FAQ: How To Cut Ceramic Tile?

How do you cut ceramic tile by hand?

To cut ceramic tile by hand without a tile cutter:

1. Mark the top of the tile where you want to cut it.
2. Place a square on the tile slightly away from the mark.
3. Use a glass cutter to score the tile on the cut line.
4. Place the tile on solid surface with a wire clothes hanger under the tile aligned with the score mark.

How do I cut ceramic tile?

While loose tiles are cut using a tile wet saw, installed tiles need to be cut with hand tools. To make square or box cuts in the tile, or to cut out large sections of tile, use an angle grinder. To make circular cuts to accommodate pipes, use a hole saw.

Do you cut ceramic tile face up or down?

Regardless of the kind of tile you’re cutting, the best method is to cut with the front of the tile facing up. The front is the side that will be exposed once you lay the tile. This method ensures the smoothest finished edge on the tile with the least amount of chipping.

Can you use a circular saw to cut ceramic tile?

Can I cut tile with a circular saw? Yes! The perfect tile cutting blade for a circular saw when performing on porcelain, is the diamond blade, because is one of the few materials that are harder than porcelain. In a few words, the diamond blade not only score the tile but grinds it all the way through.

Can you cut tile without a tile cutter?

There are several methods for cutting tiles by hand without a tile cutter, using a cutting tool such as a glass cutter or a carbide-tipped pencil. Firmly press the edge of the glass cutter or carbide pencil along the line, using a carpenter square as a guide. Do not cut entirely through the tile.

Do you have to use a wet saw to cut ceramic tile?

The wet saw is a must if you want to feel cutting glass tiles as if it was butter. Compared to tile cutters, wet saws are best for large projects. You can cut tile faster, easier, and with more precision than manual tile cutters.

Can a hacksaw cut tile?

A manual tile cutter, hacksaw or wet saw are generally best for porcelain tiles used in bathrooms. Whatever tool you use the process is similar: score a shallow cut in the tile and then use the brittle nature of the porcelain to snap the tile apart.

Can you file ceramic tile?

When glazed tile is cut it has a rough, ragged unfinished edge. You can dress that unfinished edge by smoothing it with a ceramic tile file. This type of file has carbide grit cemented to it, the same as is used to tumble stone. A ceramic tile file is a handheld tool that anybody can use.

Can a multi tool cut tile?

For some DIYers, an oscillating tool is among the best tools for cutting tile. An oscillating multitool can replace a tile nipper (since it also works by cutting the tile edges to shape it) but cannot replace a manual tile cutter or a wet tile saw and other tile cutting tools.