Whether you’re cutting a trench for plumbing or opening a wall for a new window, timing matters. Concrete cutting isn’t a one-size-fits-all job—it depends on the tools, material and access. Understanding how long the work takes helps you plan better and avoid delays. Many clients across concrete cutting in Melbourne ask the same thing: “How long will it take to cut this?” The short answer is—it depends. The long answer is what we’re here to unpack. This article walks you through average cutting timelines by project type. We’ll look at small, medium and large-scale jobs, and the real-world factors that shape the duration. Let’s break it down and help you set realistic expectations.
Small Jobs: Quick Cuts on Thin Slabs
Small jobs usually involve shallow cuts through footpaths, driveways or shed slabs. These cuts are often for expansion joints, surface repairs or light-duty plumbing access. Average time: 30 minutes to 2 hours The speed depends on:
- Cut depth (usually under 100mm)
- Length of the cut
- Type of concrete (cured or green)
- Whether it’s reinforced or plain
If you’re working with soft or recently poured concrete, cuts go faster. A straight line through a 10m driveway with no steel can take under an hour with the right saw. That said, surface prep and safety setup still take time. Even if the cut is quick, crews spend extra time marking the slab, confirming measurements and protecting surrounding areas. Before you start estimating time,you need to think about the key factors that affect concrete cutting times. A fast cut doesn’t always mean a fast job overall.
Medium Jobs: Internal Slabs and Floor Trenches
Medium projects usually involve cutting through internal slabs to install plumbing, cables or drains. These cuts are deeper and need a more controlled approach. Average time: 2 to 4 hours Expect this timeline when cutting:
- 100–150mm concrete slabs
- Reinforced concrete (with rebar or mesh)
- Indoor spaces needing dust control
- Longer trench cuts or multiple segments
For example, a common job involves cutting a 5m trench inside a house to run waste pipes. With rebar in place, each cut must be slowed down to avoid damaging the steel or saw blade. If it’s indoors, dust suppression adds another layer of complexity. The job might look small from above, but internal work is tricky. Noise restrictions, power access and ventilation all play a role in timing. The more confined the space, the longer it tends to take. Concrete cutting is more than just slicing through—it’s about precision, safety and avoiding nearby damage. If you’re unsure what slows a project down, you need to understand how project complexity influences cutting duration.
Large Jobs: Thick Concrete and Commercial Cuts
Big jobs involve major slabs, footings, bridges or full-scale building sites. These projects require heavy-duty saws, multiple team members and careful planning. Average time: Half-day to multi-day depending on the size Examples include:
- Cutting a 200mm thick industrial floor
- Full-depth saw cuts across warehouse slabs
- Precise openings in post-tensioned concrete
- Wall or bridge deck demolition cuts
These jobs are affected by several factors:
- Blade life and cooling times
- Setup for wet cutting or dust extraction
- Scheduling shifts to avoid shutdowns
- Onsite coordination with other trades
Cutting through 50m of reinforced slab might take half a day with two saws running in tandem. But if the job needs scanning, water suppression and strict compliance, expect a full day or more. These are not DIY projects. Professional-grade tools and trained crews are essential to avoid costly errors. Larger commercial work often includes core drilling as well. If that’s part of your job, review what impacts the timeline for concrete drilling since it adds another layer to the time estimate.
What Slows Down Concrete Cutting?
You might expect a fast turnaround, only to find the crew still onsite hours later. That’s often because of the hidden factors that most people don’t consider upfront. Here’s what typically adds time:
- Reinforcement: Steel mesh or rebar slows blade speed
- Blade swaps: Dull blades need replacement to maintain clean cuts
- Water setup: Wet cutting requires tanks, hoses and drainage
- Limited access: Small doorways or tight spaces reduce saw mobility
- Noise curfews: Urban areas often limit loud equipment during certain hours
A driveway in an open space is a breeze compared to a cramped garage slab next to a finished kitchen. The concrete may be the same thickness, but the cutting experience is totally different.
Timeline Case Study: Residential Renovation
A homeowner in suburban Melbourne wanted to cut a 6m trench across a slab to install new waste lines for a bathroom. The concrete was 120mm thick with light mesh reinforcement. Job outline:
- Prep and marking: 30 minutes
- Dust control setup: 20 minutes
- Cutting time: 1.5 hours
- Cleanup and disposal: 45 minutes
Total duration: Around 3 hours The job was completed with a walk-behind saw and vacuum system. Because it was inside a house, extra time was spent sealing off nearby rooms and laying protective floor mats. Had this job been outside, it could’ve wrapped up faster. But the indoor conditions made safety the priority, which always adds time.
How to Plan for Concrete Cutting Timelines
Want a smoother project? Start with proper planning. Most delays happen when things aren’t set up right—either the wrong tools, the wrong assumptions or no time buffer. Use this checklist to help:
- Confirm the slab thickness and reinforcement
- Measure your cut lines accurately
- Know if the area has pipes or cables below
- Set realistic expectations with your crew
- Factor in time for setup, cutting and cleanup
- Account for access, noise and local rules
If you’re unsure how long your job will take, speak to a cutting professional. They’ve done hundreds of similar jobs and can give a more accurate estimate based on the details.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to cut through a driveway?
Most driveway cutting jobs range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on slab thickness and total length. A shallow cut for expansion joints takes less time, while deeper cuts for plumbing or trenching can take longer. If your driveway is reinforced with rebar or mesh, it’ll slow the saw down and may require blade changes. Wet cutting also adds time due to water setup and slurry management. Crews will also spend time marking out cuts, checking alignment and ensuring clean edges. Overall, driveway jobs are straightforward, but every site is different. Access, weather and debris removal can all affect the final timeline.
2. Does indoor concrete cutting take longer than outdoor work?
Yes, it usually does. Indoor concrete cutting involves more prep work to protect the surroundings. This includes laying mats, sealing doorways, setting up ventilation and managing dust or slurry. Noise restrictions also come into play—cutting indoors near occupied spaces may need to be done in quieter periods or outside of business hours. Electrical access and tool manoeuvrability in tight spaces also slow the work down. Even the cleanup takes longer indoors, where concrete dust or water can damage flooring, fixtures or walls. So while the cutting itself might take the same time, everything around it adds to the total job duration.
3. Can multiple contractors speed up the cutting process?
In many cases, yes. For large-scale work, having more than one cutter on site can halve the time, assuming the site has room and power for multiple tools. For example, if a 50m trench is needed, two saws running in parallel can split the job and reduce downtime. But this only works when:
- The workspace allows for two operators
- Equipment and power supply are sufficient
- Safety rules are followed to prevent overlap or conflict
In small or tight jobs, one skilled operator may be faster than two crowding the space. Coordination and planning are key—throwing more people at a problem doesn’t always mean faster results.
4. How much time should I allow for concrete cutting in a renovation project?
As a general rule, allow at least half a day per major cutting task in a residential renovation. This covers setup, cutting and cleanup. If you’re cutting in more than one room or doing multiple trenches, allocate a full day. Talk with your cutting contractor during the planning phase. They’ll ask for site access details, slab specs and project goals. From there, they can give a breakdown of likely timeframes. Rushing this part of the job often leads to errors, damage or frustration later in the build. Give the cutters time to work cleanly and safely. It’ll save you from costly fixes down the track.
5. Is concrete cutting faster with wet saws or dry saws?
Wet saws are often slower in setup but faster in performance. The water cools the blade, reduces dust and helps extend blade life. This allows for longer, more continuous cuts without overheating. Dry saws might save time on setup—no water lines or drainage needed—but they produce much more dust. That can cause visibility issues, clog filters and require longer cleanup times. So while a dry saw might start sooner, a wet saw usually finishes better. For indoor jobs or longer cuts, wet is almost always the smarter option.
Time Matters—but So Does Quality
Concrete cutting isn’t just about speed. Sure, everyone wants the job done quickly—but not at the cost of accuracy or safety. A clean, precise cut today saves days of patching, grinding or structural issues tomorrow. Whether your job takes 20 minutes or two days, what matters most is that it’s done right. With experience, planning and the right gear, timelines stay tight and results stay clean. If your project needs fast, reliable concrete cutting that doesn’t compromise on quality, Megasaw is ready to get it done. Our team delivers precision, speed and support for projects of any size—so you stay on time and on budget.
Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or leave an enquiry.