how to cut border pavers on a curve

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. If you're cutting concrete pavers, which tend to be harder than brick, make sure the splitter you rent is designed for concrete. Use a large enough blade to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass. When using brick, stone, or concrete pavers to build a patio, driveway, or walkway, it is almost inevitable that you will need to cut some pavers to fit the layout. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Plus: Check out these unexpected materials used for landscape borders. Score the curved cut along the top of the paver first, cutting about 1/8 inch deep. With curves that are not sharp and concave (curving outward), you can tilt your saw slightly outward (towards the border). Generally, a miter joint is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it takes some attention to detail. As you tap, the chisel will score a groove in the paver. Curves are easier to cut if you slightly angle the saw when cutting. Youll also end up with a neater edge, since the cuts will line up nicely with each other. Since the purpose of the gravel fill is to provide a stable base, its important to compact it well. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Additionally, cutting dry without a vacuum system is illegal in many areas. Be mindful of this as you cut and work on the job site. of 3/4-minus crushed limestone. Do not strike too hard, or the paver may break irregularly. Make a full straight cut that is tangential to (touching) the scored line, and break off the bulk of the waste. yds. Step 2: Mark the pavers that run along the border of your space. Plastic edge border restraint. 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. Brick splitters typically do not work with stone pavers. Dont attempt to cut the full depth on your first pass, that will create straight lines instead of a curve. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer. Power saws should always be handled with care in order to avoid injuries. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Its usually cheaper and easier to simply order bags of sand rather than have a small quantity delivered. 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. Make sure you budget enough time, and add a day for surprises or bad weather. 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. Then pull the bricks up, numbering the bottoms as you go. % of people told us that this article helped them. So, lets talk about cutting pavers for curves with the versatile, easy-to-use angle grinder. Even professional masons use this method to cut pavers in a pinch, and its your only option if you dont have access to electrical power on the site of your project. You can take them all to the wet saw and make a bunch of cuts at once. Youll also need a 1-in. Removing this slurry is not easy and it requires a chemical wash if it solidifies to the surface of the pavers. Once you are happy with the line, you can begin to cut the pavers with a demo saw. Scoop out the excess soil and grass. down to a powder (called 3/4-in.-minus). If you dont have any experience doing this, you can cut the pavers one by one or call a professional to do the project for you. You can then hammer along the cutline groove to separate the paver into 2 pieces. Set a paver on the screeded sand to test the depth. 1. Tony Hoang is a Landscaper and the Principal at H&J Landscaping & Concrete Contractor in Newark, CA. 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. By doing this youll end up with an accurate edge since the cuts will line up with each other. Cutting in place-In depth how-to for cutting a soldier course for Paver Patios 25,247 views Sep 30, 2017 158 Dislike Share Fertilawn 44 subscribers Here's how I, and many professionals,. Take time to be cautious while working with the pavers not only will you get better results, but you may prevent injury and have less material waste. Its also a good idea to wear ear protection because the cutting process is quite loud. Last Updated: December 28, 2022 Always wear protective goggles and gloves when cutting pavers. On a budget, you can use a hammer and a chisel to work around the paver along the line that you are cutting until the paver breaks at that line. These help to reduce the cuts that need to be completed and improves efficiency for the project. Divide the linear feet of the border by 5 to determine how many 50-lb. If your grass is in good shape, slice it off carefully so you can use it to patch in along the new border. To do this, you will need to lay your pavers past where the border will end so that you can place your border pavers on top to perfect that line where you will cut. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/more/how-to-hand-cut-brick, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-pavers/. This will give you a deep score line on both the front and the back of the paver. Here you can change your privacy preferences. 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. Plus, if you add up the cost of your hours, you will not be surprised to find out its cheaper to hire a pro since youre gonna take more time to do it by yourself. Once you know your measurements, use a straight edge to mark cutlines onto all 4 sides of your paver. To determine how much gravel youll need for this size trench, grab your calculator and multiply the linear feet of the trench by .02. If the area is to have some straight lines, use an edge restraint to clearly mark them. One way to make a nice, smooth curve is to run a flexible hose in the shape you want, and trace along with a carpenters pencil, chalk, or masonry crayon. Otherwise, it creates a cloud of dense silica dust that can harm your lungs. This provides the same results with a little more accuracy and efficiency. To make the work easier, you can use strings and stakes to sketch out your curve with a marker on the paver stones. We first begin without water and scoring the line so that the line does not disappear when we move through it with the water on. After that, I set my pipes inbetween the edging and screed a inch of stone dust. Next, dig a 14-in.-wide by 8-in.-deep trench along the sidewalk to accommodate the gravel, sand and pavers. National Cancer Institute. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. Spread leveling sand between them, and then use a long board to smooth out the sand (called screeding). You can choose border stones that allow you to complete curves naturally as shown in the initial photo. Give your flowerbed a clean and polished border with an edging of brick pavers, which has a classic look, is relatively inexpensive, and is fairly easy to install. 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. When putting down your base and setting bed, work in big segments, not little ones. Level the pipes. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. This means youll dig a 14 in. Slope bricks alongside steps to make an attractive transition. Set your pavers in the pattern you prefer, overlapping your ground marks enough to make the actual cut marks on. A curved path draws and entices you to follow it. Whether they are stone, brick, or concrete, they can be used to add visual flair to walkways, patios, and driveways. Thats No. 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. Open Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Dont come home to a nightmare and the feeling of being invaded. Step 2: Set the marked paver up on supports (other pavers will work well) with the marked area over the space between the supports. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. But edging does more than simply decorate. Construct another screed and use it to level the sand. While pavers are fairly do-it-yourself-friendly, youll probably have to cut some to fit your layout. For a rustic appearance in broad spaces, you can create shapes by varying the spacing of pavers. Installing pavers isnt complicated. If you'd like to learn more about pavers, check out our in-depth interview with Tony Hoang. You can also use a. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Fit your power saw with a diamond masonry blade designed to cut thepavers youre installing. 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. 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. Youll make the pavers flush later by tamping them down into the sand bed. You can also clamp the paver to your work surface, if desired. But in most cases, you'll have to cut them to size to accommodate your design. of fill and drag a screed across the top to create a surface thats parallel to the top of the sidewalk. All standard cutting methods work for straight cuts, but for curved cuts, use a circular saw or angle grinder. wide by 8-in. Cut and install several pavers, then repeat the process until the curved section is complete. Step 3: Time to cut the pavers. Youll tamp them down later to level them out and make them flush to the sidewalk. Mark the cutting line across the top face of the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge. below the bottom of the brick. As a last resort, you can rent a 10-cu.-yd. Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area. Saws that are capable of cutting pavers are simply large versions of the wet saws you can rent for cutting ceramic tile. length of 24. 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. Afterward, turn the paver over and draw a line on the bottom parallel to the first one. Use a large enough blade to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass. Following the curved outline, dig a shallow trench so the flat-laid bricks will rest just above the existing soil. Select a blade designed for cutting stone if you are working with stone pavers or it won't cut through them properly. will make you feel like they do. Home Outdoors Yard & Garden Structures Paths. 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. Position the paver on the base of the tool so the marked line is aligned with the splitter's cutting edge. This dust will need to be blown off the surface of these areas to avoid causing a further mess. There is nothing like the rugged beauty of a patio or walkway built with pavers. Then, you need to cover the road base with sand. Use a sharp spade or garden trowel to score a line along the inside of the curve. Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Mark the cutting line on the top face of the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge. No, you really don't want to do this. Since every project is unique, it is really common to cut pavers in order to fit them in the chosen layout. Use a masonry saw or wet saw to cut along the scored line. thick, but other sizes are available. Most pavers are 2 3/8 or thicker so you will want to ensure you purchase a grinder that is able to cut that depth in one pass. 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! Luckily, you can do this fairly easily with your choice of a hammer and chisel or a power saw. Align a masonry chisel along the cutting line, and strike it sharply with a heavy mallet. Clay pavers have a rich, authentic look, but cement pavers are a little less expensive. This post may contain affiliate links. These cookies do not store any personal information. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Follow these steps to create the perfect border. This minimizes subtle changes in height/slope between sections. Use a garden hose to lay out a gently curved outline for your flowerbed, according to your sketched plan. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Protect your eyes from the small chips that will inevitably fly when cutting pavers by wearing protective goggles. The paver should protrude about 1/4 to 1/2-in. How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio, How to Install Pavers Over a Concrete Patio, Renew Your Concrete Patio: How to Stain Concrete, Patio Tiles: How to Build a Patio With Ceramic Tile, How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall Material, Build a Circular Patio and Retaining Wall, Fountain: How to Build a Concrete Fountain, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Cutting with saws creates a lot of dust, some of which may be carcinogenic. And cutting or chiseling masonry can send shards of material toward your eyes. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Use the total linear feet of the border to order edging. Lay the pavers beyond the main body of your installation and into the border area. Tamp it down using a plate compactor or hand tamper. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Start from one side of the permanent edge and lay pavers in a row. The rugged materials will allow space for some variance in perfection. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it: 1. This gives your blade a clear path. Your blade should be a diamond blade that is rated for the hardness of the stone that you will be cutting. Only spread as much gravel base and leveling sand as you think you can cover with pavers in a day (you dont want it getting rained on). If your project has curves, dont forget to add, at least, 5% more pavers when buying it. Doing this leaves spaces where the curved areas can be accommodated. Start by scraping the extra sand out from behind the bricks so the edging will rest on the compacted fill. Next, install plastic paver edging behind the bricks to hold them in place. If it doesnt, use the cold chisel to score around the cutline again. Alternatively, you can purchase a small battery powered cut off saw or step up to the most efficient and versatile demo saw / cut off saw that is 12 or larger. Always wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting any type of paver. For our project, which was a total of 60 linear feet, we ordered 1-1/4 cu. 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). Transfer the line to the remaining three sides of the paver. To learn how to use a circular power saw to cut pavers, keep reading! Then, gently tap your 1-inch wide cold chisel with a hammer until you have a 1/16 inch groove along the entire cutline. to hold the edging in place. This article has been viewed 37,054 times. When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. References. Follow the photos for installing the pavers. However, one issue you wont want to overlook is safety. Cutting curves is easiest when done in place. below the top of the sidewalk to allow room for the bricks and about an inch of sand. Push the sled slowly and steadily toward the blade until the blade cuts through the paver. Finish with multiple cuts to pare down the remaining waste to the curved line. Mark your line with spray paint, flour, or sand. Next, spread a layer of sand a little deeper than 1 in. The water mixed with the dust will create a slurry that will harden to the surface of the pavers if not rinsed off. You can always clean up the curve with the grinder if there are any sharp or jagged portions. To move quickly, have one person lay the pavers and have a helper hand them to the person laying them. Using a string and stake, sketch out your curve with a marker on the paver stones. trash bin. Place the border paver on a cutting board or other stable surface. 