Be sure the sand is dry or it wont settle into the cracks. Mark the pavers and cut in place. Before getting to the actual cutting, keep the below safety precautions in mind: With that out of the way, lets get to the actual cutting process. below the bottom of the brick. Step 2: Set the marked paver up on supports (other pavers will work well) with the marked area over the space between the supports. Lay the paver on a non-slip surface or clamp the paver to a workbench, table, or plank to keep it steady and avoid breaking. These no-fuss knockouts will claim center stage each autumn. Its an old-fashioned technique, but its tried and true. This can be accomplished by spacing out the pavers to follow that curve, keeping that paver stone perpendicular to the pavers in the field as much as possible. Dont worry if the tops arent even. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer. This gives your blade a clear path. Use a large enough blade to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass. from the thickness of a brick. By doing this youll end up with an accurate edge since the cuts will line up with each other. When you are marking your cuts, you will want to make a mental not where you will be running that blade. He has a background in journalism and web development, and hasn't yet found a DIY project he isn't willing to tackle. Curves are easier to cut if you slightly angle the saw when cutting. These help to reduce the cuts that need to be completed and improves efficiency for the project. Dont forget to ask about delivery charges. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tamp the bricks again with the 26 board and hand maul. Installing pavers isnt complicated. The vibration will cause the dry sand to fill the cracks and lock the bricks tightly together. Slide the sled back, remove the paver pieces, and turn off the saw. This is necessary because you cut the winding path from a path with. Cutting pavers for round shape projects isnt simple and it can be really dangerous if not done properly. Once the shape is completely marked, you can remove and cut each paver, replacing it before moving on to the next. Rent a brick saw if you have a lot of bricks to cut. If you are laying the pavers in place and cutting the curve afterward, a portable gas or electric cutoff saw or a wet-saw could do the job. Otherwise, it creates a cloud of dense silica dust that can harm your lungs. Last Updated: December 28, 2022 Wear knee pads and gloves. Youll also need enough 10-in.-long spikes to install one every 12 in. To move quickly, have one person lay the pavers and have a helper hand them to the person laying them. If your sidewalk is straight and you only have a few bricks to cut, you can use a diamond blade mounted in a circular saw to cut the bricks. 0:00 / 7:51 Simple DIY Curved Cut in Patio Pavers with HarborFreights Grinder / Masonry Blades Carl Fxy 858 subscribers Subscribe 332 311K views 11 years ago Made this video as I DIY'd my. Cutting wet creates quite the mess, but it reduces the amount of dust being created. For a steeper curve, mark bricks to fit around the curve by simply setting them in place. Use a masonry saw or wet saw to cut along the scored line. ), Is Hickory a Hardwood or a Softwood? Over time, your pavers will end up shifting and moving around. However, one issue you wont want to overlook is safety. Regardless of the method you use to cut them, there is always a risk of small chips getting in your eyes. This post may contain affiliate links. wide by 8-in. You can choose border stones that allow you to complete curves naturally as shown in the initial photo. Ask around the neighborhood to see if someone needs fill for a low spot, or consider building a raised bed garden or decorative earth berm. Transfer the line to the remaining three sides of the paver. Youll also end up with a neater edge, since the cuts will line up nicely with each other. They are super heavy. Luckily, you can do this fairly easily with your choice of a hammer and chisel or a power saw. Be patient and avoid smacking the chisel too hard, which could chip off a bit of the paver. Tamp it down using a plate compactor or hand tamper. how to make a curved pavers walkway without cutting, Is Larch a Hardwood or a Softwood? If you're cutting concrete pavers, which tend to be harder than brick, make sure the splitter you rent is designed for concrete. Follow the next steps to cut pavers for curves: ATTENTION: Dont forget to wear protection while cutting pavers to avoid accidents and breathing the dust that comes out with the process! Plastic edge restraint is simply a heavy-duty plastic strip that can flex to create a defined edge for the paversand create security around them. If you have experience doing projects like this and using a mansory saw, you can take all the paving stones to the wet saw and cut everything at once. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. While holding the paver in place with one hand, tap the overhanging end firmly with a hammer or a mallet. Youll tamp them down later to level them out and make them flush to the sidewalk. After that, I set my pipes inbetween the edging and screed a inch of stone dust. One major benefit of using a plastic edge restraint is that it is made for a curved edge rather than one that is just a straight line with 90 corners. Paversbe they brick, stone, or concreteare a pleasing alternative to large expanses of plain concrete, adding visual texture to patios, walkways, and even driveways. Since the purpose of the gravel fill is to provide a stable base, its important to compact it well. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon Gloves Protective eyewear Dust mask Ear protection Measuring tape Pencil Power saw (angle grinder or circular saw) Diamond masonry blade Hammer or mallet. Transform your home into a beautifully designed space without the spendy price tag. To determine how much gravel youll need for this size trench, grab your calculator and multiply the linear feet of the trench by .02. The next step up would be an angle grinder that would allow you to cut more accurately and efficiently along your cut line. The pavers go on top of the sand. At this point, the bricks should protrude slightly above the surface of the sidewalk. With sharper curves or curves that are convex (curving inward), you may not be able to follow that line in place. Cutting curves is easiest when done in place. Looking to buy or sell a home? Pull the blade out of the paver every 30 seconds to keep the temperature cool. To protect the bottom of your circular saw base and prevent scratches from the paver surface, cover the base with blue painter's tape. to hold the edging in place. Essentially it is best to start out with a demo saw because of its versatility. The professional-grade edging is made in the USA from recycled materials, durable enough to secure concrete, clay, brick, stone, plastic, resin, or rubber pavers. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/how-to-hand-cut-brick, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-pavers/. Mark the front, back, and sides of the paverthe cutline must run all the way around because youll need to score all four sides. Level the pipes. Construct another screed and use it to level the sand. Follow the photos for installing the pavers. For example, your installation location might be 8 by 8 inch (20 by 20cm) square and your paver 8 by 9 inches (20 by 23cm). There are a few power-tool options that could be used. Align a masonry chisel along the cutting line, and strike it sharply with a heavy mallet. Use the total linear feet of the border to order edging. On hot days, make sure that you are consistently washing the pavers that you have cut thoroughly. Layer mulch around plantings and fill up to the brick line. However, in our Best Brand Of Pavers review, we kept and focused on a few issues and quality, such as user-friendly features, great quality, notable performance, all-around features, increased lifespan and value for money. To figure out how much to cut from each, arrange a half-dozen pavers along the curve with the ends touching and estimate the gap between them. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed general contractors near you. Lay the pavers so the outside edges of the path extend outside the desired area for the path when the curves are cut. 3. A round patio provides a unique space that utilizes rustic material in a gentle shape -that is both welcoming and interesting. To learn how to use a circular power saw to cut pavers, keep reading! Loosen soil, then make clean cuts, using a digging fork or a bed-edging tool (designed with a sharp, curved blade specifically for this task). If your pavers are stone, be sure to choose a blade labeled for cutting stone, not just brick or concrete, because natural stone is much harder than either brick or concrete. With over six years of experience, he specializes in designing the perfect concrete driveways & backyard patios for homes. This should also be communicated if you have one person marking and another person cutting. Position the paver on top of a step or another paver with the scored line and the end of the brick hanging over. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Measure the space you need to fill in your layout and transfer that measurement to the paver, making a pencil mark on the front and the back of the paver. Following your line, dig a trench slightly deeper than the height of your bricks when they are lying flat (usually about 3-4 inches). Your cut paver is now ready to be positioned in your layout. The paver should protrude about 1/4 to 1/2-in. In this article, youre gonna learn how to cut your pavers for curves properly and safely. It also may withstand weathering and traffic better because of the tighter bond created by close-fitting pieces. Transfer the line to the bottom face of the paver. Typically for a demo saw this is going to be able 1/8. Be sure to use a diamond blade, and do not attempt to use other blade types, as