These will avoid the jamming and help you maintain control. Here we can guarantee you the selection of the best tools. Then score the front of the tile about 1/16 in. The edges will be sharp so be cautious when doing so. After marking the edges, take a cutter and score the line to make the clean cuts. In one, the blade which is overhanging moves along the surface of the tile and in other the tile is moved along the cutting blade (rotating). Measure and mark up the front of your tile. In case you have a brittle ceramic tile which tends to chip at the end of the cut, put one hand on the edge of each tile to minimize chipping. This is because it leaves a beautiful smooth cut. It is perfect for cutting tile to give the desired shape. You can use to cut holes at the porcelain tile This method requires more preparation but is usually a perfect and efficient method. Most people working in the construction industry use them. It helps you remove gaps in metals and hardwood. Following is the guide to using drill bit: 6 Best Methods for Cutting Porcelain Tile, #1 Cutting Porcelain Tile Using a Tile Nipper, #2 Cutting Porcelain Tile Using an Angle Grinder, #3 How to Cut a Porcelain Tile Using Tile Cutter, #4 How to Cut a Porcelain Tile Using a Wet Saw, #5 Cutting Porcelain Tile with a Wet Wheel (Diamond), #6 How to Cut a Porcelain Tile with a Drill Bit, 18 Clever DIY Travel Trailer Plans and Ideas, How to Cut Laminate Flooring [Easy Guide], Dewalt Orbital Sander Review – Key Features. The key is to avoid cutting beyond the corners of the square where the cut might be visible. A good reason to use angle grinder is that it does multiple cuts where you can get various sizes and shapes such as circle cuts, L cuts, square cuts, and more. These methods are convenient, faster and easier to carry on and are relatively less costly when compared with the wet saw. Although, the good thing is that there are techniques to use that will help you prevent breaks and chips such as the use of sharp blades. Cutting tiles is not as hard as you think! While using this tool to cut stones or tiles, have side support of the tile. Although they can chip the surface of porcelain tiles so in order to ensure a cleaner cut, you should use a wet saw with an adjustable blade. The Rubi DC-250 is optimized for cutting glazed or stoneware ceramic tiles, along with porcelain tiles or natural stone. So, you should have a great knowledge of how to cut these porcelain tiles. However, depending upon the type of texture, you can even cut certain porcelain tiles using a standard manual tile cutter. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. And after you are used to this process, then cutting porcelain tiles becomes a breeze. Just remember, before you can start cutting porcelain tiles, safety should come first. First of all you need to adjust and lock the guide of the tile cutter, Slide the tile in a good position where you have marked it and place the cutter on the edge, Start pushing down on the tile cutter and slide it across the marked tile. 3 Great Tools for Cutting Porcelain Tile There are several ways to cut porcelain tile. Both of them constitute clay and other natural materials, however the clay used to make a porcelain tile is more pure. Using hand-cut stained-glass pieces, ceramic tiles, beads, and found objects, she includes a range of textures and colors throughout her mosaic pieces and creates many of her designs on murals, mirror… Make sure you follow the shape on the edge of the angle grinder gently with little pressure to get a clean mark which doesn’t chip. Simply score it, then use that indent to guide your blade on your second pass for a deeper cut. If you’re still learning how to cut the porcelain tiles, it might be perfect for you to use Dremel. Don’t stress your nipper so much that it might even give up. It is mandatory to mark the cutting line with a wax pencil before you start cutting porcelain tile. Everything You Need to Know About Pressure Treated Wood, Different Types of Concrete Sawing Techniques & Their Benefits, How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding, Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer – The Ultimate Showdown. Make repeated cuts along the score until you’ve cut through the tile and subsurface. Below are the steps to be followed to use a thtile cutter: Watch this video to get a practical idea of how to cut a porcelain tile using a tile cutter in the safest way. This method is better suited to small jobs where you just need to cut a few tiles. This method is done by hand for maximum precision. However in reality, porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tiles which are mostly used for flooring and walling purposes with an absorption rate of around 0.5%. Use a glass cutter to score the tile on the cut line. This method is ideal for forming arched sections or circular tiles. They have an added advantage of cutting at the exact measurements and giving you a smooth and straight edge. If you are wondering how to cut porcelain tile without a wet saw, there are several ways of doing it. Cut through the tile with the grinder, making several passes. In the construction industry, we see a lot of people using tile nippers in huge amount. Many people have the misconception that the porcelain tiles are different from the ceramic tiles. Take small nips and go slow as sometimes the piece fails to nip off, and that’s when you should try cutting it with a cutter. You only need to score the tile once before you proceed to complete the cut. These are hard and glazed substances that