How to Cut Marble

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Marble is a type of natural stone often used for countertops and tiling. To cut a slab of marble, you need a wet saw with a diamond blade and proper safety equipment. Mark the marble with a pencil where you want to make the cut and move the slab slowly into the machine. To prevent chipping or breaking the slab, make a small slice on the backside, and then finish making the cut on the front of the marble. With the right tools and preparations, you can easily cut marble at home rather than hiring a professional.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Prepping the Saw and Marble

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  1. [1] A wet saw is the best option for cutting stone slabs, and the diamond blade ensures a smooth, clean cut. If you only need to cut marble for a few jobs, renting may be more cost-effective than buying a saw. If you are planning multiple home improvement jobs, buying your own saw may be more economical and convenient. [2]
    • Make sure you get the right kind of wet saw. If you're cutting pieces of marble that are more than 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter, a tabletop wet saw (the kind most commonly available for rent) will not be effective. Ask an employee at the store to recommend the best saw for the job you want to do.
    • If you're cutting a thin slab (like the kind you'd use for a shower wall or counter top), you can use a circular saw with a diamond blade.
    • A new wet saw usually costs about $100-300 (£77.25-231.76).
    • Renting wet saws cost about $35 (£27.04) a day or $100 (£77.25) a week.
    • The blade of the saw has diamond crystals, which help cut dense and strong items.
  2. If you do not know how to safely use the saw, you may injure yourself when cutting the marble. Review the set-up instructions and safety warnings on your particular model, as they are all slightly different. [3]
    • This way, you know the ins and outs of your model and can easily and safely cut the marble slab.
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  3. [4] When using a wet saw, the blade must remain consistently wet in order to keep it cool. If the blade gets too hot, it can cut the marble incorrectly or inconsistently. You may have to fill up the separate water tank or connect the saw to a hose, depending on your particular model. [5]
    • Read over your instructions to find exact instructions on how to connect the water supply to your saw.
  4. Purchase a large piece of foam from a craft supply store. Use this to keep your marble flat and protected as you cut it. When you move the marble across the platform of the saw, the foam gets scratched up, rather than your marble. [6]
    • You can make the cutting job easier by attaching the foam to a piece of 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) plywood. Use clear silicone to attach the foam to the wood, and wait for the silicone to dry before cutting. You can then lay the board on a saw horse so you can cut at a comfortable level.
    • The foam should be the size of your marble or larger.
    • Use any non-abrasive surface if you don't have foam, such as cardboard.
  5. Use a pencil to mark the marble exactly where you wish to cut it. If you'd like, use a ruler or tape measure to ensure your line is drawn straight and accurately. Ensure the mark is easily visible, so you can use it as a guideline while cutting it with the saw. [7]
    • Alternatively, use a piece of tape to mark the marble instead of a pencil. This is a good idea if you want to easily see the line on a dark piece of marble.
  6. [8] Before you turn on the saw, fill a cup with water and pour it over top of the blade so it gets completely covered. [9]
    • You don't have to use a certain amount of water, as the saw gets wet once you turn it on.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Keeping Safe

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  1. Safety gloves keep your fingers covered, minimizing the risk of cutting them when slicing the marble. Select a pair of gloves made from thick, durable canvas material, for example. [10]
  2. Put on a pair of protective earmuffs before you use the saw to avoid any hearing strain or damage. You'll notice a loud, piercing noise when the blade pierces through the marble. Since you are standing very close to the saw, this noise may damage your hearing. [11]
    • These earmuffs are also worn when using a jackhammer or lawn mower, for instance.
  3. Small fragments of marble may fly up while using the wet saw, and one of the flyaways could wind up in your eye. [12]
    • When you put on the goggles, make sure your entire eye is protected.
  4. If you wear baggy shirts or pants, the extra fabric could get caught in the saw and cause serious injury. To prevent this, wear clothing that fits well. Additionally, keep your toes covered to prevent cuts from flyaway pieces of marble. [13]
    • Wear boots or sneakers, for example.
  5. Similarly to loose clothing, long hair can easily get caught in the blade. Use an elastic hair tie or scrunchy to tie up long hair, or use a headband to secure medium-length hair. [14]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Making Your Cut

