Granite countertops are a popular choice among homeowners, and they are loved for their timeless allure, ease of maintenance, and durability. Sometimes you might have money to buy the countertops but not to hire a contractor to install them.
If you are in this situation, you must be asking, can you cut granite yourself? Fortunately, you can cut the stone by yourself.
When you are doing it, remember that granite is extremely dense and hard, so you must proceed with caution and ensure you use the right tools. To have an easy time and avoid damaging your countertops, follow these steps:
Step 1: Get a wet circular saw.
You can still use the standard circular saw, but a wet saw works best as it produces little dust, thanks to a small tube that drizzles water onto the granite surface as you are cutting. Don’t spend money buying a new saw. Instead, rent one from your local store.
Other than the circular saw, also get a dust mask, ear protection, and safety goggles to protect yourself when working.
To simplify cleanup, cut the slabs outdoors.
Step 2: Position the granite slab on a sturdy work surface
After getting the saw, your next move should be to position the slab on a sturdy surface using C-clamps and other tools. For best results, attach one C-clamp every couple of feet along the sides of the slab to secure it tightly.
You can also place the slab on a designated workbench but when placing it, ensure you place it on a sturdy surface that won’t shift, such as a sawhorse.
The purpose of securing the pieces with clamps is to reduce vibrations and slab movements, both of which can lead to chipping.
Step 3: Cover the target area with painter’s tape
The purpose of covering the target area with the painter’s tape is to protect the surface and reduce the chipping risk.
The beauty is you don’t have to place the tape precisely on the area. Place two or three strips along the topside in the general area you will be cutting, and you will be alright.
As you are placing the tape, also measure the area carefully and make a cutline on top of the tape with a marker. Ensure you measure the area twice to ensure you are marking the right one. The last thing you want is cutting the wrong area and damaging your precious slab.
Step 4: Cut the stone
Once everything is in place, it’s now time to cut the granite. To reduce the chances of chipping as you are cutting, make a short “back-cut” about 2 inches long from the end of the cutline.
Step 5: Reposition the saw at the opposite end of the slab
After making the back-cut, reposition the circular saw and place it at the opposite end of the slab, then slowly cut along the cutline. As you are cutting, focus on keeping the blade precisely aligned on the cutline and maintain steady pressure on the saw without forcing it. Just let the blade do its work.
Step 6: Suck up the granite dust
After completing the cut, peel the tape from the granite, and if you did the right thing, you should have a smooth, clean-cut. It’s recommended you allow the granite dust to settle but if you are in a hurry, suck up the dust with a vacuum.
If you used a wet-cut saw, you would have a thin wet slurry on the slab. Wipe it off the slab using a damp rag.
Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Hire an expert
While you can cut the granite slab by yourself, you need to use the right tools and follow the right procedure to avoid chipping or cutting the slab the wrong way. If you feel you aren’t up to the task, hire a granite contractor Rockville to do it for you.