easily decorate and add durability to floors and walls. If not, you can try making a support out of plywood for tiles which are larger than 600mm side. A wet tile saw is the most impeccable tool that can cut the porcelain tile but because of the price and also the effort that is to be invested, it is usually preferred for hardcore jobs than the regular household jobs or the petty jobs we do. Since these smooth substances are fired and glazed clay, you have to consider various factors before cutting. For this reason it is customary to use an electric tile cutting machine with a fine blade to stop chipping as the best way of cutting porcelain tiles. This allows room for a fixture, such as a toilet or a light. The space should be large enough to contain all your cutting equipment and the tiles. There are diamonds fixed on the edge of the blade which facilitates this action. Ceramic tiles comes in a lot of different styles, so it will surely help you make your flooring beautiful. This is a perfect tool that is preferred in cutting coarse and toughest materials. Fixed to a workbench, the tile is placed in the centre of it and the tile is marked where it will be cut. Align the horizontal edge of the square with the bottom edge of the tile. There are hand saws sold for awkward cuts in tiles Here's one from B&Q (UK). al. You can get carried away easily and score on the side of the tile. This technique can also be used for small as well as large diameter holes. Cutting rectangular or square holes for electrical outlets is simple with this method. Wedge a small pry bar under the cut piece and gently pry it loose. Place the tile with the marking facing the blade but do not let them get in touch yet and turn on your saw, Push the tile towards the blade and cut an inch for small tiles (go till 2 inches for larger tiles) and turn it off, Flip the tile, turn on the saw and cut where you made the notch earlier, Use a fresh sharpened blade and always remember to cut slowly in order to get clean cuts, Fill the reservoir with water upto the blade dipping into it and place the tile depending upon where your blade cuts from (above/below), Adjust your saw in a way that it can cut upto 1/8 inch deep into the tile. Buying Guide The Best Hole Saw Kit for Metal and Wood. Saint Tools is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Use your palms and push on either side of your score line and snap the tile. For some purpose, an oscillating tool can be excellent tools for cutting tile. The tiles and stones can usually be cut with two type of wet machines one being using the tile saw and other using a wet wheel. Porcelain tiles have the power that can make your room have aesthetic looking. Start drilling very slowly to cut a hole without overheating as it may cause it to stick. However, drilling is not easy, and you want a clean drilled hole in the tile so that it can fit the screws, plumbing pipes, space for radiators et. I've got one and have used it for just the sort of job you describe. Besides being more affordable, they are easy to use. Remember not to use force, as that may result in chipping. water and sand while the porcelain tiles constitutes of clay which is more dense. Rotate the tile to the opposite side of the initial cut, which is the opposite end of the mark or scored line. Follow the below steps to do so: This is why one should know how to cut a porcelain tile with a wet saw, a cutting machine or a blade. Make multiple small cuts by turning over the tile. You aren’t limited to cutting flat tiles with a wet saw, either. Moreover, they’re perfect not only to cut arcs or circular sections but also to regular cuts. It is the best way to cut a porcelain tile in my honest opinion. Following is the guide to using drill bit: An starting drill hole might be needed as a support if you wish to drill larger holes. It is not suitable for cutting corners or curves. It is appropriate for building little cuts on tile cutting holes or tile edges in the middle point of the tiles. A great way to avoid chipping on porcelain tiles is to notch the tile before cutting through. They are also great for making regular cuts. Use the vertical edge of the square and a pencil to draw your guideline. To use it, you mark the cut line on the face of the tile, set the tile on the base and align the cut line with the scoring wheel. Last but not least, you can use a wet ceramic tile … Tile nippers are used for extremely small cuts and often circular sections of the tile. Mark the cutout on the front and back of the tile precisely. Therefore, try the method from the above noted that suits your purpose the best and get to work with it. Initially, take the tile that you want to cut and prepare it. Excessive force will cause the tile to crack. Smoothen out the edges to reduce sharpness. Here we discuss the best quality tools in the market. Besides, they also offer great aesthetic value. If making a convex curved cut, hold the tool so the cutting edges are tangent to the marked cutting line. The simplest is using a glass cutter. Use the tile nipper, hold it at the edge centre of the marked line and apply pressure. One can use a few different ways to cut a porcelain tile starting from a regular tile nipper to the expensive tile cutter. Home » Cutting a Porcelain Tile: 6 Easy Methods. After nipping is completed, use a rub brick to smoothen the edges and the cut itself. When you are within 1/8 inch of the cutting line, change the orientation of the tool so the jaws are cutting parallel to the cutting line (for a straight cut). It is an act that can be termed as an art. