Travertine pavers are a favourite in Australian landscaping thanks to their natural beauty, slip resistance, and cool feel underfoot. Whether you’re building a pool surround, patio, or garden pathway, it’s likely you’ll need to cut a few pavers to get the perfect fit.
Travertine is a soft yet durable natural stone but it requires the right tools and techniques to cut without chipping or cracking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cut travertine pavers cleanly and safely, with essential precautions to protect both your stone and yourself.
What You’ll Need:
- Wet saw or angle grinder with diamond-tipped blade
- Measuring tape
- Chalk or pencil
- Workbench or stable cutting surface
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask or respirator
- Gloves
- Water supply (for wet saws)
- Clamps (optional for stability)
Step-by-Step: How to Cut Travertine Pavers
1. Measure and Mark
Begin by measuring the space where the paver needs to fit. Use a tape measure to take accurate dimensions, then mark your cut line with chalk or pencil. Double-check before cutting to avoid waste.
2. Set Up Your Cutting Area
Work in a well-ventilated outdoor space or designated cutting zone. Place the paver on a flat, stable surface such as a workbench or cutting table. If using a handheld angle grinder, clamp the paver in place for extra stability and safety.
3. Choose Your Cutting Tool
When it comes to cutting travertine, the right tool makes all the difference. A wet saw with a diamond blade is ideal for long, straight cuts, providing precision while reducing dust and overheating through continuous water flow.
For smaller or curved cuts, an angle grinder with a diamond-tipped blade is a practical alternative. However, it generates more dust and requires a steadier hand, so always use it outdoors and wear appropriate safety gear.
4. Make the Cut
Turn on your cutting tool and carefully guide the blade along your marked line. Let the blade do the work, avoid forcing it through the stone. For thicker pavers, you can score the surface with a shallow pass first, then complete the cut from the other side for a cleaner finish.
5. Smooth the Edges (Optional)
If the cut edge appears rough or sharp, smooth it using a stone file or sanding pad. This is especially useful for visible edges or detailed finishes.
Safety Precautions When Cutting Travertine
Cutting travertine isn’t overly complex, but it’s not something to take lightly either. Natural stone can be unpredictable, and improper technique or a lack of safety preparation can lead to damaged materials or worse, personal injury. Here are some important safety practices to follow before and during the cutting process:
Wear Protective Gear
Personal protective equipment is non-negotiable. Safety goggles will protect your eyes from flying chips of stone, especially when using an angle grinder or cutting dry. Work gloves provide grip and shield your hands from sharp edges and potential kickbacks. A dust mask or respirator is critical, travertine dust contains fine particles that can irritate your lungs or cause long-term health issues if inhaled repeatedly. Even if you’re using a wet saw, some airborne dust and mist can escape.
Use the Right Blade
Travertine requires a diamond-tipped blade that’s specifically designed for cutting natural stone. Using the wrong blade such as one designed for wood or general masonry can result in uneven cuts, chipped edges, and possible damage to your tool. A proper diamond blade ensures smoother operation, less resistance, and cleaner finishes.
Maintain Water Flow (for Wet Saws)
If you’re using a wet saw, make sure the water feed is flowing consistently before and during the cut. Water not only keeps the blade cool and prevents overheating, but also minimises airborne dust and reduces friction between the blade and the stone. Running a dry blade on travertine significantly increases the risk of cracks, burns, or warped cuts.
Cut Slowly and Steadily
Speed is not your friend when cutting stone. Forcing the blade through the paver too quickly can cause it to chip, crack, or split unevenly. Use a slow and controlled pace, letting the blade gradually do the work. For extra-thick pavers, consider scoring a shallow line first, then finishing the cut in a second pass for better precision.
Support the Paver Properly
To avoid breakage during cutting, always place your paver on a flat, stable surface and ensure both sides of the cut line are properly supported. If any part of the paver is hanging off the edge, the weight and vibration of the blade can cause it to crack unexpectedly. You can use wood blocks or rubber pads to raise and stabilise awkward pieces.
Always Cut Outdoors
Travertine cutting should always be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Dry cutting generates fine silica dust, which is hazardous if inhaled. Even wet cutting can create a slurry or mist that settles on nearby surfaces. Choose a clear, dedicated workspace away from foot traffic, children, or pets.
Clean Up Promptly
Travertine dust is not only abrasive but also slippery and can easily spread if not cleaned up quickly. After cutting, wipe down all nearby surfaces, sweep up the dust, and dispose of waste safely. If using a wet saw, empty and rinse the water tray to prevent stone slurry from hardening and clogging the saw components.
Final Tip: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Travertine is a premium material, and each paver is unique. Take your time with measurements and layout, and use the right tools for the job. A well-planned cut doesn’t just save materials, it gives your project a clean, professional look.
Need Tools or Pavers? BuildMart Has You Covered.
At BuildMart Australia, we stock everything you need to tackle your travertine project from high-quality natural stone pavers to diamond blades, jointing products, and premium sealers. Whether you’re DIY-ing a small outdoor space or managing a full-scale landscape installation, our expert team is here to help.
Visit us in-store or explore our stone range online for everything you need to cut, lay, and maintain travertine pavers with confidence.