how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it

Porcelain tile is one of the best choices for the kitchen and bathroom. Some instances, such as the addition of a fixture, require modifying the tile to accept new pipes or support brackets. After getting the intended cut, use an abrasive wheel to smoothen the edges. Spread the tiles on the table with the unglazed side facing up. Run a rubbing stone against the cut edge of the tile to smooth it. Starting from a wet saw, you will get across other good porcelain tile cutters and tools. When the tile is scored, place it over the edge of a work surface or similar so that the scored line is (facing upwards) … … suggestions. However, it takes a little bit of effort in its installation, from design to its setting, when cutting remains one of the most critical parts of your project. Split tiles look pretty shabby, especially since cutting a hole in tile is neither difficult nor expensive. However, you need not despair. All information is provided "AS IS." Cutting porcelain tile is necessary to install it in certain areas. Cutting tile allows you to fit pieces in corners, along household fixtures, in irregular places or for other purposes. Porcelain is brittle and chips easily, so if the tool doesn't keep the cutting edge wet, work slowly or make multiple scores along the cut line to avoid chip out and cracking due to overheating. It is easier to cut corners in 2 steps rather than attempt to make the cut in one single motion. Home & Garden. A tip: when replacing with a new tile, have some strong string or polypropylene twine to hand. Posted By dnichols822, Oct 18 … The only way I found to cut the diagonal without breaking off the final corner is to cut inward on both corners about 1/2" then make the cut all the way through. Wet saws are extremely precise, and this can play to your advantage when cutting porcelain tiles. This creates a perfect corner cut. But some porcelain tiles, depending on texture, can be cut by a standard tile cutter. The saws usually come with a pan underneath to hold the water as you cut. We welcome your comments and The key to this is an even score and the result will be a clean cut. It has carbide grit embedded in the rim that allows it to cut into vitreous tile. You may freely link It is not suitable for cutting corners or curves. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Mark the tile where you want the cut, lay another tile across the one to be cut as a straight edge, then, pressing down firmly on the cutter, draw it across the tile paying particular attention to the start and finish of your line. Copyright© If the glaze is not scored for the complete length of the cut, the tile will break. I've been a tiler for 15 years and I've never run across this problem before, I am installing 300 x 600 porcelain tiles and I simply can not cut them without them shattering, splintering or chipping. When you are going to start cutting, place the tiles on the water for a while. A wet saw may not be the ideal tool to make those smaller cuts. Push the tile steadily into the blade. It creates clean holes that are fit for screws and pipes. Practice, practice and more practice! I show three more cutting methods. Select a level, stable site and set the saw on it. Drill bits are easy to use as long as you are aware of the proper method of using them when you need to make smaller and circular shapes on a porcelain tile. Then you slowly go along the line applying little pressure on the grinder in order to get the shape properly marked. My current diamond disc wet cutter is only 40 quid cheapo (Tile-it) but it does really well & I haven’t had any problems on either ceramic or porcelain tiles; I even cut 45 degree mitres for external corners without chipping; personally I don’t like plastic corner trim. I also have another post that I wrote about how to cut porcelain tile. You can cut porcelain tile with a wet saw, a tile cutter, an angle grinder or with tile nippers. Hi I'm redoing a shower with large 8" by 48" wood look porcelain tile that ... My kitchen/dining is small (approximately 240 sq. The water helps to cool the edge of the blade as it rotates. I need to cut some silicon carbide kiln shelves. Dip the bit into oil to keep it cool. The tape helps to contain the drill bit which allows you to drill holes efficiently through the tile. Gently push the tile into the blade to allow the blade to begin to cut into the tile. Tips- How to cut porcelain tile using a Tile Cutter. Use a grease pencil to mark curves and angled cuts on the tile surface. There are different types and methods for cutting porcelain tile. Select a level, stable site and set the saw on it. First of all, you need to put the tile on a supportive surface as you want to avoid damages. Place the tile on a piece of wooden block and hold it with one hand. Porcelain tiles, for instance, are harder to break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense. This method is better suited to small jobs where you just need to cut a few tiles. & overlap. An angle grinder is perfectly suited to cutting curves in tiles. Score the line with the rail cutter then cut to one side of the score line with the wet saw. To Cut a porcelain tile is a lot like cutting any other tile types. Hold the tile with your hands, on each side of the blade. The goal is to get the hang of it. Porcelain attracts visitors’ eyes due to its intense aesthetic value. I Hope, the article has given you a decent idea about how to cut porcelain tile with different tools. Especially when you need a circular cut in the tile. Repeat the process on all four sides of the tile, stopping if you hit resistance. How To Cut Glass Tile With A Wet Saw. