Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
How to Use Bricks, Pavers and Blocks to Enhance Your Landscape
When you want to spruce up your backyard and give it an updated architectural element, a new patio, walkway or retaining wall is the perfect addition to your landscape. Whether you’re building a stepping stone walkway, a block retaining wall or a patio using pavers, stones or bricks, you can use your do-it-yourself (DIY) skills to add function and design to your space.
Need help building a retaining wall, walkway or paver patio? Read our helpful DIY resources to help transform your landscape.
How to Build a Retaining Wall
How to Design and Build a Paver Walkway
How to Lay Pavers for a DIY Patio
Wall Blocks, Pavers and Edging Stones Guide
How to Cut Pavers and Bricks to Fit Your Project
There are a couple of ways to split a brick, patio block or paver. You can use a drilling hammer and a masonry chisel or a power saw.
The chisel and hammer method is useful if you just have a few cuts to make. For a larger project or more accurate cuts, using a circular saw with a concrete/masonry blade or using a tabletop wet saw are good options.
How to Cut Pavers, Bricks and Blocks Using a Chisel
How to Cut Pavers, Bricks and Blocks Using a Power Saw
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cut Pavers and How to Cut Bricks
Here are some quick answers to common questions about how to cut pavers and bricks correctly.
What's the Best Tool to Cut Pavers?
A tabletop wet saw designed for use on masonry is the best tool for cutting a lot of pavers. It's relatively simple to use, makes accurate cuts quickly and helps control the dust that cutting masonry products creates.
If you just need a few simple cuts, a drilling hammer and a masonry chisel or a circular saw with a concrete or masonry blade can do the job efficiently.
If you're using a chisel, make sure you're wearing eye protection and work gloves. If you're using a power tool, you'll need eye protection, hearing protection and a respirator.
Should I Wet Bricks Before Cutting?
Don't cut wet materials unless you're using a tool that's specifically designed for wet cutting. A wet saw is designed for this application. It uses water to control the dust created when cutting masonry products. It's a good tool to use if you're cutting a lot of material, but make sure to use a saw and blade intended for cutting brick.
Can I Use a Wet Tile Saw to Cut Pavers?
There are wet saws or tile saws that can cut many types of pavers efficiently. Check the saw and blade specifications to find out the type of material they're designed for and the cut depths they're capable of. Saws that can adjust to make miter cuts and bevel cuts give you options for making more complex cuts with good precision.