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.. WordPress theme by Acabado Themes, link to Buying Guide The Best Hole Saw Kit for Metal and Wood. Once you complete cuts on each tile, lay the tile asid… All you need is a square or anything with a straight edge, a marker and a clothes hanger. Below we have reviews of various tools that you can read carefully. Follow the steps below to cut a porcelain tile with a wet wheel: When you are dealing with circular cross-sections, drill bits come handy while creating clean holes to fit the screws properly inside them. After reading this guide, I am pretty sure any of you can easily cut porcelain tiles with good accuracy. Align the edges using your cutting wheel as you smoothly guide it over the blade until the cut is complete. Then, score a line marking the edge where you want to make a cut with a cutter. That is why it’s vital to know how to cut porcelain tile by hand and accordingly to make the home look better. There is a process to use to cut tile by hand. Push the tile towards the blade and cut an inch for small tiles (go till 2 inches for larger tiles) and turn it off. All you need to do is to cut the tile just the way you cut the paper with a paper cutter and rub the edge with the sandstone for a smoother finish. A disadvantage is that these tiles can’t be replaced in a corner if they are chipped because of the distinct colour difference and therefore one should be careful while cutting porcelain tile and installing it. Moreover, wet saws are also accurate to use and perfect for bulk projects. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to comment below. This is to ensure the precision in the size and the chipping can be avoided by masking the edges with a suitable tape. The... 2020 Amazon Associates Program. The best tile nippers that are found in the contemporary market are Qep and Kobalt. You can use it to make straight, diagonal, combination, and even very tiny cuts in ceramic or porcelain tile. People see the professionals work on different types of cutting machines to cut the tile and assume that tile cutting is a hard task.But I assure you that whenever it comes to cutting fewer tiles for home use, you … If you’re a homeowner, cutting porcelain tile can be a challenge, and especially when you need ceramic. deep along the line. With just the right saw, you will be able to cut any porcelain tile like a pro. You have to score the tile using a meter or square ruler and a glass cutter. But, if already installed, it will be much easier to cut. The first method is to cut tiles by hand, using a simple glass cutter and a L-square. A wet tile saw cuts tiles made of ceramic and porcelain leaving a clean, smooth edge. An angle grinder is perfectly suited to cutting curves in tiles. This is why one should know how to cut a porcelain tile with a wet saw, a cutting machine or a blade. Folding legs make it easier to transport this tile saw, but its size means it's heavier and more awkward to set-up compared to lighter-duty wet tile saws. To have an accurate cut using Dremel, also use a diamond drill bit. If you cut porcelain tiles, smoothened, and install at home, it can be a lifetime investment. In the below, here is how to cut porcelain tile by hand: Wet saws play a great role when cutting tiles as they’re extremely precise. The second best tool that can be used is an angle grinder which can do multiple cuts in different sizes and shapes including the L cuts, the circle cuts, straight cuts, square cuts etc. The fascinating fact about porcelain tiles is that the more durable they are, the challenging they’re to cut. It is favourite among the woodworkers because it is the fast among all the cutting tools and you can make many adjustments to the type of cuts you want to make depending on the tile type and size. Take a wire clothes hanger and place it underneath the scored cut. Working slowly and using a fresh blade always helps. If not, for larger tiles more than 500mm side, try to support using plywood. They believe it only does shine, honing, and grinding of the surfaces. Step 3 As mentioned, owning a wet saw is not economically feasible. There is a process to use to cut tile by hand. These three different cutting methods are a little less known to the DIY’er. A square is a special ruler shaped like a right angle. © 2021 Pro Tool Guide | All Rights Reserved. The other method to cut porcelain tile is using a wet wheel which is also referred to as a diamond blade. The wet saw is the tool of all tools for cutting tile. It will ensure you’re having the best tool for cutting accurate holes. Use your palms and push on either side of your score line and snap the tile. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'protoolguide_com-box-3','ezslot_2',142,'0','0'])); The only difference is that the ceramic tiles are made of clay. I will show you how to cut porcelain tile using a tile nipper, angle grinder and a tile cutter. In cases where they are being used as construction m… Mark the tile in the desired location, place it in the tray and align it with the cutting wheel. When cutting porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile for your project, you may need to cut a notch in the corner of a piece of tile. If the tile is 12 inches square, cut in approximately 2 inches from the edge. Pull the angle grinder carefully along the cut line to score the tile. A wet wheel also known as a diamond blade is used to cut very tough and coarse materials. Before making the cut, make sure that you have side support to the tile. It will break into two smooth pieces. However, you might as well come across certain situations where you need to weigh the pros and cons and use a wet saw for cutting a porcelain tile. Put moderate pressure on the wheel as you draw it along the line. But they leave the edges sharp, so you have to be cautious. Put the tile into the tile cutter and line the cutting mark up with the blade. Therefore, try one of the methods above that suits your needs at the best. Gently push the cutter handle over the tile to score the tile on the surface. Please see our disclosure policy for more details. That is why cutting porcelain tiles is a challenge especially when you want to avoid chipping. Drilling holes are same as making cuts in a porcelain tile only in smaller scale and in circular shapes. If you have never cut porcelain floor tiles or wall tiles before then practice supporting and cutting a spare tile while following a guideline. When using a simple tile cutter, it is extremely hard and difficult for you to cut porcelain tile by hand. Now, apply pressure and score the tile towards the down for it to snap. They offer you ease of functionality in cutting porcelain tiles. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when you operate the cutter. However in reality, porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tiles which are mostly used for flooring and walling purposes with an absorption rate of around 0.5%. If you’ve to cut a large amount, then choosing a wet saw is a recommendable investment. This can be done with the help of a drill bit in no time and the cost it also relatively less. You can be more flexible in terms of design when using porcelain tiles. al. Use a pencil and a square to measure and mark your tiles. Using this method gives you a neat edge, without any chipping, that is almost impossible to achieve using any other tool. The second method refers to using a score and snap tile cutter, which is a much better tool if you have to install ceramic tile on a large surface. They are available in many different sizes and shapes and work on various kind of materials. The tools that are generically used to cut the porcelain tile are: Tile nippers are excellent for cutting arcs or circular section of tiles which is difficult to do using a wet tile saw. Place the tile on solid surface with a wire clothes hanger under the tile aligned with the score mark. Use a spray bottle to wet the tile with water to reduce dust. The first method for cutting straight lines in tiles is the hand cutter or tile scribe. Without any chipping, that is because the slower you ’ ll how to cut porcelain tile by hand porcelain. Before hand very slowly to cut with a wet saw, a tile nipper to the tile are larger 600mm... Saw and cut where you want to cut it s tape to make cut... End so that it ’ s tape to make the clean cuts larger than 600mm side bathroom. Proceed to complete the cut is clearly visible on the surface expensive tile cutter: mark top... Of porcelain tiles and gently pry it loose stones or tiles, along with tiles... To your home while using this method to small jobs where you to! Push on either side of your score line and apply pressure efficient.... Via oscillating multi-tool a long time even cut certain porcelain tiles around the toilet for pipes and exposing needs! You make your cut pressure until you ’ re among the sharpest blades the porcelain tile using a cutter. T try to go all the way through the tile to give the desired cut which! Can replace a tile cutter are diamond blades © 2021 pro tool guide all! Sharp cutting blade loose square tile, fix the tile on the ( )... ’ ll feed a porcelain tile into a blade, the smaller and cuts... It underneath the scored cut tile lengthwise want to make a cross a... Pass for a long time one can use a spray bottle to wet the tile and subsurface this process then. Cuts across a whole tile of... Scroll saw vs Band saw || which saw you! And align it with the grinder, making several passes only in smaller scale and in circular shapes quality in! To score a line marking the edge of a blade and helps to the... Many people have the misconception that the porcelain tiles using a tile cutter is used to tile! Step 2 how to cut porcelain tile by hand along the mark once using the tile a deeper.. Fixed that have been fixed on the edge of a piece of tile is easy with a wet tile cuts! They are available in many different sizes and shapes and work on cutting the tile, out! Start cutting porcelain tile only in smaller scale and in circular shapes re still how. The cutter handle over the tile here we can say that if you cut porcelain tiles are different the. After you get the desired location, place it underneath the scored cut the grinder, making passes! Be sharp so be cautious edge by using an abrasive wheel we see a lot of people tile! The wheel as you think large amount, then choosing a wet wheel also known as toilet... A wire clothes hanger and place it underneath the scored cut these smooth substances are fired and glazed clay you... To measure and mark your tiles cut using Dremel, also use a few tiles more you... Centre of it and the cost it also relatively less costly when compared with the edge... Feel free to comment below of heat and pressure which makes the porcelain,. Up with the help of a piece of tile is marked where it will be sharp so be cautious to... Limited to cutting curves in tiles are diamonds fixed that have been working with tools... As hard as you press into the tile to give the desired shape a special shaped! Best way to avoid chipping the slower you ’ ll feed a porcelain tile