DIY tile installation is a great home improvement project, but learning how to cut tile before installation is even more important. After all, a precise cut tile, whether ceramic, porcelain, cement, or natural stone, will fit perfectly in your desired layout. So, in this post, we will explain how to cut tile in a precise manner with different tools and cover different types of tiles so that nothing is missed. Continue reading the following for information about cutting tiles.
Key Takeaways:
- Different types of tile and the shape of the cut require different cutting methods.
- A wet saw is a perfect choice for tough materials like natural stone and porcelain.
- For ceramic tiles and quick straight cuts, snap cutters are best.
- Angle grinders and tile nippers are used for curves, corners, or notches.
- Smoothing the edges of the tile after cutting prevents injuries and ensures a cleaner finish.
How To Cut Tile?
Cutting tiles is a straightforward process. It usually involves your desired tool (which we will discuss below) suited to specific tile types and steady hands. A general process of cutting tile involves:
- Mark the tile at either end where you want to cut
- Prepare your cutting tool with the appropriate blade (designed for the stone tile, porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile)
- To cut a tile, score and cut it against the wall after marking the part that needs to be removed.
- Line up your marks at either end of your tile in the center of the cutter.
This procedure is generally applicable to any tile cutting, but if you want to know how to cut tile with specific tools, then here is how you cut tile with different types of cutters.
1- How to Cut Tile With a Wet Saw?
Wet saw is one of the most popular tile cutters used to cut tiles. Here is how to cut different types of tiles with a wet saw.
How to Cut Ceramic Tile With a Wet Saw?
- Start by marking your cut line with a pencil or washable marker.
- Place the tile flat on the tray and align it with the saw’s guide.
- Let the blade reach full speed, then slowly push the tile through.
- Keep a steady hand and let the saw do the work.
How to Cut Porcelain Tile With a Wet Saw?
- Porcelain is a harder material than ceramic.
- The diamond-tipped blade should be used to cut porcelain.
- Mark the tile where you need to cut and place it under the blade
- Don’t rush if you feel resistance, as it can chip or crack the tile.
- Slower feeds create cleaner lines and prevent chipping.
How to Cut Natural Stone Tile With a Wet Saw?
- Natural stone tiles (Marble, Travertine, Sandstone, Limestone, And Granite) are porous and softer, such as marble, sandstone, and travertine tile. So the key to a damage-free cut is to go slow.
- Mark the area you want to cut and support the natural stone tile fully, and go slowly.
- Wet saws are ideal here because they help minimize vibration.
How to Cut Glass Tile With a Wet Saw?
- Due to its delicate nature, glass tile is hard to cut.
- Before cutting, make sure the wet saw blade is “Glass Tile Compatible.”
- Go extra slow while cutting glass tile to avoid cracks and chipping.
How To Cut Tile Safely With a Wet Saw?
- Wear safety glasses.
- Always keep your hands dry.
- Make sure the water reservoir is full before starting.
- If there is resistance while cutting, then do not force the tile; stop and reposition.
2- How to Cut Tile With a Snap Cutter?
Snap cutters only make straight cuts. If you need curves or notches, you’ll need a different tool. They also struggle with textured or very thick tiles.
How to Use a Snap Cutter Step-by-Step?
- Mark the line on the tile surface.
- Align the tile on the base.
- Use the scoring wheel to make one firm pass.
- Press the handle to snap the tile.
It is a simple-to-use tool that is fast and doesn’t require any electricity.
How to Cut Ceramic/Glass Tile With a Snap Cutter?
As ceramic is softer than porcelain tile, so snap cutter cuts it cleanly.
- Make a very light cutting line on the ceramic tile.
- Apply even pressure slowly, as too much pressure can crack the tile in half.
- Make sure the scoring wheel is sharp when snapping.
- You’ll still see the score line as the wheel cuts across the tile.
How To Cut Porcelain Tile With a Snap Cutter?
The procedure of how to cut porcelain tile is nearly identical to cutting glass tile.
- You mark the tile where it needs to be cut.
- Place it firmly, but don’t use too much pressure.
- You will hear the cutting sound of a snap cutter.
- Just make sure to use even pressure while cutting.
3- How to Cut Tile With an Angle Grinder?
Fit your grinder with a diamond blade specifically rated for tile (Porcelain, Ceramic, Natural Stone).
- A Continuous rim blade gives smoother cuts for ceramics and porcelain.
- Turbo blades work well for stone and faster cuts, but may chip soft materials.
How to Cut Curves and Holes With an Angle Grinder in Ceramic, Natural Stone, and Porcelain Tiles?
- Clamp the tile securely.
- Mark the cut.
- Make multiple shallow passes instead of trying to cut through in one go.
- Keep the grinder moving and avoid pressing too hard.
Safety Tips and Tricks
- Work by using a face shield.
- Tile dust is fine and can irritate lungs and eyes.
- Always cut in a well-ventilated area and avoid using the tool near water.
4- How to Cut Tile With a Tile Nipper?
Use them after cutting with a wet saw or grinder to fine-tune the shape. They’re perfect for mosaic tiles or irregular corners.
How to Cut Small Shapes or Corners?
- Hold the tile with one hand.
- Use the nipper to take small bites out of the tile.
- Don’t rush, as trying to remove too much at once can crack the tile.
How to Smooth Tile Edges After Cutting?
Rough edges of the tile can cut skin, or Rough edges can cut skin, or may let the grout sit better. Smoothing also helps the tile fit more precisely.
Tools for Smoothing The Tile Edges
Use tools like:
- sanding block
- rubbing stone,
- or diamond hand pad
For harder materials, a variable-speed grinder with a polishing pad works well.
How to Polish Edges of Porcelain, Ceramic, and Glass Tile?
- Wet-sand using light pressure.
- Start with a coarse grit and move to finer grits.
- Clean the tile with a damp cloth when done.
- Use an angle grinder with diamond polishing pads at a 45-degree angle to the glazed edge to smooth cut edges.
- If you don’t have a variable speed angle grinder, diamond polishing hand pads will bring the same result.
- If you are smoothing tile edges by hand, make sure you angle the pad at 45 degrees from the tile’s glazed edge.
Bottom Line
Depending on the type of tile you are going to cut, the cutting method will be chosen accordingly. In this post, we have included the most common methods used to cut different types of tiles. Follow this guide to learn how to cut tile most comprehensively. Cutting tiles is not just about cutting and adjusting tiles, it improves the longevity of the tile as well. Smooth the edges of tiles and line up those seams. It’s the details that turn a DIY project into a polished install.
NT Pavers has worked with all types of tile materials in residential and commercial projects. Our experience shows that precision cuts and attention to detail are what separate good installations from great ones. Whether you’re planning to do it yourself or hire a pro, understanding how to cut tile sets the stage for a successful project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Tile Cutting
1- What Is the Best Tool to Cut Tile?
The wet saws are best for accuracy and hard materials. Snap cutters work for fast, straight cuts. Angle grinders shape curves. Nippers finish edges.
2- Can I Cut Tile Without a Wet Saw?
Yes. You can use snap cutters and angle grinders for this purpose. If you are just doing it for once, then renting a wet saw may be more cost-effective than buying one.
3- How to Cut Tile Around a Toilet or Pipes?
Use a template to mark the cut. Start with a grinder or drill bit to form the curve, then refine it with a nipper.
4- How to Cut Tiles Without Chipping?
Always use a tile-compatible blade. Go slowly, don’t rush. Support the tile fully. And always cut with the finished side up.
