How to Cut Indian Sandstone for Seamless Installation and Custom Design

We have been working with Indian sandstone paving for a lot of years. This is an amazing paving solution for any outdoor space. There are different laying patterns that you can use, but if you want something custom, you will need to cut it. This shouldn’t be a difficult task for you to handle, however there are some nuances that you should be aware of. Cutting of any paving slab requires good accuracy because poorly cut sandstone slabs can lead to wavy surfaces, ugly gaps, and a messy appearance. The natural variation in colour and texture of Indian sandstone makes it even more challenging to achieve a clean, cohesive look if the cuts are not perfectly aligned.

This may sound scary, but as we said in the beginning, it’s not difficult to do if you will be patient and follow the full step-by-step process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Indian Sandstone

Step 1: Prepare your tools

Gather all the necessary tools to make the cut and protect yourself:

• A power saw with a diamond-tipped blade.
• C-clamps to secure the slab.
• Tape measure.
• Pencil.
• Straight edge.
• Steel toe cap boots.
• Goggles.
• Dust mask.
• Gloves.

Note: diamond blades are a must for cutting through the tough, abrasive surface of Indian sandstone without damaging the blade.

Step 2: Start the measurements

Carefully measure the area where you need to make the cut. Mark a clear, straight line with your pencil on the sandstone slab. Do your best to take accurate measurements and mark the cutting line precisely, as this will ensure the final result is perfectly aligned.

Step 3: Secure the slab

After marking your slab, place it on a sturdy, level work surface and clamp it down tightly using the c-clamps. Securing the slab will prevent it from moving or shifting during the cutting process, which could lead to uneven or jagged edges.

Step 4: Cut the sandstone

Now it's time to fire up the power saw. Slowly and steadily, guide the blade along the marked cutting line. Let the saw do the work — don't apply too much pressure, as this can cause the blade to bind or veer off course. Take your time and make smooth, continuous cuts.

If you find any chipping or uneven edges, you can use a diamond hand grinder or a rubber mallet to carefully clean up the cut line.

Q/A section for cutting sandstone

Q: Is it a good idea to use an angle grinder for cutting Indian sandstone?

A: No, it’s a terrible idea. The high-speed rotation of the angle grinder can create excessive dust and debris, which can be hazardous. Angle grinders also tend to produce more uneven, chipped edges compared to power saw with a diamond blade.

Q: Does the thickness of the Indian sandstone affect the cutting process?

A: Yes, thicker sandstone slabs will require deeper, more controlled cuts. Adjust your saw depth accordingly and take extra care to avoid chipping or cracking the material. Thicker pieces may also need multiple passes with the saw to get a clean edge.

Q: Are there any other tips and recommendations I should take before making the first cut?

A: Only one – do some practice on slabs that you won’t need.