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  1. The correct side depends on your particular saw. Typically, you want to line up the marble with the right side of the blade. If you use the wrong side, you may cut the slab too short by mistake. The blade cuts off about 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm), so ensure the 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm) comes from your scrap side and not the piece you're using. [15]
    • To tell which side of the blade is correct, make a practice cut on a scrap piece of marble.
    • Make sure to keep the marble clamped down so that it can't move while you make the cut. A hand clamp with soft pads is a good option for safely keeping your marble in place.
  2. The faster you move the marble through the blade, the more likely the slab will chip, splinter, or break. To prevent this, always make your cuts slowly, and let the machine do the work for you. [16]
    • If you start to see smoke as you cut, slow down. Try sawing a small section, then pulling the saw back a little before you begin the next small section.
    • If you want to test out how cutting at different speeds affects the marble, make a few slices on a practice slab before you cut the final piece.
  3. Cut the marble with the finished side facing downwards onto your piece of foam. Turn on the saw when you are ready to use it, feed the marble slowly into the saw until you reach about 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm), and then stop. Making a small cut on the back of the marble ensures the slab does not chip or break. [17]
    • If you don't do this, the end of your tile may break off while you finish the slice.
  4. Once you've made a small slice to the back, turn the slab over so the finished side faces upwards. Then, start making your cut on the opposite end of the slab. Continue cutting the rest of the way through the slab to ensure your cut is clean and even. [18]
    • If you're cutting a very thin slab of marble, like the kind you'd use to cover a shower wall, there's no need to flip the marble and make 2 cuts. Just make a single cut straight through with a diamond circular saw blade.
  5. To prevent any accidents, keep your saw turned off when not in use. Do this whether you are finished working on your project or cutting multiple pieces of marble. [19]
    • If you are cutting multiple slabs, turn it off until you are ready to make the next cut.
  6. Since the diamond blade cuts the marble so smoothly, there may be jagged or sharp pieces on the edges. Use wet or dry sandpaper to manually smoothen the edges if you'd like. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to soften the edges at first, and then use 2500-grit sandpaper for an extra-smooth finish. [20]
    • If you use a coarse sandpaper, you'll scratch the marble.
    • To wet your sandpaper, hold it under your faucet for 3-5 seconds. Using wet sandpaper may make it easier to sand the stone surface.
    • For an automatic option, try using an angle grinder to quickly smoothen the marble. However, you may have less control over the sanding process if you use a machine.
    • Another option is to use an orbital sander.
  7. Once you're finished, wipe down your surfaces with a clean rag and all-purpose cleaner, sweep your floor of any dust, shards, or remnants, and wipe down your saw after it's cool. Keeping your workstation clean in between uses helps you prevent injury and keep your items in good shape. [21]
    • Additionally, drain your water tank following your particular instructions.
  8. 8
    Use a grinder with a dry cut diamond wheel to add finishing touches. Once you've cut the marble into the basic shape that you want, you may wish to make further adjustments. With a grinder, you can:
    • Cut holes.
    • Make sink cutouts.
    • Create beveled edges.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you cut marble with a grinder?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, definitely. Depending on the size of the marble piece, for granite countertops, for example, you might need a special grinder machine.
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  • Question
    How do you cut marble by hand?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, if you're cutting something small, like a little piece of marble threshold. In this case, don't forget to soak a grouting sponge and pinch it slowly next to the blade as you're cutting it as you go, as the process needs constant water pouring.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I cut a round hole in marble?
    Community Answer
    If you're referring to the sinkhole you can use an angle grinder with diamond blade. If you need a smaller circle for water hook up you can use a diamond hole saw bit. Home Depot carries these in the tiling supplies area. It's blue and made by DEP.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Marble slab
      • Wet saw with a diamond blade
      • Water
      • Pencil
      • Foam
      • Safety glasses
      • Safety gloves
      • Safety earmuffs
      • Form-fitting clothing
      • Closed-toed shoes
      • 120-grit and 2500-grit sandpaper
      • Rag
      • Broom and dustpan

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      Tips

      • Being able to cut marble yourself means you can control the cut size and style of the marble, and it saves you money in the long run.
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      Warnings

      • If you do not use proper safety equipment, you may hurt yourself or others while cutting the marble. The blade is very sharp, as are the flyaway pieces of marble.
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      References

      1. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.
      2. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      3. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      4. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.
      5. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      6. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      7. ↑ https://thespacebetweenblog.net/cutting-grouting-sealing-marble-tile-tips/
      8. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.
      9. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      1. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      2. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      3. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      4. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      5. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      6. ↑ https://thespacebetweenblog.net/cutting-grouting-sealing-marble-tile-tips/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/sxE88zw35oU?t=6m27s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/sxE88zw35oU?t=6m33s
      9. ↑ https://thespacebetweenblog.net/cutting-grouting-sealing-marble-tile-tips/
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/sxE88zw35oU?t=6m29s
      11. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/
      12. ↑ https://repairdaily.com/how-to-cut-marble/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cut marble, start by connecting a wet saw to a water supply, putting the marble on thick foam, and marking the marble where you want to cut it. Then, put on protective gear, including goggles, earmuffs, and thick, durable gloves before turning on the saw. Next, align the marble with the saw blade with the finished side down and make an initial cut of 1-3 inches. After that, flip the marble over and cut through the rest of the slab from the opposite side to prevent the slab from breaking off when you get towards the end. For more tips, like how to choose the right type of wet saw for your project, read on!

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