How to Cut Concrete Pavement

Cut concrete pavement sidewalks in Texas and Louisiana

Cutting concrete pavement is a skilled task, but with the right techniques and tools, an avid DIYer just might pull it off. Whether you’re looking to cut a driveway, sidewalk, or other concrete slab, it’s important to learn the proper procedures and safety measures to help make your project a success. Refer to this step-by-step concrete cutting guide to decide if you’re up for the task. If not, it’s best to hire a professional.

Select the Right Time

It’s important to get the timing right before starting your project. For example, if you need to cut a channel in new concrete, don’t rush it. Cutting concrete before it has set completely may lead to raveling or internal cracking. The weather is also a factor. For instance, in hot conditions, cutting can occur as soon as four hours after pouring, whereas waiting up to 12 hours may be necessary in cold weather.

Pick the Proper Tools

When selecting concrete pavement cutting tools, first consider your project’s scale. For industrial-sized jobs where deep, precise cuts are needed, a concrete pavement saw or walk-behind saw equipped with a diamond blade is recommended.

Mark and Prepare the Cutting Area

Properly marking the concrete before cutting ensures accuracy. Use brightly colored chalk to outline your cutting area. If using a wet-cutting blade, use a crayon to prevent the marks from washing away. Ensure your lines are straight and properly placed to achieve clean cuts.

Use the Correct Concrete Pavement Cutting Techniques

In the case of a circular or walk-behind saw, start with shallow scoring cuts and gradually deepen them. This method prevents the saw blade from overheating and minimizes wear. It’s also crucial to allow the weight of the saw to do most of the work, avoiding excessive pressure that could distort the blade or damage the concrete.

Use the wet-cutting method whenever possible. This uses water to cool the diamond blade and minimize dust, which is hazardous if inhaled. For dry-cutting applications, proper dust suppression, such as a dust extraction system, must be set up. Give the blade 30 seconds to cool off at regular intervals to prevent overheating.

Here are some other DIY concrete pavement cutting tips:

Maintaining a firm, two-handed grip, slowly move the cutting saw forward outside the chalk line.
Avoid twisting the blade.
Cut joints one-quarter to one-third of the slab’s thickness.

Concrete Pavement Cutting Safety

To help avoid accidents and injuries when cutting concrete pavement, always:

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including goggles, gloves, ear protection, and a respirator. Steel-toed boots, a long-sleeved shirt, knee pads, and shin guards provide further protection.
Connect electrical tools to a GFCI-protected outlet to prevent electric shock.

Consider Professional Concrete Pavement Cutting

While DIY concrete pavement cutting can be cost-effective, the complexities and risks involved often make professional services a better option, especially for large-scale projects. Ashton Sawing and Drilling LLC has provided top-tier concrete services for over 20 years. We’re recognized as industry leaders across Texas and Louisiana thanks to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Contact us today to discuss our concrete pavement cutting services in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge.