Concrete cutters are often enlisted to tackle a wide array of tasks, from home renovations to undertaking large-scale construction projects. If you have any plans that involve cutting through a concrete driveway or foundation, you’ll need to enlist the services of a professional.

Keep reading to find out more about the concrete cutting profession, including:

• What concrete cutters do
• Common issues with concrete 
• How much it costs to hire a concrete cutter
• Tips for finding and employing a local concrete cutting service provider
• The best time of year to use a concrete cutter
• The advantages of hiring a professional concrete cutter
• How to get the best quote from a concrete cutter

What does a concrete cutter do?

Concrete cutters use specialised tools and methods to safely and effectively cut through concrete. They can take on various tasks, such as:

• Making openings for doors and windows
• Fixing damaged concrete
• Dismantling concrete structures
• Cutting concrete slabs or walls for new construction or remodelling.

These tradies employ different equipment for these tasks, including concrete saws, core drills, and wire saws.

 

Most common issues with concrete

Concrete is a widely used building material, but it's not immune to issues, especially in the Australian climate. The scorching temperatures and relentless sunlight of Australian summers pose significant challenges to the integrity of concrete structures.

These harsh conditions lead to a few common problems:

• Cracking, where high temperatures cause the concrete to expand
• Crazing, where extreme heat causes web-like patterns of fine cracks
• Crusting, where rapid drying of concrete creates a hard crust.

Apart from weather-related problems, tree root intrusions are another common issue that can affect concrete in Australia. Native trees often seek moisture during dry periods, and their roots can infiltrate and damage concrete. Tree root intrusions not only compromise the structural integrity of the structure but can also create uneven surfaces and pose tripping hazards.

Contacting a professional at the first sight of any of these issues can help to contain the issue.

How much it costs to hire a concrete cutter

The cost of hiring a concrete cutter will vary depending on a few factors:

• Depth of the concrete
• Length of the concrete
• Type and resilience of the concrete
• The surface to cut, such as whether it is awkward or hard to reach
• Tools required.

Unlike most trade work, concrete cutting isn’t measured by square metre. Instead, saw cut concrete is measured by cubic metres, which accounts for the depth of the concrete.

Diamond Cut Concrete in Western Australia, says that, on average, a 50mm thick concrete wall cut with a hand saw will cost $15 per cubic metre, with a $70 per hour labour fee on top. This does not include call out fees and covers only basic work. 

On average, you can expect a quote between $15 and $40 per cubic metre.

Read more: How much does concrete cutting cost?

How to hire a reliable local concrete cutter

When hiring a local concrete cutter, it's important to do your research and choose a company with experience in the type of concrete cutting you need.

Here are a few tips:

• Ask about their experience with the specific type of concrete cutting you need. For example, if you need to cut through reinforced concrete, you'll need to hire a company with experience in that area.
• Get a written quote from the company, with a breakdown of all costs. This will help you to compare prices and avoid any surprises.
• Look for reviews or feedback from other customers, such as on their hipages company page. This can be a good way to get an idea of the company's quality of work and customer service.

The best time of year to use a concrete cutter

When possible, avoid starting work during the peak of summer. Australia’s hot weather can cause the concrete to become very hard, reducing workability and increasing the risk of cracking when cutting the surface.

If you must commence work in summer, try to schedule concrete cutting in the mornings. The concrete will be cooler at this time of day, making it easier to cut.

Benefits of hiring a concrete cutter

There are a number of benefits to hiring a concrete cutter. The main ones are that it is:

• Safer
• More efficient
• Guarantees high-quality cuts.

Concrete cutting can be dangerous if not done properly, as it involves using powerful tools and working with heavy materials. Cutters have the experience, training, and specialised equipment to cut concrete safely. They follow strict safety procedures to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries, such as wearing protective gear, using dust suppression methods, and setting up barriers around the work area. This is why it is advisable to reach out to a professional for any concrete cutting needs.

Getting quotes from concrete cutters

Still in the process of sourcing quotes? It’s recommended to get at least three quotes as prices can vary significantly between different businesses.

Trying to get the best price? Be flexible with your schedule when discussing the specifics of the job. If you are willing to schedule the job for a weekday or during a down period, they may be able to offer you a lower price, or start the job immediately. 

Once you have quotes from a few concrete cutters, compare prices and services to ensure that you're getting the best deal. Ensure that you’re comparing like for like, and that the scope of work you provided is reflected accurately in the written quote. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.