How to Cut Paver Stones With a Chisel

How to Cut Paver Stones With a Chisel
Published: Jan 20, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

These areas include cutting paver stones around drain lines that run under a patio, around posts for decks or fences around a patio or along the edges of the patio during installation or replacement of paver stones.

Things You Will Need

  • Pencil
  • Cold chisel
  • Bolster (type of masonry chisel)
  • 2 – 3 lb. lump hammer (rubber-headed hammer)
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  1. Use the pencil to draw a line where the paver stone will be cut.

  2. Cut a groove, also called a “score”, in the paver stone along the pencil line with the corner of the chisel. Score it by running the corner of the cold chisel or bolster all the way around the paver stone.

  3. Place the paver stone on a soft surface, such as soil, sand or a carpet scrap, to prevent bouncing.

  4. Place the bolster in the score, with the flat side of the tool facing the part of the paver stone that will be used.

  5. Strike the top of the bolster with the lump hammer until the paver stone breaks along the score.

  6. Use the cold chisel to clean up rough edges and create a taper that slants from the top of the paver to the bottom. The top of the paver should be slightly longer than the bottom of the paver. Place the cold chisel on areas that need to be trimmed and strike the cold chisel with the lump hammer to remove small amounts of the paver edge until you achieve the desired size.

The Drip Cap

  • When installing a patio or walkway with paver stones, there will almost always be areas where the pavers must be cut to fit in irregular areas or around objects.
  • Place the bolster in the score, with the flat side of the tool facing the part of the paver stone that will be used.

Photo Credits

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Tim Schlabach/Demand Media

Emily Patterson

Emily Patterson has been creating content for websites since 1996. She specializes in home improvement, natural body care and natural cleaning articles. Patterson holds a computing certificate from Penn State University.

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