How do we shape the square stones for a circular border on a garden?

Question

We have placed two levels of garden borders (typical pre-cast stones that angle in at the back) in a circular shape around our flower garden and now would like to put the finishing cap on. These are not as thick (about 2 inches) and are in a square shape, so they do not make the proper angle to follow the polished circle the other stones made. People have suggested using a wet saw to cut these stones, but I don't know exactly how we do this...is there a specific angle? Do we just wing it? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Lay the top stones around the top of the circle,  you will notice that they will overlap, hold the capping level and mark with a pencil the overlapping parts.  You can then cut these overlapping pieces off.  It may take a bit of patience to get the overlaps even.

You could hire a brick saw to do the cutting.  With care this is not dangerous as most brick saws come with safety cut outs and they don't cut through your fingers they use discs that grind your skin if you come in contact.  Ask to see one and get some advice from a hire shop.  You will still need to take care but not extremely dangerous.

Another solution would be to ring a paving contractor who is used to this type of work and get him to quote a price to mark and cut the top stones for you and then you can put them in place or pay him to do it.

You could also get some advice from your supplier as to whether you can cut them by scoring (marking into the cap) and then hitting the cut with a bolster and hammer.  You may not get a 'neat' edge with this method but ask anyway.  Good luck.

  

Answer 2

A wet saw is an extremely dangerous tool.  Your fingers are a mere few inches away from a saw blade that will go through your fingers like a knife goes through butter.  If you haven't ever used one before I wouldn't choose this project as the chance to learn.  There are chisels designed to make a fine cut in stone which would be a lot easier and cheaper than a wet saw.  

Answer 3

Hmm.. well a great website about garden design is http://www.perfectgardendesign.com... hopefully this can help you!