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 make the process easier for you, in this video, we'll be showing you how to. Dig a Trench. Being creative with shapes and textures can transform an ordinary outdoor area into a unique and beautiful space. Place the paver onto a non-slip mat atop your work surface. Place the paver on the saw sled, making sure it is resting fully against the back lip of the sled. Make sure that the teeth of the diamond blade are pointing in the opposite direction of the paver. One thing to make sure you do: Have your pavers delivered. Its not necessary to cut the sides. over the compacted base. How To Cut & Install Curved Border Pavers The Christian Hardscaper 9.52K subscribers Subscribe 0 Share 3 views 4 minutes ago #pavers #concrete #howto Let's finish this paver tee pad up. Regardless of the method you use to cut them, there is always a risk of small chips getting in your eyes. Turn on the saw and let it come up to full speed. Order gravel that ranges in size from 3/4 in. Without the vacuum system, dust will settle on surfaces all around the job site and into neighboring yards. Its also a good idea to wear gloves when handling pavers because they can quickly wear down the skin on your fingertips. This gives your blade a clear path. In some cases, you may have to remove an additional strip of sod alongside the steps and regrade the soil slightly so the lawn lines up with the edge of the bricks, but its a neat-looking solution thats worth the extra effort. Map out the area The area where the pavement should be placed needs to be clearly marked. Avoid hitting the chisel too hardyou might break off too much of the paver. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. If your layout calls for relatively few cut pavers, you can do this work with a masonry chisel and hammer. Paversbe they brick, stone, or concreteare a pleasing alternative to large expanses of plain concrete, adding visual texture to patios, walkways, and even driveways. 2. Be sure to use a diamond blade specifically designed for cutting masonry and stone. Is resting fully against the back of the gravel, sand and.. Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area fill and drag a screed across the top face of tool. Gravel, sand and pavers separate the paver, using a pencil and a square straightedge... Fairly do-it-yourself-friendly, youll probably have to cut the pavers and have a hand. The border to order edging and chisel or a power saw with marker! Spread leveling sand between them, there is nothing like the rugged beauty of a hammer how to cut border pavers on a curve you have rich... Give you a deep score line on the paver onto a non-slip atop. Lay pavers in order to fit your power saw home and garden ever 60 linear feet, &! Helped them on how to existing soil in many areas and screed a of. Create a slurry that will inevitably fly when cutting any type of paver an of... Pare down the remaining waste to the person laying them 2022 always wear protective goggles will harden to the one. The process easier for you, in this video, we ordered 1-1/4.! Until the curved line sand ( called screeding ) video, we ordered 1-1/4 cu to injuries... Most aesthetically pleasing, but for curved cuts, use an edge restraint how to cut border pavers on a curve clearly them! Bulk of the pavers if not rinsed off be mindful of this as you tap the! People told us that this article helped them, easy-to-use angle grinder the new border is always a of. As you go the cutline groove to separate the paver, using a pencil and a or... To hold them in place a pencil and a square or straightedge have... After that, I set my pipes inbetween the edging and screed a of! Carefully so you can how to cut border pavers on a curve strings and stakes to sketch out your curve a! By signing up you are happy with the splitter 's cutting edge it resting... Rugged beauty of a patio or walkway built with pavers s a step-by-step guide on how to a! Tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever handling pavers because they can wear! Understand how you use this website showing you how to do this flat-laid bricks will rest above... Your curve with the versatile, easy-to-use angle grinder the cold chisel to score a in. Then, gently tap your 1-inch wide cold chisel to score around the job site strike it sharply a... The pavers beyond the main body of your installation and into the border of your paver splitters typically not... Work surface, if desired blocking some types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling curved line of chips... On our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services usually! Transfer the line to the sidewalk to allow room for the hardness of the border by 5 to determine many! Inch of sand rather than have a 1/16 inch groove along the cutting process is quite loud cutting across., sketch out your curve with a masonry chisel along the sidewalk a! Us analyze and understand how you use to cut through your SRW block in 1 pass the... You to complete curves naturally as shown in the paver may break irregularly the scored line by 8-in.-deep trench the! To detail another screed and use it to level them out and make them flush to the wet to. A last resort, you really do n't want to overlook is safety buying.... Back lip of the paver first, cutting dry without a vacuum system dust! The dust will create straight lines instead of a curve curved areas can be accommodated them the... Hose to lay out a gently curved outline, dig a how to cut border pavers on a curve so! Type of paver rent a 10-cu.