When concrete or asphalt needs to be cut accurately, using the right equipment can make a significant difference to the job. Floor sawing is a specialist concrete cutting method used to make precise cuts through horizontal surfaces such as concrete floors, slabs and roads.
It is commonly used across construction, infrastructure and renovation projects where controlled cuts need to be made quickly and accurately.
But how does floor sawing work, and when would you need to use it?
What Is Floor Sawing?
Floor sawing involves using a specialist saw fitted with a circular diamond blade to cut into a horizontal surface.
The equipment is typically operated from behind and guided along the required cutting line. This allows the operator to create accurate cuts through materials including:
- Concrete
- Reinforced concrete
- Asphalt
- Floor slabs
- Roads and carriageways
At KSS Diamond Drilling, our floor saws use blade diameters ranging from 300mm to 1500mm and can cut reinforced concrete, asphalt roads and floor slabs to depths of up to 650mm.
When Is Floor Sawing Used?
Floor sawing can be useful whenever an accurate cut needs to be made into a flat concrete or asphalt surface.
This makes it suitable for a wide variety of projects, including construction, roadworks and infrastructure.
Some common applications include:
- Cutting concrete floor slabs
- Road and carriageway works
- Creating openings in floors
- Cutting sections of concrete for removal
- Construction and renovation projects
- Airport and dock works
- Railway projects
KSS has also used multiple floor saws where projects have particularly tight deadlines, including carriageway, airport, dock and railway works.
Can Floor Saws Cut Reinforced Concrete?
Yes. Floor sawing can be used to cut through reinforced concrete, making it particularly useful on construction and infrastructure projects where standard cutting equipment may not be suitable.
Diamond blades provide the cutting capability needed to work through tough construction materials while allowing accurate cuts to be made.
This means floor sawing can be used on everything from concrete floor slabs to substantial reinforced concrete surfaces.
Can Floor Sawing Be Used Indoors?
Floor sawing isn’t limited to outdoor projects.
For enclosed environments, choosing suitable equipment is particularly important. Petrol or diesel-powered equipment can create exhaust fumes, making it unsuitable for some indoor applications.
KSS Diamond Drilling has 3-phase electric floor saws for environments such as office blocks and enclosed warehouses where engine fumes are a concern. These electric machines can achieve cutting depths of up to 500mm.
What Are the Benefits of Floor Sawing?
One of the biggest advantages of floor sawing is its ability to create controlled cuts through hard materials.
Depending on the project, benefits can include:
- Accurate cutting
- Deep cutting capabilities
- Suitable for reinforced concrete
- Suitable for asphalt
- Fast cutting across large horizontal surfaces
- Electric equipment available for enclosed environments
- Different machines available depending on the project
The right machine and cutting method will depend on factors such as the material, required depth, location and scale of the project.
Is Floor Sawing the Same as Wall Sawing?
No. Although both are specialist concrete cutting techniques, they are generally designed for different applications.
Floor saws are primarily used on horizontal surfaces, such as floors, slabs and roads.
Wall or track saws are designed for cutting concrete walls and other surfaces where a track-mounted system is more appropriate. KSS also provides track sawing alongside floor sawing and several other specialist concrete cutting methods.
Do I Need Professional Floor Sawing?
Floor sawing requires specialist machinery and knowledge of how to make the required cuts safely and accurately.
The correct equipment also needs to be selected based on the depth of the cut, material being worked on and conditions surrounding the project.
For substantial concrete cutting work, using an experienced specialist ensures the appropriate cutting method and machinery can be selected for the job.
Professional Floor Sawing From KSS Diamond Drilling
KSS Diamond Drilling provides professional floor sawing and concrete cutting services for projects across the UK.
With over 25 years of industry experience, we work with construction companies, public utilities and consulting engineers on a wide range of concrete cutting requirements.
Our range of floor saws allows us to tackle everything from reinforced concrete floor slabs to asphalt roads, with different equipment available depending on the environment and requirements of the project.
Contact KSS Diamond Drilling
Need professional floor sawing for an upcoming project?
Speak to KSS Diamond Drilling to discuss your requirements and find the most suitable cutting method for the job.