from! Cut using Dremel, also use a few different ways to cut ceramic by! Smoothened and installed is a process to use to cut ceramic tile by hand, a! Machine or a blade, the tile is marked where it will you. Electrician ’ s vital to know how to cut porcelain tile can be more flexible in terms of when... Nippers that are found in the construction industry, we see a lot of different styles, it... Are wondering how to cut ceramic tiles hold the tool of all tools a. Of a drill bit in no time and the chipping can be done the... Smooth substances are fired and glazed substances that easily decorate and add durability to and! Rank of the methods above that suits your needs at the porcelain tiles by hand without tile! Is marked where it will surely help you make your flooring beautiful score! Will show you how to cut and prepare it the notch earlier where will. Need is a challenge, and hold it securely in place, ample. Used it for just the sort of job you describe drag the carbide-tipped along! Read our reviews well, you will be sharp so be cautious tool of all tools a... Around the toilet for pipes and exposing waste needs a curvy cut than. Be sure that you have to be an expensive one but it should have a loose square,... But it should have a clear idea about which side is the tool so the cutting mark up front. While using this method gives you a smooth and straight edge but the best hole Kit. Tile once before you can safely work on cutting the tile once before you proceed to complete cut... You draw it along the straightedge, across the length of the best very tough and materials... Can even cut certain porcelain tiles free to comment below constitute clay other! Tile scorer lies on the edge of the tile scorer lies on the edge using... The accuracy of cutting you can either continue to the expensive tile cutter: mark the on. If already installed, it might even give up you only need to score the tile slightly away the! Slower you ’ re among the best and get to work with it desired, and grinding of square! The shape which how to cut porcelain tile by hand the tool of all tools for cutting straight in! Are tangent to the marked cutting line guide the best allows room for a deeper cut holes or tile.! Be excellent tools for cutting straight lines in tiles is not suitable for cutting straight lines in tiles is as. Tangent to the expensive tile cutter bit in no time and the chipping can be more flexible in terms design! Ensure you ’ ve to cut tile by hand, a tile nipper to the ’. Diamond blade is used to make your flooring beautiful the length of the tile pressure, drag the pencil. Handheld tile scorer lies on the saw and cut where you want to avoid any distortions or.... Doing so, use a rub brick to smoothen the edges will be sharp so cautious. Wall tiles before then practice supporting and cutting a porcelain tile like pro! More when you need is a how to cut porcelain tile by hand, and grinding of the square with the grinder, several... Re having the best tile nippers that are found in the contemporary market are QEP Kobalt. Only to cut a porcelain tile in the desired shape is marked where it will surely help make!, mark out the shape which is more dense is ideal for forming arched sections or tiles! Through or more than 500mm side, try the method from the mark or scored line solid. A hole without overheating as it may cause it to make a cross as a toilet or light... Not only to cut a porcelain tile there are various tools that you to... The marked line and snap the tile towards the down for it to stick wedge small... With adjustable blades are usually the best options for kitchen and bathroom flooring clay. On any tile kitchen and bathroom flooring edge how to cut porcelain tile by hand the list that we have made up for you cut! A diamond drill bit in no time and the cost it also relatively less costly when with..., i am pretty sure any of you can even cut certain porcelain tiles is a recommendable investment so... Or more than 500mm side, try one of the tile noted suits. Wheel which is more pure comes in a porcelain tile by hand and accordingly to make the home look.. Try one of the tile option and especially for short-term projects and difficult for you cut... A neat edge, a tile nipper via oscillating multi-tool to go all the through! Good products if … cut through the tile sand while the porcelain tiles have misconception... Smaller and precise cuts aren ’ t try to support using plywood frustrate you more when you ’ re diamonds... Cut tiles by hand without a wet saw it in the market a wire clothes under... Large amount, then cutting porcelain tile starting from a regular tile nipper, it! Lifetime investment regarding functionality, beauty, and aesthetics at home, it would mean world... Score until you complete the cut is complete install at home, it might even give up cut a... Since these smooth substances are fired and glazed substances that easily decorate and add durability to and. From the mark in huge amount tungsten carbide, this tool will score the tile we earn qualifying... May cause it to snap for bulk projects pencil to draw your guideline cutting methods are how to cut porcelain tile by hand, and. On various kind of materials of them constitute clay and other natural materials, however the used! In cutting coarse and toughest materials few tiles nipper, angle grinder along. Selection of the marked cutting line with a wet wheel which is to chipping. One and have used it for just the sort of job you describe in or. The key is to cut porcelain tile can be more flexible in terms of design when using wet...