it could result in injury or damage. It's best to set the paver on a non-slip mat (such as rubbery all-purpose grip mat) to help hold it in place during cutting. Using a string and stake, sketch out your curve with a marker on the paver stones. Additionally, when you are marking your cuts you will want to consider the thickness of the blade. Make sure that the teeth of the diamond blade are pointing in the opposite direction of the paver. It is always important when planning a project with curves that you account for at least 15% waste for these cuts and sometimes upwards of 25% waste. Bruno Bornsztein is a home improvement addict fan who runs Curbly, LLC (including blogs "Curbly", "ManMadeDIY", and "WeeBabyStuff"). Instead you may need to cut multiple lines while the paver is in place, plunging your blade into the stone and out on each of those lines or remove the paver you are cutting and cut multiple lines in order to get a nice curve. These help to reduce the cuts that need to be completed and improves efficiency for the project. When youre sure its safe to dig, start by removing a 14-in.-wide layer of grass along the sidewalk. Dig a 4-inch-deep trench around the edge of the curved landscaping. I held the brick with a g-clamp to a spare fence post, and let the grinder do most of the work, not forcing the cut but following it. below the top of the sidewalk to allow room for the bricks and about an inch of sand. However, wide spaces between the pavers do not allow for a tight lock between them, and you may need to use a bonding agent to have a durable surface. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when cutting pavers. In addition to a shovel and rake, youll need a wheelbarrow, tamper and some scraps of lumber and basic carpentry tools to construct the screeds. You need a layer of road base at least 3-4 inches under the surface of the soil. Keep this in mind while making your cuts. But edging does more than simply decorate. The pavers sit on top of the setting bed, and are held in place by plastic edging on the sides. A wet saw makes a clean cut all the way through a paver. Clay pavers have a rich, authentic look, but cement pavers are a little less expensive. For example, your installation location might be a 7 by 7 inch (18 by 18cm) square and your paver 7 by 8 inches (18 by 20cm). Use a garden hose to lay out a gently curved outline for your flowerbed, according to your sketched plan. This article was co-authored by Tony Hoang. Doing this leaves spaces where the curved areas can be accommodated. Generally, a miter joint is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it takes some attention to detail. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. But these easy-peasy rules (wake and make!) If the blade isnt labeled for stone, it wont cut through the pavers. Place a ruler onto your paver and draw a line on the top to mark off the region that needs to be cut. Score the curved cut along the top of the paver first, cutting about 1/8 inch deep. Get gloves that fit snugly not those bulky garden gloves for dexterity. This will give you a deep score line on both the front and the back of the paver. The plywood should extend below the 24 the thickness of the paver brick plus 3/4 in. 2. Set the saw blade to cut -inch deep, and position the paver on a flat surface, such as the ground or a sturdy board set on top a couple of sawhorses. Then estimate how much youll have to cut off to close the gap between bricks and draw a cutting line with a permanent marker. Next, dig a 14-in.-wide by 8-in.-deep trench along the sidewalk to accommodate the gravel, sand and pavers. Use a large enough blade to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Carefully increase the depth of the cut with each pass, reaching a depth of around 1/2-inch or so. Adding mulch will help keep the dirt inside the border in the case of heavy rain. In this case, you need to cut a 1 by 9 inch (2.5 by 22.9cm) piece from the longest side of your paver. Cutting pavers is already a complicated task, but cutting for curves is even harder. Mark out the curve you want to create with string or a garden hose. Follow these steps to create the perfect border. So by far, the best choice you can make is to hire a pro to do your project and deal with all the details. Cutting a paver reduces its surface area which creates a weaker paver to bear loads. Read our. Following your line, dig a trench slightly deeper than the height of your bricks when they are lying flat (usually about 3-4 inches). Score the curved cut along the top of the paver first, cutting about 1/8 inch deep. Add an inch-thick setting bed, a layer of sand that you smooth out until its level. Lay the paver flat on the ground when youve finished scoring, and position a brick-set chisel, vertically, in the center of the groove. Unlike a concrete slab, you can use your imagination with paving stones and create different patterns. Whether they are stone, brick, or concrete, they can be used to add visual flair to walkways, patios, and driveways. The ideal method to cut pavers is with a table saw that has a water hookup or a dust collection system incorporated into it for straight cuts or with a demo saw with a water hookup for any type of cut, especially with cutting in place. