Cutting concrete properly starts with choosing the right diamond blade, cutting tool and cutting method for the material and the job.
Whether you are cutting a concrete slab, opening up a floor, cutting a kerb or working with reinforced concrete, the right equipment makes the job faster, cleaner and more manageable.
This guide explains how to cut concrete, which blades are suitable for different materials, and what to consider before you start cutting.
If you already know you need a blade, you can browse our concrete cutting blades or continue reading to work out which type is right for your job.
The best way to cut concrete depends on the type of concrete, the depth of the cut, the tool you are using and whether the concrete contains reinforcement.
For most concrete cutting jobs, a diamond blade is the correct choice because it is designed to cut hard mineral materials.
Before you start, consider:
Once you know these things, choosing the right blade becomes much easier.
For a full overview of blade types and how they perform across different materials, see our diamond blades guide
There is no single best method for every concrete cutting job.
For smaller cuts, an angle grinder or handheld saw may be suitable. For deeper or longer cuts, a petrol disc cutter or larger cutting machine may be more appropriate.
The blade also matters.
A blade designed for general concrete may not be the best choice for reinforced concrete, dense materials or particularly demanding site work.
For this reason, match the blade to the material rather than simply choosing the cheapest blade available.
For reliable everyday site work, our concrete cutting blade is a strong all-round choice for builders and groundworkers.
Diamond blades are available for different materials and applications.
A blade that cuts ordinary concrete well may also be suitable for some brick, block and general building materials. However, harder or more demanding materials may require a more specialist blade.
When choosing a concrete cutting blade, consider:
For ordinary concrete slabs, blocks and general construction work, a good general-purpose concrete blade can be an effective choice.
The RED ONE is an entry-level option for general construction materials including concrete, bricks, natural stone and tiles.
For more demanding regular site work, the Rocket provides a general-purpose option for concrete, stone and mixed building materials.
Reinforced concrete contains steel reinforcement, so the blade needs to cope with both the concrete and the reinforcement.
A blade designed for reinforced concrete is the better choice when you regularly encounter rebar.
The Pathfinder is designed for concrete and reinforced concrete and is intended for demanding trade use.
The Trailblazer is another heavy-duty option designed specifically for reinforced concrete and dense building materials.
If you are working with reinforcement, see our guide to How to Cut Reinforced Concrete.
Dense construction materials can place more demand on a blade than softer general-purpose materials.
If you regularly cut dense block or engineering brick, choose a blade that is suitable for hard construction materials rather than relying on a basic general-purpose disc.
For more information, see our guide to Cutting Engineering Brick Properly.
The construction of the blade affects how it behaves during cutting.
Segmented blades have spaces between the diamond segments.
These gullets help remove debris from the cut and allow air to circulate around the blade.
They are commonly used for construction materials such as concrete, brick and block.
Turbo blades have a continuous or closely spaced cutting edge designed to provide a faster, smoother cut.
They can be useful where a cleaner finish is important as well as cutting performance.
Laser welding creates a strong connection between the diamond segments and the steel core.
This type of construction is commonly used on professional blades intended for demanding cutting applications.
For regular trade work, blade construction is worth considering alongside price.
The cutting machine you use depends on the size and depth of the job.
An angle grinder can be useful for smaller concrete cutting jobs and shallow cuts.
The grinder must be fitted with a suitable diamond blade of the correct diameter and bore.
A petrol disc cutter is useful for deeper cuts and heavier site work.
The larger blade diameter allows a greater cutting depth than a typical angle grinder.
Always check the machine’s maximum blade diameter, bore size and maximum RPM before fitting a blade.
For deeper or longer cuts, specialist concrete cutting equipment may be more appropriate.
The important thing is to match the blade to the machine. Never fit a blade that is incompatible with the equipment.
The maximum cutting depth depends on the diameter of the blade and the cutting machine.
A larger blade generally allows a deeper cut than a smaller blade, although the actual cutting depth also depends on the machine and blade design.
For this reason, check the manufacturer’s specifications before starting the job.
If you need a particular cutting depth, see our Concrete Cutting Depth Guide.
Concrete can be cut using either wet or dry cutting methods, depending on the equipment and blade.
Dry cutting is convenient for many site applications because it does not require a water supply.
However, cutting concrete can create a significant amount of dust.
Wet cutting uses water to help control dust and cool the blade during cutting.
It can be particularly useful for longer or heavier cutting work where heat build-up needs to be controlled.
Always use the cutting method recommended for the blade and machine you are using.
For a more detailed comparison, read our guide to Wet vs Dry Cutting.
Reinforced concrete is more demanding than ordinary concrete because the blade may encounter steel reinforcement during the cut.
This is where choosing the correct blade becomes particularly important.
A suitable reinforced-concrete blade needs to continue cutting through the concrete while coping with the reinforcement.
For regular reinforced-concrete work, consider a blade specifically designed for the application rather than a basic general-purpose blade.
Our Pathfinder and Trailblazer diamond blades are designed for reinforced concrete and demanding construction materials.
For detailed advice, read How to Cut Reinforced Concrete.
Concrete cutting requires the correct equipment and safe working practices.
Before cutting:
Never exceed the maximum permitted speed of the blade.
If you are unsure whether a particular blade is suitable for your machine or material, contact us for advice before ordering.
The right blade depends on what you are cutting.
| Material | Suitable blade type |
|---|---|
| General concrete | General-purpose concrete blade |
| Reinforced concrete | Reinforced-concrete blade |
| Dense concrete | Heavy-duty concrete blade |
| Dense block | Blade suitable for hard construction materials |
| Engineering brick | Blade suitable for dense brick and masonry |
| Mixed building materials | General-purpose or multi-material blade |
If you regularly cut several different materials, tell us what you are cutting and what machine you are using. We can help you choose a suitable blade.
We supply diamond blades for a range of concrete cutting applications, from general-purpose site work to demanding reinforced concrete.
Our range includes:
You can browse the full range of concrete cutting blades and compare the different options.
If you know what material you need to cut but are not sure which blade is suitable, we’re happy to help.
Tell us:
We’ll help you narrow down the options.
If you prefer to order by phone, call Chris on 07879 653725
The right concrete cutting blade can make a big difference to how easily a job goes.
Don’t choose a blade simply because it is the cheapest option. Match the blade to the material, machine and job.
For general concrete cutting, a good general-purpose diamond blade may be all you need.
For reinforced concrete or demanding site work, choose a blade designed for the job.
Choose the right blade, fit it correctly, and get on with the work.
Browse our concrete cutting blades or explore the full range of diamond blades.
A diamond blade designed specifically for concrete provides the best performance and durability.
No. Some blades are material-specific. The right blade depends on the material being cut. A general-purpose segmented diamond blade can be suitable for many concrete and masonry applications, while reinforced concrete and harder materials may require a more specialist blade.
Yes, but depth and performance are limited compared to petrol saws.
Usually due to incorrect bond hardness for the material being cut.
Don’t force the cut — let the blade do the work. Use the correct blade for the material.
