Concrete is a widely used material all over the world especially for structures and buildings due to its weather resistance and its heavy-duty surface. On specific occasions when concrete needs maintenance, repair, or replacement, cuts are made to the material with a circular saw or a buzz saw. Selecting the correct type of blade for your needs can make cutting concrete easier and more efficient.

The two most common blades that are used around the world for concrete cutting are corundum blades and diamond blades. Corundum blades are the budget-friendly option and are widely available; they also cost below $5 for a 7-inch blade and can cut through concrete, asphalt, and stucco. However, these blades wear out quickly making them a poor choice for cutting a lot of concrete. Diamond blades on the other hand consist of a diamond-metal composite, cut faster, and are a better investment for cutting a lot of concrete. The metal composite of these blades wear away to reveal a sharp diamond edge as it is used, and these blades generally last longer than corundum blades.

After deciding on the blade material, the method of cutting to be done must also be considered. There are two ways of cutting concrete and these are dry cutting and wet cutting. Dry cutting is the simplest method and must be done outdoors due to the debris and dust that is produced from cutting concrete. For this method, it is best to use segmented blades which are powerful, easy to use, and have segments that provide better airflow to cool the blade during use. However, these blades make the roughest cuts and produce a lot of debris and dust.

Wet cutting on the other hand employs moisture or water to produce less dust, making it environmentally friendly and less harmful to one’s health. The presence of moisture lubricates and cools down the blade to maximize its lifespan. The ideal blade for this method is a continuous blade which makes smooth and quick cuts across concrete and produces very little dust and debris due to the lack of segmentation. The absence of segments also reduces the airflow throughout the blade but wet cutting compensates for this as the moisture acts as the blade’s cooling agent.

For a blade that can be used for both dry cutting and wet cutting, a turbo rim blade is a great choice. These are the most common blades and have smaller segments or serrations than a segmented blade, and a smooth and streamlined edge resembling a continuous blade. Turbo rim blades can be seen as the middle ground between segmented and continuous blades.

Cutting concrete is an easy task when the proper tools are used. Arguably, a saw with a diamond blade is the best choice in terms of material due to its cutting speed and durability making it perfect for extensive concrete cutting. However, quick and small cuts can also be done using corundum blades which are inexpensive and can be found anywhere. The method of cutting must then be taken into account to determine whether a segmented blade, continuous blade, or turbo rim blade should be used. A one-size-fits-all option for concrete blades does not exist as circumstances and situations may vary; but in terms of a versatile option, a diamond turbo-rim blade is the safest bet.