How Thick of Concrete Can Be Cut for Construction Projects?

When you're staring at a massive concrete wall or slab that stands between you and your construction goals, the question isn't whether it can be cut—it's whether you have the right equipment and expertise to do it safely and precisely. The thickness of concrete that can be cut depends on the tools being used, the type of concrete, and whether you're working with reinforced or unreinforced material.

Dave Schauer with Prodigy Contracting brings over 20 years of construction experience to concrete cutting projects throughout Bismarck, Mandan, and western North Dakota. Our team can cut concrete slabs up to 20 inches thick and foundation walls up to 12 inches thick from one side, or up to 24 inches thick when both sides are accessible. Whether you need an egress window installation, a plumbing trench, or a foundation opening, we have the specialized equipment and knowledge to handle your concrete cutting needs.

Understanding Concrete Cutting Thickness Limitations

The maximum thickness of concrete that can be cut varies based on several factors. Standard concrete cutting equipment used by most contractors can handle slabs between 6 and 12 inches thick, which covers the majority of residential and light commercial applications. However, industrial projects and certain foundation work may require cutting through much thicker concrete.

At Prodigy Contracting, we utilize professional-grade concrete cutting equipment that can cut slabs up to 20 inches thick. This capability allows us to handle everything from standard residential basement floors to heavy-duty commercial slabs. The type of saw being used plays a significant role in determining cutting depth. Wall saws, flat saws, and wire saws each have different maximum depth capabilities.

The condition and composition of the concrete also affect how thick a section can be cut. Older concrete may be easier to cut, but it could contain unexpected materials or be prone to deterioration. Newer, high-strength concrete requires more powerful equipment and specialized diamond blades. Reinforced concrete with heavy rebar presents additional challenges that require specific cutting techniques to avoid blade damage and ensure clean cuts.

Cutting Through Foundation Walls and Structural Concrete

Foundation walls present unique challenges because of their thickness and structural importance. Many foundations in North Dakota are built with 8 to 12-inch-thick concrete walls, though some commercial or industrial buildings may have foundations up to 24 inches thick. The accessibility of the concrete determines what's possible during the cutting process.

When cutting foundation walls, we can cut up to 12 inches deep from one side of the wall. If both sides of the foundation are accessible, we can cut through walls up to 24 inches thick by making cuts from both directions. This dual-access method ensures precision and allows us to handle even the thickest residential and commercial foundations. Creating openings for egress windows, doorways, or utility penetrations requires careful planning to maintain structural integrity while achieving the desired opening size and shape.

The reinforcement within foundation walls adds complexity to the cutting process. Most foundations contain vertical and horizontal rebar that must be cut along with the concrete. Our equipment can cut through reinforced concrete without damaging the blades or compromising the cut quality. We take care to identify rebar locations before cutting, allowing us to plan the most efficient cutting path and minimize any potential structural concerns.

Core Drilling Capabilities for Thick Concrete

Core drilling is another method for penetrating thick concrete, particularly when circular openings are needed for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or ventilation systems. Unlike slab cutting, which creates straight lines, core drilling removes cylindrical sections of concrete. The diameter and depth of the core hole determine the type of equipment required.

Prodigy Contracting can drill core holes up to 20 inches in diameter. This size range covers virtually every residential and commercial need, from small conduit holes to large sewer line penetrations. Core drilling works well for thick concrete because the drill bit removes material gradually, allowing for precise depth control. We can core drill through floors, walls, and ceilings regardless of thickness, as long as the drilling equipment can reach both the entry and exit points.

The advantage of core drilling for thick concrete is that it creates minimal vibration and dust compared to other cutting methods. This makes it ideal for occupied buildings or sensitive environments. Whether you need a 2-inch hole for electrical work or a 20-inch opening for a major utility connection, core drilling offers a clean and accurate solution.

Factors That Affect Concrete Cutting Thickness

Several variables influence how thick of concrete layer can be cut on any given project. The hardness of the aggregate within the concrete affects cutting speed and blade wear. North Dakota concrete often contains hard regional aggregates that require diamond blades specifically designed for these materials. The age of the concrete also matters, as fully cured concrete is harder than newer concrete but may be more brittle.

Environmental conditions play a role in concrete cutting projects. Temperature affects both the concrete and the cutting equipment. In North Dakota's extreme weather conditions, concrete expands and contracts significantly, which can create internal stresses that impact cutting. We account for these conditions when planning cuts to ensure clean results. Moisture content within the concrete can also impact cutting efficiency and blade performance.

The purpose of the cut determines the approach we take. Cutting for demolition allows for more aggressive techniques than cutting for a precise egress window opening, where exact dimensions are required. Structural cuts require engineering considerations to ensure the building remains sound after material is removed. We work with you to understand the project goals and apply the appropriate cutting methods.

Why Professional Equipment Makes a Difference

Attempting to cut thick concrete with inadequate equipment results in poor quality, safety hazards, and wasted time. Consumer-grade concrete saws typically have a maximum cutting depth of 4 to 6 inches, which is insufficient for most serious construction projects. Professional concrete cutting requires industrial equipment with significantly more power and cutting capacity.

Our professional-grade saws and core drills allow us to cut through concrete that would be impossible with standard tools. These machines use diamond-impregnated blades that can slice through concrete, rebar, and hard aggregates with precision. The equipment also features dust suppression systems and safety measures that protect both operators and the surrounding area. Investing in top-tier equipment enables us to handle projects that other contractors may turn away.

Experience with the equipment is just as important as the equipment itself. Knowing how to set the blade depth, maintain proper cutting speed, and recognize when a blade needs to be changed prevents damage and ensures high-quality cuts. Our team has the expertise to operate complex concrete cutting machinery safely and efficiently on every project.

Contact Prodigy Contracting for Concrete Cutting in Western North Dakota

Cutting thick concrete requires specialized knowledge, professional equipment, and years of hands-on experience. At Prodigy Contracting, we've spent over two decades mastering concrete cutting techniques for projects throughout Bismarck, Mandan, Williston, Watford City, Dickinson, and Killdeer. Our commitment to honest, reliable, and trustworthy service means you can count on us to complete your concrete cutting project correctly the first time, regardless of the concrete's thickness.

Whether you need to cut a 20-inch slab, drill a large core hole, or create an opening in a thick foundation wall, we have the capabilities to handle your project. We serve communities throughout western North Dakota and travel to job sites when needed. Contact us today to discuss your concrete cutting needs and get started on your construction project.