Concrete cutting is by no means an easy job. Whether one needs to simply remove the remains of a collapsed pillar or to cut off a part of a concrete wall for the installment of a new door, making a perfect cut in a concrete structure is a challenging task ─ one that could lead to a number of unforgiving mistakes.

In this blog, we would be sharing with you 8 tips on how to avoid the major concrete cutting mistakes made during DIY concrete cutting.

1. Dry is Best

Here is the first thing to always remember during DIY concrete cutting ─ dry concrete cut better than wet ones. This is because wet concrete is much more difficult to cut. So if you have a choice, avoid cutting wet concrete and simply wait till they get dry.

2. Mark Where to Cut 

A common DIY concrete cutting mistake is starting the concrete cutting project without first marking out where you intend to cut. Clearly mark out where you intend to make cuts before you start cutting. Make the markings visible so you can easily follow the markings while you work. Chalks and markers are a good tool to use here. 

3. The Saw Used Counts

There are varying types of saws designed for varying concrete cutting projects. Some are highly effective for some projects but not for others. For example, while a walk-behind saw is perfect for large jobs on the floor, it would be a bad idea to attempt to use them on walls. So when carrying out DIY concrete cutting projects make sure you have the right saw for the job.

4. The Blade Also Counts

Just as the kind of saw used is important, the kind of blade used for any concrete cutting project also affects how well the project would turn out. In most cases, the best blade to use is the diamond saw blade. The size of the blade used should also be considered when carrying out concrete cutting.

5. Use a Guide Board

Chances are, as a non-professional, you would need some extra precautions to make straight cuts. This is where guide boards come in. With them, you can secure a straight line along the exterior of the markings you have made. With the guide boards in place, it becomes much easier to stay on track with your cuts.

6. Start With Shallow Cuts

It is better to start concrete cutting projects with small cuts first then make them deeper later. This way, any mistakes made during the initial small cuts can be corrected before you go too deep.

7. Don’t Be Forceful

You don’t need to force your saw to get things going quickly and properly. Just let the saw do its work. All you need to do is simply direct it.

8. Never Ignore Safety

This is a rather obvious one. Protect yourself! Most saws used for concrete cutting are seriously powerful tools, ones that can do some serious damage if one isn’t careful. Do NOT be one of those unfortunate cases. Follow every concrete cutting safety precaution you can know, and even more; they are there for your own safety and that of anyone else in the vicinity.

So there you have it, 8 tips on concrete cutting. Remember, while concrete cutting might be a taxing job, it doesn’t have to be something you should worry about. There are professionals out there always ready to help. Do not hesitate to contact concrete cutting experts near you if you ever feel the need to.