How to Cut Flagstone with Circular Saw : Step by Step Guide

Last Updated On February 10, 2023

Flagstones are durable natural stone which is mostly used for decorating paving paths to walls for their rustic appearance. You may be thinking about bringing some changes to your garden or home by decorating with flagstones.

But how to cut flagstone with circular saw? The process of cutting flagstones with a circular saw is straightforward. Place the flagstone on a flat surface, measure, make a cutting outline, and cut!

Now you may wonder what tools you need for the task. Which saw blade would be more suitable for cutting flagstones? Read along to get your answers with a complete step-by-step guide.

What Tools Are Required?

You only need a few tools to cut flagstones with a circular saw. Here are they:

• Circular saw
• Measuring tape
• Chalk or marker

What Type of Blade is Needed for Cutting Flagstone?

Before going into the step-by-step process of cutting flagstones with a circular saw, you need to know what type of blade you should pick.

There are multiple types of blades available for cutting flagstones. But the best saw for cutting flagstone is a saw with diamond blades. Of course, there are inexpensive blades, but those won’t be effective enough to give you a fine finish.

A circular saw with diamond blades is ideal for heavy-duty projects like cutting through stone. The number of metal-coated diamonds in the blade determines how quickly the blade will cut through.

Since diamond blades were specially designed for cutting through heavy-duty materials, this blade can be your best pick and make your work easier.

How To Cut Flagstone with Circular Saw?

Once you have gathered all the required tools and a suitable blade for cutting rock with circular saw, you can move on to the main task. 

Here is the step-by-step process of cutting flagstones with a circular saw:

Get Yourself Prepared

Before you start working with your circular saw, make sure you wear your safety gear properly to get yourself ready for the job. Wear a pair of dust masks, earplugs, sturdy shoes, safety goggles, and heavy gloves. 

Measure the Cutting Piece

Start with measuring the width and height of the flagstone piece. This step is essential to decide what size saw blade you need for the task. Take your measure tap and write down the measurement on a piece of paper.

Make sure the measurements are accurate to prevent cracks or any unwanted situations in the future. 

Pick Your Saw Blade

You already know that a diamond-tipped saw blade is widely used to cut flagstones. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can opt for standard masonry blades. 

These blades also cut effectively through heavy stones like limestone or granite. However, the tip of the blade should be fine and thin so that it can go through smoothly without cutting too much material.

Ensure Proper Lighting

Now, if you’re cutting the piece in your workshop, make sure the place is bright and has plenty of light. In case you’re cutting outdoors, try to complete the task during the daylight. 

Plus, ensure your work area has enough space to move around freely with the saw.

Mark the Stone

Before start cutting the flagstone piece, pre-mark the cutting lines to get precise and accurate results. Get your chalk or marker and accurately mark the backside of the stone.

However, you can skip this step if you’re cutting stones to decorate your garden ground or something similar. Stones with no specific curvings look better and more attractive for garden paths.

Cut

Great! Now that you’ve prepared your materials and have your marking in place, it’s time to start cutting. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Secure your cutting piece on a table or even surface. If you don’t have a cutting table, that’s okay – just make sure the flagstone is stable.
• Swap out the old blade for a new diamond blade and set it no deeper than an inch. Check out how to change the blade easily.
• Sit on a low stool and hold the saw with both hands.
• Slowly start cutting along your marking, pulling the saw towards you. You can gradually increase the speed as you go.
• If you’re cutting scrap pieces of flagstone to create a new tile, be extra careful as it can be prone to cracking.
• Once you’re finished, turn off the saw and store it safely. Wipe off any excess dust from the new cutting piece and place it where you’d like.

And there you have it! You’re all set with your freshly cut flagstone.

Video On How to Cut Flagstone with Circular Saw

Still, confused about how to go through the process? Check this video to watch the step-by-step guide on cutting flagstones with a circular saw.

FAQs

Can you put a masonry blade on a circular saw?

Yes, you can use a masonry blade on a circular saw for cutting rock. But it’ll create more dust and flying pieces than the diamond blade. 

How do you trim flagstone edges?

Use a chisel and hammer to trim the edges of the flagstone. However, using a circular saw in the edges is not recommended as it can crack the cutting piece.

How to move heavy flagstones?

If your final flagstone piece is large and heavy, then you’ll need a dolly to move it. You can also use skates or rollers or flip the flagstone all the way to your desired location.

Conclusion

So how to cut flagstone with circular saw, and what tools and blades do you need for the task? You now have the answer. 

The process of cutting a flagstone is easy if you have the right blade. Make sure you wear your safety equipment and start working with blades slowly to avoid self-injury.