Side Story: Pavers

Cutting and Trimming in Paving

Pavers, especially those for vehicle traffic areas, are hard bricks that require some care in cutting. While the traditional wet (or dry, if conditions allow) saw can do the job, many paver professionals are using an even older method: the Guillotine cutter.

Mark Frieberg of Brickstop Corp., Toronto, Canada, explains, "They're usually mechanical, although we do have one hydraulic model that will cut up to 9.25 inches. We sell one that splits retaining wall block and pavers anywhere from 1.2 inches to 6.3 inches. You put the paver on the platform and lower the cutting blade to where you want it, score it, and let the blade do the cutting with the handle. That's all there is to it. It's got a telescopic handle so you can get some good leverage out of it. They're a nice alternative to the wet saw or the dry saw that kicks up a lot of dust. A lot of companies are looking at these 'old school' guillotine cutters. We carry six different Italian-made models and they are hard to keep in stock. Quite a few of our dealers rent them out or retail them to contractors."

When you are delineating the area for the pavers, a good edging makes the job easier and neater. This is where Brickstop got its start ten years ago. Today, the company offers its original aluminum paver edge alongside a tough plastic version called "The Beast." Both provide a restraint for the pavers, to prevent them from straying from the path the customer wants them to take.

Frieberg's company also sells the rest of the special tools needed by paver installers. He says, "We have a line of hand tools like extractors, paver pries, lifters, and persuaders — that's a rubber hammer for knocking pavers into place. These tools and equipment help the contractor do their job better."