How to Cut Rubber Pavers? (In-depth Guide)

Rubber pavers are a type of pavers made using rubber. These pavers are known as outdoor pavers. These convenient and durable pavers are an alternative to brick, cement, and other tile pavers. They are easy to maintain and install. It is important to use the right tools when cutting rubber pavers. One should strictly follow the appropriate method when cutting. Otherwise, the pattern will not fit perfectly. This article is focused on how to cut rubber pavers using a different tool, the safety precautions to follow, and how to get a clean finish on the paver edges.

How to Cut Rubber Pavers?

Before you start with the rubber paver installation, gather all the necessary tools. These tools include knives, jigsaw if preferred for cutting or the miter saw, pen, measuring tape, straight edge, and scrap wood of two by four.

Whether you cut the paver with a knife, jigsaw, or miter saw. The first step is to measure the area or space that requires the rubber paver. Use a pen and a straight edge to outline the cut required on the paver. Now place the rubber paver on top of the wood piece and the straight edge on the rubber paver’s marked surface and press on it hard enough to prevent moving.

Cutting with a Knife

Take a sharp knife and score or cut the pad clean in one go without shaking or shivering. Give it a deep and clean cut without any uneven edges. A tip to getting the straight cut is to dip the knife in soapy water and make the cut. Continue with all the pieces the same way.

Cutting with Jigsaw

If one does not like the knife, can you use a jigsaw to cut the rubber paver? Using a jigsaw makes the work faster and easier compared to a knife.

The jigsaw has a vertical-cut blade to cut easily through the rubber. After taking the necessary measurement, place the rubber paver on a high table or a piece of wood, bring the marked angles to the edge, run the jigsaw through the pen lines, and get a smooth and clean cut.

A tip for a smoother edge is to apply oil onto the blade and place something heavy on the rubber paver to prevent movement due to vibration.

Cutting with a Miter Saw

Another way to cut the rubber paver is by using a miter saw. This tool is known to be the best out of the three to get this job done. First, place a masonry diamond cutting blade on the miter saw. Next, place the rubber with all the measurements marked for cutting the paver onto the miter saw table.

Place the paver firm on the table with the angle of exact measurement for the cut. Align the blade on the markings and make a smooth and clean cut by running the blade through the rubber paver. If the paver is wide and thick, use a sliding miter saw. A tip for a clean cut is to oil and maintain the blade rust and scratch-free.

Finally, after cutting the rubber pavers to the desired shape and size, apply glue or adhesive that is used to fix rubber pavers onto the surface.

Next, place the cut pieces of rubber pavers in the desired pattern on the glued surface, let it dry for at least 24 hours, and use it when completely dry.

Safety Precautions to Take When Cutting Rubber Pavers

Rubber pavers are quick and easy paving for outdoor and indoor flooring. There are various colors, patterns, and rubber paver flooring designs in different thickness levels. Maintaining the paver installation by following the right safety precautions is necessary, especially when cutting the pavers. This can prevent accidents and safety hazards. Here are some basic safety precautions to follow:

Make sure you wear safety gloves before handling knives and saws. The rubber paver can get slippery when cutting. A small movement can cut your hand.
Another safety tip is to wear protective eyeglasses. If the miter saw or jigsaw is making a fast cut, small rubber can hit the eye.
Place the rubber paver on a slip-resistant table or surface. This is done to ensure the rubber paver does not move while cutting.

Use soap to dip the knife or blade before cutting through the paver. Doing this will make the cut effortless. Reducing the damage caused to the hand.
Always place something heavy on the rubber paver when cutting through a jigsaw. The paver can move, and the person can get hurt trying to tackle the problem.
Do not be intoxicated or drunk while cutting the paver. Do not engage in this type of work if you are sleepy or exhausted. A slight wrong movement can cut your figure.

Wear gloves when applying the glue on the surface. This chemical glue is harmful to the skin. It can make two fingers stick together or even get into your eyes.
Make sure the paver is fixed during summer. If the surface is wet, it can be slippery. And rubber is absorbent, preventing the paver’s attachment to the ground.
Always keep the blades covered in a protective case so that any tripping or falling will not result in safety hazards.

Do not forget to use hearing protection to prevent damage from loud noise and a mask to prevent dust from entering the respiratory system.

Safety Precautions to Take When Cutting Rubber Pavers

How to Finish the Cut Edges of Rubber Pavers?

There is not much to work on the edges of the cut rubber pavers. One way to keep the edge sharp is to use a straight edge when marking and cutting the rubber paver with a knife or blade. Instead of plunging in for a single deep cut, go for a scoring cut little by little, running the blade along a few times.

In addition to it, one can use sandpaper that is used for smoothing surfaces and slightly sanding uneven or irregular edges. Buying pre-cut rubber pavers is an easier way to maintain a perfectly finished edge. These pavers are already cut and sold in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses.

Conclusion

Cutting rubber pavers is not very complicated, one can cut and fix rubber pavers both for indoor and outdoor flooring as a DIY project. If one thinks it is difficult can get a professional to help. As a final recommendation, using a miter saw for a clean, and fast cut is better. Remember to also wear protective equipment when cutting rubber pavers. Do not use harsh chemicals or concentrated peroxide to clean the paver. The color can burn and fade. Use a mop and wash liquid to clean it.

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