Cutting Edging Stones: A Step-by-Step Guide
Edging stones are an excellent way to beautify your garden, lawn, or flowerbeds. These stones come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, and can match any landscaping design. If you plan to install edging stones in your outdoor space, cutting them might be necessary to fit them perfectly. In this article, we will share a step-by-step guide on how to cut edging stones.
Why Cut Edging Stones?
Edging stones are typically made of concrete, natural stone, or brick. Regardless of the material, edging stones come in standard sizes, which might not fit your landscaping plan. Additionally, creating curves or rounded designs with straight-edged stones can be challenging. Therefore, cutting edging stones is necessary to achieve the desired shape and size for your landscaping project.
Tools Required for Cutting Edging Stones
Cutting edging stones requires specific tools to achieve a clean, precise cut. Here are the tools you will need:
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Tape measure
- Chalk/marker
- Mason's hammer
- Chisel
- Circular saw with a diamond blade or a masonry blade
- Wet saw
Cutting Edging Stones with a Chisel and Hammer
Cutting edging stones with a chisel and a hammer is a simple process, but it requires physical effort and might not produce a clean edge. Here are the steps:
1. Measure and mark the area of the stone you want to cut with chalk/marker.
2. Put on your safety goggles and dust mask.
3. Score the stone along the marked line using the chisel and hammer. Make sure to score both sides of the stone.
4. Hold the chisel at an angle and tap it gently with the hammer along the scored line to break the stone.
Cutting Edging Stones with a Circular Saw
Cutting edging stones with a circular saw equipped with a diamond or masonry blade produces a clean, precise edge. Here are the steps:
1. Measure and mark the area of the stone you want to cut with chalk/marker.
2. Put on your safety goggles and dust mask.
3. Set the stone on a stable surface and clamp it down.
4. Fit the circular saw with the diamond or masonry blade.
5. Start the saw and gently guide it along the scored line until you complete the cut.
Cutting Edging Stones with a Wet Saw
A wet saw is a power tool designed explicitly for cutting stones and tiles. It produces a clean, precise cut with minimal effort. Here are the steps:
1. Measure and mark the area of the stone you want to cut with chalk/marker.
2. Put on your safety goggles and dust mask.
3. Fill the wet saw's reservoir with water.
4. Place the edging stone on the saw's bed and lock it in place.
5. Turn on the saw and guide the blade along the scored line until you finish the cut.
Conclusion
Cutting edging stones requires specific tools and techniques to produce a precise, clean edge for your landscaping project. Whether you use a chisel and hammer, a circular saw, or a wet saw, make sure to wear safety gear and follow the manufacturer's instructions. With the proper tools and techniques, cutting edging stones is easy and adds a personalized touch to your outdoor space.
