How To Cut Brick Pavers With A Circular Saw

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Brick pavers are an excellent deal for outdoor pavements. I often come across brick pavements as a simple solution for lawn pavements, pool sidewalks, and garden tracks.

If you are looking for an easy guide to learn how to cut brick pavers with a circular saw, then you can follow the step-by-step solution below.

How To Cut Brick Pavers With A Circular Saw

Follow the steps below to cut the brick pavers using a regular circular saw neatly:

Step #1: Collect the Tools Required

Get yourself ready with a working circular saw. Make sure that the wire is long enough to reach the power socket.

Long pieces of wood piled on top of each other

Brick pavers, unlike plywood sheets, cannot be cut using regular saw blades. Hence, getting a diamond masonry blade is better. It is exclusively meant to cut brick pavers. You can learn more about the types of circular saw blades here.

Furthermore, get a measuring tape, wrench, chalk, bucket, and a rubber mallet. If you don’t have a rubber mallet, you can use a simple hammer.

Step #2: Fix the Diamond Masonry Blade

Remove the bolt and the washer to free the regular blade from the saw. Clean the gap to eliminate any dust particles or wood chips from earlier cuttings.

Next, slide the diamond masonry blade in place and reinstall the washer at its original position. Tighten the bolt using a wrench and make sure that it is fixed properly.

Adjust the Depth

Regular circular saws have an adjustment lever or a knob on their side to adjust the depth. However, the position of this lever depends on the model of the saw. Look for the adjustment lever and adjust it at 0.25-inch depth.

It will take more depth to cut through the brick paver using a circular saw. But it is better to start shallow to prevent binding and kicking of the saw blade.

Step #3: Take the Measurement for Cutting

Measure the space where you want to install the brick paver and mark the measurements on all four corners and sides using chalk. You can also use a pencil or a marker, but chalk is better suited for rugged surfaces.

Next, measure the dimensions of the brick paver blocks that you will need to cover the space and determine the number of blocks to be cut.

Take a large bucket and fill up to 3/4th of it with water. Dip the pavers one by one into the bucket to get rid of any dust or dirt and moisten the paver’s surface.

Redraw the marking lines with chalk which might have got lightened due to water, and lay the brick paver on a flat working surface with one of its wide sides facing upwards.

Hand holding a circular saw

Step #4: Cut Using the Saw (on Both Sides)

Hold the saw with a firm grip and turn on the motor, keeping it away from your body or any other thing.

Lower the saw blade gradually on one of the brick paver edges where you had marked the pencil/ chalk line.

Run the saw blade back and forth a few times to get a depth of nearly 0.25-inch on edge.

Flip the brick paver. Again, turn on the saw and repeat the process that you did with the other face of the paver.

Step #5: Increase the Depth and Cut Again

Finally, adjust your saw blade to 0.50-inch depth. Turn on the saw and gradually lower it down to the scoreline on the paver.

Run the saw through the paver while following the scoreline. Keep making the adjustments in the blade depth to 0.25-inch at regular intervals to reach the deepest point.

If your maximum depth is still not able to reach the deepest point, you can align one of the score lines of the paver to your work table. You can refer to this video guide to see how you can cut through a brick paver using a circular saw.

Step #6: Discard the Unwanted Portion of the Paver

Place your paver in such a manner that the portion you want to keep rests on the work table. The unwanted piece of the brick paver will hang from the edge.

Make sure that you have reached the deepest point using the saw, and only the depth that cannot be achieved using the saw is left intact.

Use a rubber mallet to strike down the overhanging portion, or you can also use a hammer.

Hammer

Once you strike down on the unwanted portion of the brick paver, you will be left with a neatly cut paver. You can install this piece on the pavement or patio. Repeat the process for all the brick pavers you want to cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Don’t Circular Blade Manufacturers Provide a Masonry Blade as the Stock One?

Circular saws are utilized for multiple operations, and cutting concrete blocks, pavers, and other ceramics is only one of them.

Moreover, it is not cost-effective for them to provide the diamond masonry blade as a stock one. However, you can always buy one along with your circular saw.

Where Should I Stand While Cutting the Pavers?

Don’t stand behind your saw while making the cuts, as a recoil may result in injuries. It is best to stand in a sidewise position and hold the saw with your right hand. Since pavers are pretty heavy, there are minimal chances of vibrations and slipping.

What Kind of Workbench Should I Use?

You can use any workbench but remember to ensure that it is not misaligned and is perfectly horizontal. Even a regular table will work so long as it is strong enough to bear the weight of the brick paver and handle the impact of the saw.

Table Saw vs Track Saw vs Circular Saw: Which is Best?

Conclusion

There was a time when people hired masons and workers to do jobs like cutting a paver or plywood. However, that’s a thing of the past. Cutting a brick paver involves simple steps like making the markings, preparing the pavers, and using the saw to make precise cuts.

However, to do such operations, always ensure you take proper precautions like wearing safety gear and having a solid grip.

With this guide handy, you don’t need to hire someone to cut brick pavers for you. All that’s left for you to do is pick up your saw and get to cutting.

An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons.