How to Cut Granite for a Show-Stopping Countertop
Whether you’re working with granite tiles or slabs, here’s how to make the perfect cut
Granite is a fabulous home addition that can add luxury and value to just about any space, from the bathroom to the kitchen. Although it may seem impossible, following the steps for how to cut granite is doable for advanced-level DIYers with the necessary tools and skills. This guide covers the precautions, prep work, and steps involved with cutting granite countertops.
How to Prep for Cutting Granite
If you’re certain you have the skills and experience to complete this task, there are a few things you should do before you get started, as cutting granite is dangerous without the correct preparation. Depending on the thickness of a slab, granite may snap very easily if not transported correctly. Pros move granite slabs vertically because they may cave in or crack if carried horizontally. If transporting it horizontally is your only option, make sure to recruit help.
Wear protective gear like goggles, aprons, gloves, and dangerous silica dust masks to protect you from dust and anything that may fly off the granite during cutting. Always work outside when cutting granite because there’s too much room for error to do so inside safely. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space large enough to accommodate the project, hand this project off to a local countertop professional.
How to Cut Granite Slabs
Now that your work area is ready, tools and supplies are at hand, and you’ve finished your prep work, here’s how to cut granite countertops.
1. Set Up Your Workspace
Place the slab on a solid surface and secure it with clamps. You can mark the slab with measurements before or after doing this, so don’t sweat it if you haven’t already.
Measure the space where you plan to install your granite, write those measurements down, and use painter’s tape to mark them on the granite accordingly.
2. Prepare Your Tools
Set up your saw according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a wet saw, ensure the tank is full to the limit. Wet saws produce less dust, but a dry saw produces equally good results.
If you opt for a wet saw, you’ll need to attach your drill to a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) to eliminate the risks of working with water and electricity. Diamond-edge blades are also non-negotiable because they’re the only blades sharp and strong enough to cut through granite successfully.
3. Make a Back Cut to Prevent Cracking
Doing this is necessary because granite becomes very fragile as you approach the end of the cut. At this moment, the vibrations of the saw are more likely to cause the rock to crack or shatter at the edge.
Place the edge of your blade on one end of the cut line. Turn the saw on and apply light pressure to cut several inches. Once you’ve made this cut, stop and switch to the opposite end.
4. Continue Sawing Down the Cut Line Starting From the Opposite End
Be patient; stone is a lot harder to cut through than wood, so expect the process to take a bit longer. Though it can be tempting to rush and force the saw, doing so is more likely to result in cracks, scratches, and uneven cuts.
5. Repeat the Two Previous Steps for Each Cut
Although it may seem like a pain, you won’t regret taking the preventative step of making a back cut each and every time to reduce the risk of cracks.
6. If You’re Not Using a Wet Saw, Minimize Dust With a Hose or Spray Bottle
Recruit a friend or family member to stand by your side and spray with water while you cut the granite.
7. Use an Angle Grinder to Smooth Cut Lines
Make sure the angle grinder is fitted with a diamond blade, turn it on, and apply light pressure to smooth edges or any chips that may have happened while sawing.
How to Cut Granite Tiles
The process of cutting granite tiles is slightly different because they’re much smaller than slabs. For one, you don’t have to worry as much about transporting them. As long as you handle them with care, they should be fine.
You’ll get better results on smaller tiles by using a wet tile saw instead of a larger circular saw. Tile saws come in many different shapes and sizes, but the most common options consist of a stationary base with a sliding table and an adjustable guide and blade that allow you to secure the tiles without clamps.
1. Set Up your Workspace
Set up shop in an open, well-ventilated area, just as you would with granite slabs. Have a sturdy work surface ready, and fill the saw with water.
2. Mark the Tiles With Your Desired Measurements
Use painter’s tape to mark your tiles accordingly.
3. Align Your First Tile With the Tip of the Blade and Begin Sawing
Make sure your tile saw is fitted with a diamond blade. Place the first tile on the sliding table of your tile saw and place the blade's tip at the start of the cut line. Turn on the saw and begin applying pressure in a forward motion. There’s no need to make backcuts on small granite tiles because there’s not as much distance between each end.
Drilling and Cutting Holes in Granite
Cutting holes in granite is sometimes necessary when installing faucets and handles into countertops—or perhaps you just want a sneaky way to hide any electrical cords on your bathroom vanity. If so, you’ll need a drill with a diamond tip and all the protective gear that the previous steps require.
1. Firmly Secure Tile or Slab to a Stable Work Surface
Use clamps to lock the granite in place, and make sure there’s no risk of your work table collapsing.
2. Use Painter’s Tape to Mark the Spot for the Hole
Measure the diameter at the base of the object that needs to be installed in your granite countertop—for instance, a faucet. Transfer that measurement to your granite slab or tile. It can be slightly larger but not smaller.
