Cutting Outdoor Tiles. 4 things you should know

An outdoor tile can be large or small, and they come in different shapes. They can be used to create a path, a border, or to add texture and interest to a flower bed. Garden tiles can be challenging to install, particularly when working around objects or a full tile does not fit, and it means you have to cut one or more tiles. But generally, garden tiles are thicker than wall tiles, so how do you do that?

Cutting Outdoor Tiles

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your garden. If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra color and personality, consider cutting outdoor tiles. But often need to cut some tiles to make them fit perfectly or lay them around particular objects.

If you’re not sure how to cut outdoor tiles, there are a few different ways to do it:

• You can use a tile cutter or stone splitter
• Use a hammer and a chisel
• Use an electric drill or hammer drill with a suitable stone drill
• A circular saw with a special blade
• A demolition saw
• Masonry saw
• Special tile saw
• Angle grinder

Once you’ve cut your tiles, it’s time to start decorating your garden. You can use any type of tile, but it’s a good idea to use tiles of the same size and shape. This will make it easier to create a cohesive look.

What Is The Best Tool For Cutting Paving Slabs?

There are several tools and methods that can be used for cutting paving slabs. A circular saw with a diamond blade is the most common tool. However, a masonry saw with a suitable blade is also a fine option. Each option has pros and cons.

● Tile cutter or stone splitter

One of the easiest methods is using a tile cutter or stone splitter. Take care that the thickness of the stone splitter is suitable for the slabs you want to cut.

You can rent a stone splitter in many locations. A stone splitter can only be used to split a slab and not to remove a corner or other pats. Always wear safety goggles.

● Use a hammer and chisel

If you only need to cut a few slabs, using a hammer and chisel is fine. Generally, the cut takes more time compared with a stone splitter. But it is by far the cheapest solution. Always wear safety goggles.

Splitting stones is easy to do. But it is also possible to remove a corner from a slab.

● Use an electric drill or hammer drill to cut tile or a slab

If you have to remove only a small portion of the slab, a stone drill is a great option. Use the drill to drill holes along the part that you want to remove. You can use a hammer and chisel to remove that part from the stone when that is done. Using a stone drill is not the most optimal solution if you want to split a slab.

Always use a special stone drill. These have a hardened point. The drawback of using a drill is that you can see the drill holes after the slab has been cut. If the look of the cutting edge does not matter, you can use a bigger drill. If the edge is visible, use a smaller drill.

Ensure that the drill does not overheat, as this will shorten the life considerably. I recommend letting it cool down after drilling several holes. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

● Use a circular saw to cut tile or a slab

If you use a special stone cutting blade on your circular saw, you can use this to cut a slab or tiles. These blades are often called diamond blades. A circular saw is primarily for straight cuts and is not well suited for irregular shapes or corners. You can find those blades in most hardware stores from $20 to $50.

Keep in mind that you have a limited cutting depth with most circular saws. I know some people still manage to cut thicker stones by cutting on both sides. But this is really challenging.

Ensure that the blade does not overheat, as this will shorten the life considerably. I recommend letting it cool down after each cut. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

● Use a demolition saw to cut tile or a slab

A demolition saw or a concrete saw is a tool often used to cut through tough material. Like a diamond saw for a circular saw, it has an extremely strong cutting blade. They come in different sizes and can be gas, battery, or electric-powered. Some models use water to cool the cutting blade.

A demolition saw can be used to cut irregular shapes or corners, but this takes some practice. It is also a heavier machine that you can rent at any location. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

● Use a Masonry saw to cut tile or a slab

A masonry saw is a good option for jobs that require a clean-cut or a corner cut. Like a circular saw, you have to use a special diamond blade. A masonry saw generally has a larger blade than a circular one, so your However, it is also heavier and more difficult to use.

Ensure that the blade does not overheat, as this will shorten the life considerably. I recommend letting it cool down after each cut. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

● Use a Special tile saw to cut tile or a slab

A tile saw is a special table saw for cutting tile and looks like a masonry saw. It generally has an electric motor and uses water to cool the blade. You put the slab or tile on the saw table and push it through. It results in a clean-cut and can be used to cut corners.

Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

● Use an Angle Grinder to cut tile or a slab

You can use an angle grinder to cut tile or a slab, but ensure that you use a diamond or stone cutting blade. An angle grinder is often used for cutting tiles and is well suited for cutting irregular shapes or corners. An angle grinder is light and powered by batteries or from the mains.

The con of using an angle grinder is that most models have a short cutting depth. This makes it difficult and challenging to cut a thicker slab. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

How Do You Cut Paving Slabs By Hand?

Paving slabs can be cut by hand with a chisel and a hammer or a manual stone splitter.

Use the following steps to cut a paving slab or tile by hand with a hammer and chisel:

1. Mark the cutting line: First, mark the area where the slab is to be cut with a chalk line.
2. Make small cuts along the line: Use the chisel to make a series of cuts around the slab’s perimeter.
3. Tab the center of the line: When the whole cutting line has been slightly cut, use the hammer to tap the chisel in the center of the slab.
4. The tile should split: This will cause the slab to break along the cuts you made earlier.

Using a stone splitter is easy:

1. Thickness check: Ensure the stone is not too thick for the stone splitter
2. Mark the cutting line: Mark the area where the slab is to be cut with a chalk line.
3. Cut the stone: Place the stone under the stone splitter, and push the rod down.

Can You Use An Angle Grinder To Cut Paving Slabs?

An angle grinder can be used to cut paving slabs. Using the correct blade for the job is important, as a standard blade will not be strong enough to cut through the paving slabs. A diamond blade should be used to ensure a clean, smooth cut.