How to Cut Stone For Your Project

Stone provides a beautiful design and appearance for both the exterior and interior of a home. If you want to build a stone walkway, wall, or steps, completing the project yourself can save you some money–and be quite rewarding. To add a stunning design element, read on to learn how to cut stone.

Preparing to Cut Stone

Before cutting stone, you must take two important steps: choosing the type of stone you will use and planning your design. Common stone types used for walkways, walls, and steps include bluestone, flagstone, granite, limestone, and pavers.  

The stone you choose will impact your overall cost. For example, flagstone costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, while granite cost averages between $10 and $15 per square foot. Your type of project will also affect your budget as stone steps typically cost less than walkways because they require fewer materials. Stone walls cost more, particularly if they are structural.

Depending on the size of your project, you may not need to use an electric grinder. A chisel and hammer will do the trick for smaller projects. However, using the electric grinder with the chisel and hammer can be effective in getting the best cut of your stone. If you don’t have access to an electric grinder, or the budget to buy the tool, you can use the chisel and hammer. 

Once you've chosen your stone, it's time to finalize your project design. This step is essential and can take a bit of time to map out. Do research on everything from stone step walkway ideas to stone wall designs to gather inspiration for your project. There's no need for too much precision in this step, just get a rough idea of your plan and make adjustments once you have the cut materials in hand.

Aside from specific design ideas, you need to consider the location of the stones. Stones that will be laid on a flat surface tend to be easier to measure. Otherwise, you may need to know how to build stone steps on a slope so you can get the most accurate measurements.

Ensure you wear proper safety gear when cutting stones to avoid the risk of injury. Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask to keep any dust or bits of stone away. A face shield may be a good idea since the stone could break off small pieces. Ear protection is also recommended when using loud machinery.

Cutting the Stone

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If you're a handy person with experience using an electric grinder or similar tool, you could probably handle cutting stone on your own. You will save some money on this step that could go toward a higher-quality stone or other home project. 

If you don’t have experience using an electric grinder, or just don’t have the time to design and cut stone, consider hiring a local masonry contractor. On average, masons charge an hourly rate between $40 and $75 per hour. Some professionals require a minimum investment of between $200 to $400. This goes toward the first few hours of work. Here are some questions to ask a masonry contractor before hiring one.

Outsourcing stone cutting to a professional would be worth it if you have some wiggle room in your budget. If you're confident you can handle the task, you can save a few hundred dollars with this DIY project.