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20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

by Blades Admin

20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade: The Ultimate Guide for Professional Cutting Performance

A 20-inch concrete saw blade is one of the most relied-upon cutting tools in the construction, roadwork, demolition, and hardscape industries. When professionals need to slice through thick concrete slabs, reinforced surfaces, cured concrete, sidewalks, asphalt overlays, or structural materials, a high-quality 20-inch blade provides the reach, durability, and cutting power required for heavy-duty work. Because of its size, this blade is commonly used on walk-behind saws, floor saws, and high-horsepower cutting equipment designed for deep or extended cuts.

Whether you’re a contractor working daily with slabs or a facility maintenance professional handling occasional cutting tasks, understanding how a 20-inch concrete saw blade functions—and what makes one blade outperform another—helps ensure smooth, accurate, and efficient cutting performance. This guide covers everything you need to know, including blade construction, types, applications, features, bonding, and how to choose the right 20-inch blade for your job.

What a 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade Is Designed For

A 20-inch concrete saw blade is engineered to cut deeper than smaller blades. With a large diameter and extended cutting depth, these blades allow operators to:

  • Cut through thick concrete slabs

  • Create expansion joints

  • Remove damaged concrete

  • Slice reinforced concrete with rebar

  • Open trenches

  • Shape and modify large structural components

  • Cut roadways, driveways, and parking lots

  • Perform long, straight production cuts

They are used primarily with walk-behind saws or slab saws ranging from 13HP to over 70HP. These saws provide the torque and stability needed to run a blade of this size safely and effectively.

How a 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade Works

The cutting performance comes from the blade’s rim, which is embedded with industrial diamonds. As the blade spins at high speed, these diamonds grind through concrete rather than slicing like traditional steel blades. During grinding:

  1. Diamonds wear down gradually

  2. The metal bond releases worn diamonds

  3. New, sharp diamonds become exposed

This self-sharpening process ensures consistent performance throughout the blade’s lifespan.

On a 20-inch blade, segment design is especially important because the blade must withstand high levels of heat, friction, and pressure during long-duration cuts.

Types of 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blades

Not all 20-inch blades are the same. Their performance depends on how they are engineered, bonded, and segmented. The right blade depends on the material you’re cutting and the saw you’re using.

Below are the most common types used by professionals.

1. Segmented 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

This is the most widely used design. Segmented blades feature evenly spaced gullets that:

  • Improve air flow

  • Keep the blade cooler

  • Reduce friction

  • Allow debris to escape

  • Increase cutting speed

They are ideal for aggressive cutting in:

  • Cured concrete

  • Reinforced concrete

  • Masonry

  • Pavers

  • Brick

A segmented 20-inch blade is the top choice for general construction, roadwork, and slab cutting.

2. Laser-Welded 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

Laser welding fuses each diamond segment to the core with maximum strength. These blades handle extreme conditions and high horsepower.

They are perfect for:

  • Heavy reinforcement

  • High-abrasion surfaces

  • Deep cuts

  • Demolition work

  • Continuous production cutting

Laser-welded blades offer the longest life and highest durability.

3. Soft-Bond 20-Inch Concrete Blade

Soft-bond blades are made for very hard materials such as:

  • High-psi concrete

  • Reinforced concrete

  • Hard aggregate

  • Dense cured surfaces

Because the bond wears faster, it exposes new diamonds quickly, which improves cutting efficiency on hard materials.

4. Hard-Bond 20-Inch Concrete Blade

Hard-bond blades are ideal for cutting softer materials, such as:

  • Green concrete

  • Asphalt overlay

  • Limestone-based concrete

  • Abrasive surfaces

These blades wear slower, making them last longer when used on softer materials.

5. Multi-Material 20-Inch Diamond Blades

These blades are engineered to handle a combination of:

  • Concrete

  • Block

  • Masonry

  • Stone

  • Pavers

They are convenient when working on mixed surfaces throughout a project.

Materials a 20-Inch Concrete Blade Can Cut

Because these blades use industrial diamonds, they are designed for all types of concrete cutting tasks. A premium 20-inch concrete saw blade can cut:

  • Cured concrete

  • Green concrete

  • Asphalt

  • Reinforced concrete

  • Concrete with aggregate such as river rock

  • Sidewalks

  • Driveway slabs

  • Parking lot slabs

  • Precast concrete

  • Pavers and brick

  • Block and masonry materials

However, choosing the correct blade bond is essential for optimal performance.

Key Features to Look for in a 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

A high-performing blade includes engineering features that directly impact cutting speed, stability, and lifespan.

1. High Diamond Concentration

More diamonds = faster, cleaner cutting and longer life. Premium blades include a higher concentration of high-grade industrial diamonds.

2. Proper Bond Strength

The bond controls how quickly the diamonds are released.

  • Hard bond = best for soft or abrasive materials

  • Soft bond = best for hard materials

The right bond ensures the blade stays sharp and efficient.

3. Tall, Durable Segments

For 20-inch blades, taller segments provide:

  • A longer lifespan

  • More material removal

  • Better cooling

  • More resistance to thermal stress

Segment height directly affects blade longevity.

4. Ventilation Slots

Cooling slots keep the blade from overheating. The larger the blade, the more essential these slots become.

5. Reinforced Steel Core

A thicker, high-strength core reduces:

  • Vibration

  • Wobbling

  • Blade walk

  • Cracking

Stability matters when cutting deep concrete sections.

Best Applications for a 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

Because of its size and cutting depth, a 20-inch blade is ideal for:

1. Road and Highway Construction

These blades cut through:

  • Road panels

  • Expansion joints

  • Bridge decks

  • Airport runways

Heavy-duty laser-welded blades are preferred for this work.

2. Commercial Slab Cutting

Ideal for:

  • Warehouse floors

  • Parking garages

  • Commercial building slabs

  • Foundation modification

Contractors choose 20-inch blades for long-distance straight cuts.

3. Residential Projects

A 20-inch blade is commonly used for:

  • Driveways

  • Sidewalks

  • Patios

  • Pool decks

It provides clean cuts even through thick surfaces.

4. Demolition and Removal Work

Contractors rely on these blades for:

  • Removing old concrete

  • Cutting damaged structural sections

  • Trenching through reinforced materials

The blade must withstand heavy friction and debris.

5. Utility and Plumbing Trenching

These blades can cut deep, narrow trenches for:

  • Electrical conduits

  • Plumbing lines

  • Irrigation

  • Drainage systems

Deep-cut capacity makes them ideal for utility professionals.

Wet vs. Dry Cutting for 20-Inch Blades

While some 20-inch blades are marketed as multi-use, most professionals choose wet cutting because:

  • Water keeps the blade cool

  • Cuts are cleaner

  • Dust is minimized

  • Blade life increases

  • The saw runs smoother

Dry cutting is possible but only recommended for short, shallow cuts where water access is limited.

How Long a 20-Inch Concrete Blade Lasts

Blade lifespan depends on:

  • Material hardness

  • Bond type

  • Cutting depth

  • Saw horsepower

  • Cooling method

  • Operator technique

A high-quality 20-inch blade can last through hundreds or thousands of feet of cutting when used correctly.

Tips for Getting Maximum Life Out of Your 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

Professionals extend blade life by following best practices such as:

  • Using water whenever possible

  • Selecting the right bond for the material

  • Letting the saw do the work—avoid forcing the blade

  • Running dressing cuts when the blade glazes

  • Keeping the saw aligned

  • Avoiding excessive RPMs

Proper maintenance ensures consistent cutting and safer operation.

Choosing the Best 20-Inch Concrete Saw Blade

To choose the right blade, always consider:

✔ Material Hardness

Is it cured concrete? Green? Reinforced?

✔ Saw Type

Higher horsepower allows for more aggressive blades.

✔ Cutting Depth

20-inch blades provide deep, clean cuts for thick slabs.

✔ Cutting Frequency

Daily users should invest in premium-grade diamonds.

✔ Wet or Dry Cutting Requirements

Wet cutting yields smoother results and longer blade life.

Once these factors are determined, selecting the perfect blade becomes simple.

Final Thoughts

A 20-inch concrete saw blade is a cornerstone tool for contractors cutting deep, reinforced, or high-volume concrete. With the right bond, segment design, and diamond quality, a professional can achieve long-lasting performance, fast cutting speeds, and clean results across commercial, residential, and industrial job sites. Whether you’re working on roadways, sidewalks, foundations, or demolition jobs, a premium 20-inch blade ensures the strength and accuracy needed to complete demanding tasks efficiently and safely.

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