How to Trim Flagstones

Remove small sharp edges by striking the flagstone with the flat end of the stone hammer. Use the chisel shaped end of the hammer to smooth after removing the sharp edges.

Remove larger sections by etching a line across the top and bottom of the stone with a stone chisel and the hammer. The groove only needs to be 1/4 inch deep on both sides. When you have completed the etching strike, the part of the stone you want removed with the hammer. You might have to trim the edges to clean them and remove sharp edges.

Use a stone grinder if you want to create flat or smooth areas. This is important if you want to place all of the stones as close together as possible. Use the grinder along the area you want to work with and carefully manipulate it into the shape you wish.

Cutting major sections of flagstone will require a wet saw. Wet saws come in a couple of different models. One is handheld with water pushed through a hose to the cutting blade. The other is a stationary model that the stone is placed on and cut. Choose the type of saw depending on the size of the stone. To use the hand held version start at one end and cut your line. It is difficult to cut corners so you will have to make straight cuts and trim. Cut smaller pieces on the stationary model. Again, these can only be straight cuts. The stone is set down and pull the blade across it by a handle at the top.