3. Place the Drill Tip Over the Mark and Begin Drilling Down
Be sure to hold the drill straight and apply gentle pressure. Once again, you’ll need to be patient as this process takes time. Whenever you notice resistance between the drill and the granite, dip the tip in a bit of cutting oil to get things running smoothly again.
Tips for Caring for Granite After Cutting
After cutting, there are a handful of extra things you can do to ensure your new granite feature always looks its best.
Use Polish Pads to Restore Shine
Although your granite will certainly look a bit worse for wear after all that sawing, it’s nothing a polish pad can’t fix right up. Working from one spot to the next, scrub the surface in a circular motion with a wet or dry polish pad. Then, rinse to remove dust.
Seal Once or Twice a Year
Granite surfaces become more sensitive with each use, but resealing your granite countertops from time to time will ensure they’re always protected. When doing so, invest in a sealer specifically made for granite, thoroughly clean the stone before applying it, and let it dry completely before applying it again.
Clean Regularly After Installation
Regularly cleaning your granite surfaces is a must to keep them looking great for years. Wipe up spills the moment they occur to prevent staining, dust whenever you notice buildup beginning to form, and wipe down your counters (with either a homemade cleaning solution or a store-bought one specifically for granite). Repeat the cleaning process weekly.
Things to Consider Before Cutting Your Own Granite
Cutting granite isn’t as easy as slicing through a sheet of plywood. On top of access to specific tools, there are a few more considerations to think through before attempting this as a DIY project.
1. Difficulty Level
It’s understandable to want to save money by DIY-ing your granite cutting, but remember that this is most often a professional task. Even the most straightforward-seeming cut can come with nuances and quirks that you should leave to a pro who’s done it all before.
2. Previous Experience
Assess your readiness based on the projects you’ve completed in the past. This is important to consider because if you don’t have experience with meticulous measurement, heavy sawing, and difficult lifting, it’s best to work your way up to these tasks slowly rather than diving in headfirst with a granite-cutting project.
3. Length of Cuts
Long cuts require the steady, experienced hand of a professional. Just a slight misstep or mismeasurement could find you with an off-center sink hole or damage to your cabinetry due to impact with the granite slab.
4. Ability to Lift Heavy Granite
Granite is one of the heaviest materials to handle, so you need to be ready to ask for some helping hands in lifting it and navigating your space. Even professionals will rely on crews of people to be able to lift a modestly sized granite kitchen countertop.
5. Budget for Mistakes
Like many things, your project may not go according to plan. Making a mistake or changing your mind while working on the granite will likely mean reordering a new slab. Consider how easy it will be to access a large piece of granite and how much it may cost you before you go for it the first time.
How Much Does It Cost to Cut Granite?
Materials and tools make up the bulk of the cost of cutting granite. Buying all the necessary tools outright can be more expensive than hiring a pro who already has them. For example, the circular saws needed to make perfect cuts cost $200 or more, and the rest of the supplies you’ll need—like diamond-edge blades and protective gear—can add another $200 to $500 to the project.
On the flip side, granite cutting tools are available as rentals for $30 to $70 a day at most hardware stores, and taking this route can help cut costs you’d normally pay to DIY this project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Although it’s possible to cut granite countertops yourself, countertop installers in your area have all the tools and skills to make the process easy. And if you get it wrong, the mistakes can be extraordinarily costly. For example, if you crack the granite, cut away too much, or otherwise irreparably damage the stone, you'll have to pay for a replacement and installation.
Then there are significant risks that come with this project like you or someone else in your household inhaling silica dust from the cutting process if you don't take all the right precautions or don't clean up properly afterward. Additionally, granite slabs can weigh several hundred pounds, so there is a serious risk of injury if improperly handled. Rather than take on this risk, you might want to hire a pro who cuts granite on-site.
Audrey Bruno contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a granite countertop can be cut in place. However, learning how to cut a granite countertop in place is a lot trickier than cutting granite in an open, well-ventilated space. You’ll also need to protect everything in the surrounding area (like your kitchen cabinets and appliances), but even that might not be enough to prevent dust from getting stuck in tight spots. If you absolutely must cut a granite countertop in place, consider hiring a pro to get the job done in the cleanest and safest way possible.
In most cases, chipped or cracked granite can be salvaged, but it depends on the size and scope of the damage. For example, a pro can smooth out small chips on the edge with polish pads or an angle grinder, but a crack that runs through the stone's surface has little-to-no chance of being fixed easily.
You can cut granite countertops after installing them, but you need to consider the mess it will make. Dust will be everywhere, and lots of protective gear will be required. On top of that, you will need to measure meticulously to make sure the cuts you make are perfect; otherwise, you’ll be stuck having to replace the entire slab of granite, which is a much bigger job.