How to Cut Rubber Pavers? Essential Techniques and Tools!
Want to learn how to cut rubber pavers by yourself? Due to the presence of properties like durability, convenience of maintenance, anti-skid, bio-degradable, comfort, and many more, rubber pavers are widely used for flooring patios, playgrounds, walkways, barns, and many other outdoor spaces. But did you know that rubber pavers can be fitted on your own without any professional help? The process until installation requires a little bit of your time and effort; however, it is still worth the trouble.
Once you learn how to cut the rubber pavers, what you need to use to cut them according to size, and what precautions you need to take when cutting them using sharp objects, the task will be simple, and you don’t have to waste your money and time hiring people to do it for you.
Continue reading to learn how to cut rubber pavers yourself, how to choose the appropriate tools and many more useful tips to install a rubber paver, and you can thank me later!
Can Rubber Pavers be Cut to Size?
Rubber pavers can be cut to size, provided you use the appropriate tools. You need a safety glove, measuring tape, a pen or a pencil, a piece of scrap wood, a straight edge, a utility knife with sharp edges, and more blades if you want additional pavers. Once you have the above tools, it is a matter of using them appropriately.
How to Measure and Mark the Rubber Pavers for Cutting?
The rubber pavement can be measured using the measuring tape, while the marking is done using a pen. Once you have the measurements, you only have to place the measuring tape on the rubber paver and then draw the cuts or the cutting line using a pen or a piece of chalk.
Cutting needs to be done along these lines. Remember to mark your measurements correctly to avoid any wastage or irregular sizes.
What is the Best Blade to Cut Thick Rubber?
Using a good and sharp blade is essential when cutting a thick rubber mainly because using the wrong blade, especially a blunt-edged blade, can cause severe injuries and give you an irregular-shaped rubber paver.
It is recommended to use a sharp blade, usually found in utility knives used in household kitchens. When the edge is sharp, it is easier to cut thick rubber, which is generally more robust than the usual rubber. A sharp blade is also helpful for smoother and quicker cuts.
Alternatively, you can also use an electric knife to cut thick rubber; however, this has to be done with extreme caution because the consequences could be more damaging than the blade of a utility knife.
There are other tools including Sawzall and Dremel tools available in the market today to cut thick rubber, but these can be more expensive than using the blade of a kitchen knife.
How to Cut Rubber Pavers?
Now it’s time to learn about how to cut rubber pavers, so get your tools ready and let’s begin.
The first step is to measure the area where you plan to install or set up the rubber paver using measuring tape.
Next, using the straight edge and the pen or chalk, mark the measurements on the paver where you need to cut. Place the piece of wood under the rubber paver to ensure that the line ready to be missed is positioned on top of the piece of wood under the paver.
If you have positioned the piece of wood correctly, you will see one side of the paver falling apart without support from the piece under the paver.
Now the rubber paver is ready to be cut. Use the straight edge to line it with the cut marks for fine cuts. According to the thickness of the paper, you can select an appropriate blade; however, it is safer and easier to use the edge of your utility knife.
Using the blade, make tiny incisions along the cut line. Upon completion, you can start the cutting process. For this, you will have to exert more pressure as the paver cuts its way along the tiny incisions.
Ensure that you cut it downwards to get straight edges. During the cutting process, you may have to change the blade of your knife (if the knife begins to shred); therefore, keep a few extra blades with you throughout the process. Continue the same pattern for other rubber pavers required to complete the installation.
Can a Circular Saw be Used to Cut Rubber Pavers?
Yes, you can. A circular saw is a tool used to cut through many materials like wood and metals; hence, rubber pavers can also be easily cut using it.
The circular saw has to contain an excellent blade to obtain fine and precise cuts. It is recommended to use the diamond-tipped masonry blade when cutting into hard materials, including thick rubber pavers.
What should be Done to Smooth the Edges After Cutting Rubber Pavers?
Irrespective of which tool you use, a knife or a saw, or any other tool, there will often be a requirement to smooth the edges after cutting rubber pavers. Rubber is generally an elastic material; therefore, it is crucial to smooth the edges for a refined finish.
You can use sandpaper to even out the rough edges of the rubber paver after cutting. Alternatively, you can use a masonry chisel and hammer to smoothen the uneven edges. A miter saw is another tool that can be used for a clean and perfect finish.
There are also ready-made rubber pavers in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses available in the market today; these pavers are usually cut to hit perfection with no rough edges.
Precautions When Cutting Rubber Pavers
Cutting rubber pavers can be very dangerous if you do not use the tools correctly, especially the blades. Here are a few precautions when handling sharp tools when cutting rubber pavers. Keep in mind that these safety precautions will differ from tool to tool.
- Use safety gloves when using a sharp knife blade or any other tool.
- Wear safety goggles and a dust mask (Respiratory Protective Equipment) when cutting
- rubber pavers using a circular saw as it generates a lot of dust particles in the air and, thus, could be harmful to breathe.
- Protect your ears from the sound of the electric circular saw.
- Learn how to handle a machine or tool before you use it.
- Wear safety footwear like leather or rubber boots to protect your feet from injury. This step is also helpful when handling electric tools like the circular saw.
- Place the tools in their boxes or safe places when not in use.
- Have a first aid kit ready in case of an emergency.
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Video Credits – Greatmats
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