Question
Hello Sean.  I'm wondering how difficult it would be to cut concrete.  We have a very wide, ugly sidewalk that runs the entire length of our home.  Just straight-edged grey sidewalk.  Tear out is too expensive, but I thought if we could cut it back to a less imposing width, it might help.  I'm wondering what kind of edge would be left after cutting. Would it be a hazard to bare feet?  I plan to stain the sidewalk in large squares using 2 colors.  Do you have a different suggestion to help soften the mess?
Thanks for your help!

Answer
Cutting concrete is fairly easy. Rent a masonry saw from your local tool rental and have them show you how to operate it. The rental of the saw is cheap but the blade is not. Blades are often measured prior to use and after use and you are charged for the wear. Be prepared for a $100 blade cost or more if you are making a long cut.
As long as the sidewalk doesn't have any tight radii to cut this will work fine. Just mark the line with chalk and cut the concrete. (Make sure tool rental shows you proper use, some require or suggest water be applied when cutting). Also make sure you wear a mask so you do not breath in fine particles.

As long as your sidewalk is the typical 4" thickness it should be fairly easy. Cut all the way through. This requires the large gas powered saw or a 10" or larger blade. (You typically can not cut all the way through 4" concrete with a 7" skill saw and a masonry blade.) When you are done you can rent a belt sander with course paper and knock any sharp edges off but their really should be anything too dangerous.

The only thing I see as a potential problem is that the two sides may look noticeably different when you are done.

Good Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com