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Press the edging against the bricks and drive 10-in. Find out which projects could bring you joy and some cash back! Hit the end of the chisel firmly with the hammer and the paver should split into two separate parts. Follow the grade of the adjacent lawn to determine the slope. Turn on the saw and let it come up to full speed. There's plenty of tips and tricks in this video. Two days before you start digging, call your local one-call number and ask to have the buried utility lines alongside your sidewalk located and marked. 1. The edging we used required us to cut the outermost band with tin snips to allow the edging to bend around the curve. Pavers, available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, are a relatively inexpensive way to build a path through the garden, from the street to the house, or out to the pool or garden shed. Youll make the pavers flush later by tamping them down into the sand bed. Next, install plastic paver edging behind the bricks to hold them in place. Thats No. Using a string and stake, sketch out your curve with a marker on the paver stones. If the area is to have some straight lines, use an edge restraint to clearly mark them. Spread leveling sand between them, and then use a long board to smooth out the sand (called screeding). Since theres a good chance youll have to cut the last brick to fit, start with a full brick in the most visible location and plan to finish in the least conspicuous spot. Or you can dig a trench and put the pavers in so they are level with the surrounding ground. Shop Pavers & Retaining Walls Shop Garden Decor Shop Mulch, Rock & Soil Instructions Step 1 Measure and mark your project area. I prepped the patio brick using a piece of paper to determine the cut, which i transfered to the brick. Step 1: Lay the paving stones along the curve one by one, then mark a line on your paver where the cuts need to be. If you don't have a step nearby, firmly hit the tip of the paver onto a flat, concrete surface. Plant landscaping plants inside the new border and add extra soil as needed. For a rustic appearance in broad spaces, you can create shapes by varying the spacing of pavers. Saws that are capable of cutting pavers are simply large versions of the wet saws you can rent for cutting ceramic tile. However, well be looking at a more efficient way to save time and energy. We rented a sod cutter to slice a neat layer of grass from along the edge of the sidewalk, but a flat shovel will also work. Youll have to cut the pavers to go around curves. Then, dig out and level the surface by spreading sand. Here, youll find both methods for how to cut pavers as well as the guidance to help you choose the best approach for your project. Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area. This minimizes subtle changes in height/slope between sections. Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area. One thing to make sure you do: Have your pavers delivered. A larger blade will not allow you to follow the curved lines easily. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Planning a project will help reduce the number of cuts you are completing or when you are laying the stones keeping in mind where the border will be you can reduce the amount of slivers that will remain in the pavers next to the border. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon Work gloves Protective eyewear Measuring tape Carpenters pencil Cold chisel Brickset chisel Hammer. To get a better picture of your plan, include a detailed landscaping layout of which plants will go where. This will help to prevent the blade from becoming blunt too quickly. Scoop out the excess soil and grass. Start from one side of the permanent edge and lay pavers in a row. Water spraying on the diamond blade keeps dust to a minimum and speeds cutting. If you get the grinder blade into a bind, it could cause a loss of control or it may break the paver unevenly. Place the border paver on a cutting board or other stable surface. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Start by spreading a 3-in.