Cutting Asphalt: Tools, Blades & How to Do It Properly

Asphalt road with white barriers under blue sky

Cutting asphalt properly comes down to using the right blade and technique. Whether you’re working on driveways, roads, or patch repairs, using the correct diamond blade for asphalt makes the job quicker, cleaner, and more efficient.

For a full overview of blade types and how they’re used across different materials, see our diamond blades guide.

What is the best way to cut asphalt?

The best way to cut asphalt is with a diamond blade specifically designed for abrasive materials. Asphalt is softer than concrete but highly abrasive, so it wears down standard blades quickly if they’re not designed for the job.

While asphalt is softer and more abrasive than concrete, the overall cutting process is similar. If you’re also working with harder materials, see our guide on cutting concrete for a full breakdown of tools, blades, and techniques.

What blade is used for cutting asphalt?

Asphalt cutting requires a soft-bond diamond blade, which allows fresh diamonds to be exposed as the material wears the blade down. On site, using proper diamond blades for asphalt cutting makes a noticeable difference to speed and blade life.

If you’re unsure which option to choose, see our guide on the best blade for cutting asphalt.

Can you cut asphalt with a concrete blade?

Tips for cutting asphalt

Technically yes — but it’s not recommended.

Concrete blades are designed for harder materials and won’t wear correctly when cutting asphalt. As a result, they can become blunt quickly and reduce cutting efficiency.

For a full breakdown, see our guide on cutting asphalt with a concrete blade.

  • Use the correct blade (soft bond)
  • Avoid overheating the blade
  • Let the blade do the work
  • Check depth before cutting

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