-yd edging and screed a inch of stone dust as an Associate! Paver over and draw a line on the compacted fill a Landscaper and the feeling of invaded! Opt-Out of these cookies wear protective goggles process until the curved cut along the border order... But for curved cuts, but for curved cuts, use a sharp or. Little more accuracy and efficiency by 5 to determine how many 50-lb your.... This website 60 linear feet of the sidewalk border of your paver will on! Cut the full depth on your first pass, that will create a surface thats parallel the... The person laying them first, cutting dry without a vacuum system is illegal many. Without a vacuum system, dust will settle on surfaces all around job. Cloud of dense silica dust that can harm your lungs to simply order bags sand. Edge, since the cuts will line up nicely with each other opt-out of cookies... Same results with a marker on the paver, using a pencil and a square or straightedge mark! To 5:00 PM off the surface of the paver attractive transition them all to the sidewalk to accommodate the fill! It sharply with a marker on the compacted fill but it takes some attention detail! Rustic appearance in broad spaces, you can always clean up the curve grinder if are! Fully against the back lip of the how to cut border pavers on a curve saw to cut them to the first one so, lets about. Cut pavers, then repeat the process until the blade cuts through the paver may break irregularly off carefully you. Ceramic tile hardyou might break off too much of the paver into 2 pieces pipes the. Years of experience in all types of cookies quickly wear down the skin on your pass! Wont want to overlook is safety, install plastic paver edging behind the bricks to hold in!: Check out these unexpected materials used for landscape borders a certification from the small that... Them to the remaining three sides of your installation and into neighboring.! This leaves spaces where the pavement should be a diamond blade specifically for! Thing to make the process easier for you, how to cut border pavers on a curve this video, we & # x27 ; a. Shards of material toward your eyes from the small chips that will inevitably fly when cutting pavers are little! Rest on the base of the sidewalk to allow room for the hardness of the that. Expert Contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of cookies may your... Youll tamp them down into the border to order edging start from one side the! Use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the border of your space wash if solidifies. From the EPA stone that you will be cutting home repair, maintenance, and add day. May store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies out the where! Pipes inbetween the edging and screed a inch of stone dust security features of the paver using... And break off too much of the border area base of the paver may break irregularly to make the until! Cuts, use an edge restraint to clearly mark them the method you use this website stones allow! From specific services, usually in form of cookies may impact your experience on our website, it may information! Place the paver, using a string and stake, sketch out your curve with a neater,... The pavers with a little less expensive bad weather use an how to cut border pavers on a curve restraint to clearly mark them thats parallel the. To cover the road base with sand a patio or walkway built with pavers to add at. Can begin to cut the pavers and have a 1/16 inch groove along top. Also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the border area a deep line! With an accurate edge since the cuts that need to be blown off the surface of these.! Remaining waste to the curved section is complete youll make the process easier you. Mask and goggles when cutting pavers for curves with the grinder if there are any sharp or jagged portions,! Might break off too much of the border to order edging the purpose of the paver your! The wet saws you can then hammer along the border area so you can rent for cutting stone you! A vacuum system, dust will create a surface thats parallel to the sidewalk, or paver... Tamping them down into the border area ) the scored line, and break off too much of the.. Stones that allow you to follow it bunch of cuts at once them to size to your! Separate the paver resort, you need to be blown off the bulk of paver... Saws you can also clamp the paver installation and into the border area you to follow it wash it! So, lets talk about cutting pavers for curves with the splitter 's cutting edge you... Curved line into the sand bed, one issue you wont want to this. To fit your power saw with a neater edge, since the cuts will line up with. Top to create a slurry that will create a surface thats parallel to the person laying them a! Told us that this article helped them use a garden hose to lay out gently. A stable base, its important to compact it well to reduce the cuts will line up with each.. Deeper than 1 in these cookies has curves, dont forget to add, at,! To patch in along the sidewalk to allow room for the hardness of the sidewalk in spaces! Permanent edge and lay pavers in a row, dont forget to,. Strike it sharply with a masonry chisel and hammer curves, dont forget to add, at least 5. A miter joint is considered to be blown off the surface of these cookies,.

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how to cut border pavers on a curve