How to Cut Flagstone

Whether you are cutting a flagstone patio or an outdoor garden path, the use of proper tools and equipment is vital to making the job easier. These tools include a masonry saw, a hammer, a chisel, and a wet saw.

Before you begin, mark the area on which you will be cutting. Chalk works great for marking cut lines. Using a straight edge or carpenter's pencil is a good idea.

Using a hammer and chisel to cut flagstone is one of the easiest ways to do it. However, a chisel does not always cut through the stone. In addition to the hammer, you will need a chisel and a chalk line to mark the area to be cut.

After marking the stone, you will need to set it on a stable setting. This allows you to move it back and forth along the groove. Then, use a heavy iron chisel to chip away at the stone until it is broken. The groove is the weakest part of the stone.

Using a masonry saw, or a circular saw, is another way to cut flagstone. However, you will need to wear safety gear such as a dust mask and goggles to keep you safe. The saw will produce a lot of noise and dust. You should also wear sturdy work gloves.

Once the flagstone is cut, you can add sand to the base. The sand should be in the 2"-4" range. If you want to make a more rustic edge, you can use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel.