Whether you’re laying a new patio, replacing slabs, adding edging or creating a decorative walkway, it’s perfectly possible to cut paving slabs by hand. If you’re new to DIY, not confident using power tools or are concerned about safely operating machinery, you may choose to hand cut your stone. This is a great option if you have limited equipment, and it’s simple to do whilst producing a good end result when done correctly.

Professionals also sometimes prefer to hand cut slabs as it gives a more natural finish than using power tools. If you’re going for an organic or character-style look, cutting by hand offers the more rustic finish you’re after.

What tools do I need to cut paving slabs by hand?

You’ll need the following equipment to cut paving stones by hand:

Safety wear (eye protection, dust mask and work gloves)
Tape measure
Drawing chalk (or pencil)
Chisel
Lump hammer
Rubber mallet

The chisel and hammer method is the most commonly used manual hand cutting technique, but some people choose to use specialist slab splitter hammer tools (see below). It is recommended to hand cut natural stone slabs or Indian paving slabs for the best finish.

It’s possible to cut paving slabs by hand and then finish off the edges with a power saw or angle grinder. This technique is especially good for creating curved lines. If you don’t own this machinery, you can hire a power tool.

How to cut paving slabs by hand step-by-step

Here’s a simple guide for how to cut a paving slab by hand:

Measure the paving slab - measure the slabs and the space you’re laying the slabs onto
Mark the paving slab - draw where the cut should be on the slab to fit the space
Cut the paving slab - use your hammer and chisel to score out a shallow channel into the slab along the line (1-2mm depth is ideal)
Split the slab - use the rubber mallet to break it along the line. You may need to deepen the channel if it doesn’t split
Slot in the paving slab - chip any excess stone away and lay the slab in position

How to cut paving slabs with power tools

You can use power saws, such as circular saws or angle grinders, to cut patio slabs quickly and precisely. Before cutting, just make sure you’re using a diamond-tipped blade for the job, rather than a blade intended for wood cutting. It’s possible to use a mitre saw to cut slabs, but you’ll need to change the standard blade to a special diamond masonry cutting blade.

Cutting paving slabs with angle grinders is a great way for cutting curves, shapes and angles into stone. Power tools are usually recommended for thinner concrete paving slabs, porcelain slabs, ceramic tiles, granite paving and natural stone blocks. It’s a fast and accurate way to get perfectly straight lines.

You can also use or hire specialist tile cutting saws and tile scorers, which are great for tiling larger, specially shaped tiles or complex areas. Using power tools gives a precise cut, which is perfect for modern settings.

What tools do I need to cut paving slabs with power saws?

You’ll need the following equipment to cut paving stones using power tools:

Safety wear (eye protection, dust mask and work gloves)
Tape measure
Drawing chalk (or pencil)
Workbench
C-clamps (x 4)
Power saw/angle grinder
Diamond tipped or specialist paving cutting blade/s
A rubber mallet

Cutting paving slabs with angle grinders step-by-step

Here’s a simple guide to how to cut a paving slab using angle grinders or other power saws:

Measure the paving slab - measure the slabs and the space you’re laying the slabs onto
Mark the paving slab - mark on both sides where the cut should be on the slab
Secure the slab to the workbench - using the clamps, so that it doesn’t move
Cut the paving slab - use your power tool to cut along the line one side, about 1cm in depth. Then turn the slab over and repeat on the other side
Slot the paving slab into position

How to cut paving slabs with slab splitters

Professionals often use slab splitter tools (otherwise known as a block splitter) for a fast and clean finish. These can be either manually operated stone splitters, electric powered splitters or hydraulic splitters. Slab splitters are ideal for heavy duty splitting, including for large jobs, extra thick patio tiles or sturdy concrete blocks. This is a two person job.

What tools do I need to cut paving slabs with slab splitters?

You’ll need the following equipment to cut paving stones using a slab splitter:

Safety wear (eye protection, dust mask and work gloves)
Tape measure
Drawing chalk (or pencil)
A slab splitter (hydraulic slab splitters can be hired)
Rubber mallet

How to cut paving slabs with slab splitters step-by-step

To cut paving slabs with an electric or hydraulic slab splitter:

Set the slab splitter up - you’ll usually need space around the machine plus at least two people to operate it
Measure the paving slab - measure the stone and the area you’re laying onto
Mark the paving slab - draw where the cut should be on the slab
Place the slab on the machine - line up the cutting line with the blade
Lower the handle and cut the tile
Slot into position - use your mallet to help lay the slab in position

Depending on the desired finish, the stone material being used, help available and the tools to hand, there are multiple ways to successfully cut paving stones for a patio or path. Don’t forget, our Travis Perkins Trade News and Advice centre has information on the latest Building Regulations, as well as handy guides and inspiration for any construction, renovation or landscaping project.

Cutting paving slabs FAQs

What is the best way to cut paving slabs?

Generally, a circular power saw is recommended for cutting paving slabs as it’s precise and quick, for consistent straight edges. Make sure you’re using a specialist masonry blade to cut the stone. It’s also perfectly possible to cut natural stone patio slabs by hand, or by using an angle grinder or slab splitter.

What is the best disc for cutting paving slabs?

When using a hand held saw to cut paving slabs, such as a circular saw or angle grinder, always use a diamond masonry blade which is designed for cutting stone. A blade designed for wood cutting will blunt quickly. Depending on the depth of the stone, you may need a larger disc size. You can also get specialist blades for certain stones, such as porcelain blades.

Can an angle grinder cut paving slabs?

Cutting paving slabs with angle grinders is a fast and accurate way to cut shapes, curves and angled edges into paving slabs and stone. They can also be used to cut bricks and tiles for block paving. Angle grinders are particularly suited to concrete, granite and natural stone paving. Travis Perkins has a range of angle grinders to buy or hire for your project.

What is the best tool for cutting concrete slabs?

Circular saws are usually recommended for cutting concrete slabs, as they give a clean, accurate cut and a precise finish. However, for heavy duty concrete blocks and larger areas a mechanical slab splitter is often required. Angle grinders can also be used for smaller concrete slab cutting and shaping tasks.

How do you cut paving slabs by hand?