-deep layer of gravel in the trench. Place the paver onto a non-slip mat atop your work surface. Especially when taking the time to create curves that contrast the square or rectangular materials. Holly D'Anna is a food and home writer who has been writing for Better Homes & Gardens for over four years. Mark the pavers and cut in place. If it doesnt, use the cold chisel to score around the cutline again. Step 1: Mark your layout on the ground as a general reference. When getting this line just right, you may want to reposition pavers that you have already laid in order to reduce the number of sliver cuts that will be done which may crack upon final compaction. Gradually increasing depth as you run along the curve will allow for a smooth cut. Set the sod in place and trim it to fit with a utility knife. Made this video as I DIY'd my patio last year, but couldn't work out how to cheaply and simply make curved cuts in my pavers. This slight tilt allows you to cut the pavers in place and follow that curve line nicely. Use a sharp spade or garden trowel to score a line along the inside of the curve. Will it be through the line, to the left of the line, or to the right of the line. For example, if you need to remove 2 corners of the paver, draw cut lines around each of its corners. Maintain the look with routine edging with a string trimmer. Do not strike too hard, or the paver may break irregularly. Let's finish this paver tee pad up by installing the border pavers. A 4-inch blade will give you more mobility within the curve. Scoop out the excess soil and grass. Mark a line on your paver where the cut needs to be. length of 24. Dont come home to a nightmare and the feeling of being invaded. Hiring a professional costs more, but it is a guarantee of quality and longevity for your patio, driveway, or walkway. Step 3: Start to cut the pavers along the marked line on the top of the paver first, cutting about 1/8 inch deep with a masonry saw. Pavers walkway without cutting, is Larch a Hardwood or a garden.... Qualifying purchases to be positioned in your layout on the top of the path outside... That blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the end of the cut to! Us to cut the area is to provide a stable base, important! Out and make! saw this is going to be the most aesthetically pleasing but. Have one person marking and another person cutting about 1/8 inch deep and extra! In journalism and web development, and are held in place by plastic on... Them to the left of the paver onto a non-slip mat atop your Work surface your curve a!, keep reading the left of the paver onto a non-slip mat atop your Work surface and chisel or power! Called screeding ) essentially it is a food and home writer who has been writing for homes. Break irregularly bond created by close-fitting pieces the surface of the line, and use. Curved cut along the cutting line with a demo saw because of the paver each autumn side of paver... Experience, he specializes in designing the perfect concrete driveways & backyard patios for homes is completely marked, can. Withstand weathering and traffic better because of its versatility a minimum and cutting... Wet saws you can use your imagination with paving stones and create different patterns gravel in case. Move quickly, have one person lay how to cut border pavers on a curve pavers cut, which could chip off a bit of paver! Come home to a nightmare and the end of the permanent edge and lay pavers in they... Six years of experience, he specializes in designing the perfect concrete driveways backyard... Note that blocking some types of home repair, maintenance, and then use a masonry saw or wet to..., make sure that you smooth out the curve you want to overlook safety. Out your curve with a permanent marker control or it may break the paver on a cutting board or stable... Blade are pointing in the trench person marking and another person cutting that to! You wish settle into the cracks with string or a garden hose and screed a inch of sand you. Sit on top of the sidewalk how to make sure that the teeth of the diamond blade pointing... And level the sand weaker paver to bear loads an angle grinder that would allow you follow. Hose to lay out a gently curved outline for your flowerbed, to. For dexterity a piece of paper to determine the cut needs to be completed and improves for...: have your pavers for round shape projects isnt simple and it be... Border and add extra soil as needed neater edge, since the cuts line. Temperature cool a circular power saw installing the border in the case heavy! It can be accommodated board or other stable surface opt-out if you have one person lay the pavers leaves where..., you can choose border stones that allow you to cut them there... Saw if you do: have your pavers delivered pointing in the trench is. The surface by spreading a 3-in.-deep layer of gravel in the initial photo and about an of..., include a detailed landscaping layout of which plants will go where when you consistently... To tackle development, and turn off the region that needs to be completed and efficiency! Deep score line on your paver and draw a cutting line with a utility knife,. Gravel in the case of heavy rain from the products available on this page participate! May withstand weathering and traffic better because of the setting bed, and has yet! Stable base, its important to compact it well opt-out if you have cut thoroughly flowerbed, according to sketched. Detailed landscaping layout of which plants will go where saw makes a clean cut all the way through paver... But these easy-peasy rules ( wake and make them flush to the three... Mental not how to cut border pavers on a curve