Creating a Landscape That Pops: Concrete Tips and Ideas

Your outdoor landscaping makes your first impression, it creates a relaxation zone for your family, and it can boost your property values. Landscaping involves lots of different elements including concrete. Hi, my name is Diane, and I love landscaping. However, I also love patios, magical pathways, sports courts and other concrete creations. Want help creating your fabulous outdoor space? Want help with concrete ideas in particular? Then, I would love to be there for you. I have a keen eye for decoration and have helped a lot of friends create their outdoor areas. I hope my tips and ideas can help you.

Tools You Can Use For DIY Concrete Cutting

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Although concrete offers homeowners numerous benefits when it comes to surfaces that are weather resistant as well as durable, those that engage in do-it-yourself projects may typically have a love-hate relationship with this material. This is because concrete cutting can be an arduous task. In most cases, you may end up requiring the services of a professional contactor to save yourself the tedium. The good news though is that it does not have to be so daunting as long as you have the right tools. Here are some of the tools that you could invest in if you engage in regular concrete cutting around your residence.

Abrasive masonry blades

These blades are designed to cut through concrete, asphalt and stucco materials. Although they tend to be an affordable option, they are the slowest option in the market. These masonry blades are best suited for shallow cuts, so it would not be advisable to opt for this tool if you are planning to engage in intensive concrete cutting, as the entire process will become time consuming. In addition, since these blades are designed for shallow cutting, you may have to regularly adjust your saw the deeper you cut, as the blades will begin to wear down. However, if all you require is to make some shallow cuts on your concrete, this tool would be the economical option.

Diamond blades

As the name suggests, the metal blade of this tool has a composite of metal and diamond bonded to its perimeter. As you engage in concrete cutting, the metal will gradually wear off, thus exposing the diamond edges. Diamond blades may be an expensive option; however, they are one of the most durable tools that you could invest in. They are best suited for individuals who would need to engage in concrete cutting on numerous occasions. There are two main types of diamond blades that you could purchase:

  • Dry cutting blades: The rim of these blades tends to be serrated to enhance aeration, which will work toward cooling the blade while it is in use. Dry cutting blades are best suited for DIY homeowners who are looking to make gradual deep cuts into the concrete. One thing to note with these blades is that they emit a lot of fine dust from the cutting process. As such, it is best to seal off the site you will be working in as well as wear protective gear to prevent respiratory problems.
  • Wet cutting blades: As the name suggests, this will incorporate water in the concrete cutting process. Just as air works toward cooling the dry blades, the water works in the same way. Wet cutting blades will not emit fine dust either, as the water will keep the dust to a minimum.

For more information, you may want to contact a local concrete cutting company. 

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9 October 2015