrete cutting job. As a rule of thumb, slicing through anything over 6 inches should be left to a professional.

Step 2 – Prepare your equipment.

Choose the type of blade you would prefer to use on the job. You can use a dry-cutting diamond blade for small jobs using a circular saw, but you will need a wet cutting diamond blade and saw for larger jobs. For each type of saw, there are different preparations. Dry-cutting diamond blades create a lot of concrete dust that may be an issue, and you will have to use suitable PPE and dust containment measures. Wet-cutting blades require specialized equipment, water supply and slurry disposal. Prepare your equipment before beginning any cutting.

Step 3 – Mark your cutline.

Using a chalk line or chalk, you will want to apply a thick white or blue line that is easily visible. With wet-cutting blades, there will be water over this area, and you do not want to lose this line so apply a thick line. You will want to designate the kept and the removed area.

Step 4 – Set up your cut.

Make sure you are using every possible safety precaution and set up your cut using a guideboard. While your saw is off, set the blade depth to make a shallow cut of no more than ½ inches deep. Using shallow cuts is safer and gives you more control as well as keeping the blade cooler. If you are using a commercial grade, saw you might be able to make larger cuts. Consult the owner’s manual to confirm what your saw can handle.

Step 5 – Cut your concrete.

Complete your job by making guided cuts using a guide board. With smaller saws, you will have to make cuts slowly and let your saw cool down. Larger commercial-grade saws may be able to cut in one go.

Step 6 – Clean up and remove unwanted concrete.

Remove whatever unwanted concrete is left over. You may have to break it up further using a sledgehammer or another tool to remove it. Contractors often use this leftover concrete as fill or recycle it in a concrete recycling facility.

What tools do you need to cut concrete?

The type of tools you need to cut concrete depends on the scope of the job. Commercial concrete cutting requires a more specialized set of tools. In general, here is a list of what you will need:

Chalk line
Circular saw
Cold chisel
Corundum masonry blade
Diamond masonry blade
Dust filtration mask
Extension cord
Gas-powered masonry saw
Hammer
Hearing protection
Safety glasses
Sledgehammer
Tape measure
Wet-cutting masonry saw
Water irrigation hose
Knee pads
Prybar
Steel-toed boots
Duct tape
Drop cloths

What kind of jobs require concrete cutting?

Anytime there is concrete to be partially removed without destroying the slab, you will need to cut concrete. There are thousands of applications, but here is a brief list of the most common.

Asphalt Road Works
Bridgework
Installing or Repairing Sewer or Maintenance lines
Trenching Applications (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Utilities)
Concrete Slab Cutting
Civil Concrete Curb Cutting & Sawing
Residential Home Foundation Alteration (Windows and Door alteration or creation)
Countertops
Residential Landscaping Concrete

Each job requires the right type of equipment, and you must use the right equipment to stay safe.

Should I cut my concrete myself or consult a professional?

The answer to this question will depend on how comfortable you are with difficult DIY jobs. Any job over 6 inches deep should be done by a professional. Suppose you have a smaller job and feel confident in your ability to do it without injury to yourself or your property. In that case, experts still recommend that you ask for advice from an experienced professional.

Bigger and more difficult jobs will require professional experience, training and equipment. Look for a contractor with great reviews and experience.

Final Thoughts

Concrete cutting is a powerful tool in shaping your concrete how you would like it. It is a great tool you can use for thousands of applications. You can cut clean edges with precise, efficient cuts. From big jobs to small talk to an expert and find out precisely what you need.

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Stone Concrete Inc.
Concrete Cutting & Coring Services
9753 62 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0E4

Monday to Friday 7:30am tp 5:00pm