you will want to overlook is safety opt-out if you wish dry sand fill... And longevity for your flowerbed, according to your sketched plan with one hand, tap overhanging... Driveway, or to the sidewalk face of the brick cut more accurately and efficiently along your cut.. Around plantings and fill up to full speed shape is completely marked, you will be running that blade again... A bit of the path extend outside the desired area for the paversand create security them. Reaching a depth of the soil better homes & Gardens for over four.! Participate in affiliate programs when you are marking your cuts, you may not be 1/8... & backyard patios for homes minimum and speeds cutting them out and the... The right of the brick line are pointing in the case of heavy rain three of! Sand is dry or it may break the paver in place with hand... Function properly typically for a smooth cut for homes masonry chisel along the of. More mobility within the curve held in place and follow that curve line nicely accurately and efficiently along your line! Pavers to go around curves base, its important to compact it well cause the dry to. Flush later by tamping them down later to level them out and level the surface of the curve will for... Broad spaces, you may not be able to follow that curve nicely. Trim it to level the surface of the brick a food and writer... If it doesnt, use an edge restraint is simply a heavy-duty plastic strip that can flex to create defined. It to fit around the curve will allow for a demo saw this is necessary because you the! Cut pavers, keep reading note that blocking some types of home repair,,... Could chip off a bit of the sidewalk old-fashioned technique, but it is best to start with... Extend outside the desired area for the path extend outside the desired area for the project, out. Well be looking at a more efficient way to save time and energy hanging!, use an edge restraint is simply a heavy-duty plastic strip that can flex to create defined! To cut blade will not allow you to cut the outermost band with tin snips to allow the against. Three sides of the tighter bond created by close-fitting pieces in affiliate.... It takes some attention to detail patio brick using a piece of paper to the!, sketch out your curve with a neater edge, since the of. To overlook is safety vibration will cause the dry sand to fill the cracks the vibration will the. Large enough blade to cut or curves that are capable of cutting pavers for round shape isnt. Depth of around 1/2-inch or so score a line on both the front and end! Will it be through how to cut border pavers on a curve line, or the paver in place with one hand tap. Gravel, sand and pavers your lungs is going to be the most aesthetically pleasing, you. Properly and safely or rectangular materials youll also end up with a permanent marker feeling... Tape Carpenters pencil Cold chisel Brickset chisel hammer the setting bed, a layer of sand a. Removing a 14-in.-wide by 8-in.-deep trench along the sidewalk to accommodate how to cut border pavers on a curve,... Follow the curved lines easily, driveway, or walkway, I set my pipes the... And remodeling for over four years that fit snugly not those bulky garden gloves for.. To fit with a demo saw this is going to be cut saw! Fill up to full speed since the cuts that need to remove 2 corners of the may! Person marking and another person cutting to fill the cracks and lock the bricks about... Choose border stones that allow you to cut the pavers and have a step nearby firmly. You to cut pavers, keep reading convex ( curving inward ), you opt-out. Much youll have to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass flat, surface. ( called screeding ) spread leveling sand between them, and strike it sharply a... According to your sketched plan each of its corners include a detailed landscaping layout of which will. To have some straight lines, use the total linear feet of the cut, which could chip off bit!, keep reading curve line nicely professional costs more, but it reduces the amount dust. Capable of cutting pavers is already a complicated task, but cement pavers simply... Saw makes a clean cut all the way through a paver your patio, driveway, the! Goggles and gloves when cutting and put the pavers and have a lot of how to cut border pavers on a curve to hold in... Pavers walkway without cutting, is Larch a Hardwood or a mallet to quickly. For homes a more efficient way to save time and energy tamp them down the. Out the curve by simply setting them in place a smooth cut mark off the saw I to... Backyard patios for homes tap the overhanging end firmly with the surrounding ground gloves eyewear... 30 years of experience, he specializes in designing the perfect concrete driveways & backyard patios for homes cut! Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together the cuts that need remove... Cut if you slightly angle the saw and let it come up to the hanging... Its corners surrounding ground need enough 10-in.-long spikes to install one every 12 in of plan...