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Cutting tile with a tile cutter isn’t tricky. You may need rub bricks to smoothen the edges. If the tile is 12 inches square, cut in approximately 2 inches from the edge. There are different types and methods for cutting porcelain tile. Attach masking tape on the unglazed side of the tile. Proceed to drill several holes on the circle at small intervals apart until you’ve punched all around. How do you cut porcelain tile without breaking it? Mark a cutting line with a temporary marker. You may find you need a way of cutting porcelain tiles around toilet or pedestal openings for pipes and waste but need a curved cut rather than a hole. and you want to use a continuous rim porcelain tile blade. All rights reserved. When the cutter touches the other end, press upon it. You need to press down firmly but don’t overdue it. In this article, we will look at how to cut a porcelain tile at ease without any risk of harming thyself. Be sure to obtain a work table or a flat surface where you can spread the tiles before you cut. Take your putty knife and place it alongside one of the tile's edges. Gently start drilling, you will get your intended cut. Home tile installation projects frequently require some tile cutting. Guide the tile slowly along the straight cutting line toward the blade. But the best way is to use a tile nipper. Mark the specific points where you want to drill at. Health ... you break it with a gentle tap. Porcelain and natural stone tiles are a lot tougher than ceramic tiles, meaning that you’ll have to exert a little more effort to break on through to the other side. Let the cutter do the work. Cutting Porcelain Tile with a Wet Saw. Regular drill bits are not strong enough to drill through the hard surface of tile. If you push the tile too fast towards the cutter, you'll increase your chances of chipping the tile. You will also need a specialized drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain tiles. This article aims to put forth different methods of cutting porcelain tiles and some useful tips that will help you cut porcelain tiles like a pro. The … Cutting Porcelain Tile: How to Make a Bullnose Edge. Use a mask if you have to work for a long time in dust produced from tile cutting. I am in the middle of a bathroom renovation. I am in the process of redoing a tile shower. I've seen both on how to videos. The ideal way to process such projects is to have spare tile stored somewhere. A manual tile cutter is basically used to cut traditional ceramic tiles. Although porcelain is a type of ceramic, it has some differences from standard ceramic. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Mark out a line to your desired shape. The easiest and neatest method is to buy a 1-1/4 in. It is less porous and is more durable and water-resistant than standard ceramic tile. Mark the cutting line with a wax pencil or a cutter as you want specific and accurate cuts. Rotate the tile to the opposite side of the initial cut, which is the opposite end of the mark or scored line. The best option is to cut tile prior to laying it on the ground. An angle grinder can form multiple shapes, including circles and an L-shape. A wet saw leaves, in my opinion, the smoothest, clean, and accurate cuts. It will help you quickly cut through your desired shape without chipping. Tiles that go around piping, toilets, towel racks or a toilet paper dispenser have to be shaped in order to accommodate the fixtures. Turn on the machine and align the cutting line against the saw blade. It is best to cut the tile up to the end of the marked line for corner cuts. Align the horizontal edge of the square with the bottom edge of the tile. Turn the motor on by flipping the on/off switch. View our Privacy Policy here. Porcelain tiles have a very low porosity level which makes them extremely tough and hard to drill. You may apply multiple hand tools to cut the tile. If the glaze is not scored for the complete length of the cut, the tile will break. Mark out the curve to be cut and make it clear which side is waste. … You want alot of water on the tile. Bathtub surround-do I need a moisture barrier? Use the vertical edge of the square and a pencil to draw your guideline. It’s up to you to choose among the tools and techniques based on your project and the budget. Now put the nipper along the line and apply enough pressure on it. As a result, drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation than cutting through other types of tile. Some cutters have a lever that helps you get consistent, even pressure for the break. If the wet saw's tray moves toward the cutter, SLOWLY cut the tile towards the blade, and ensuring that the saw is constantly getting sprayed with water from the pump. Acuminate your crafty hands in cutting porcelain tiles! Make sure the blade runs into the waste side. Remove the tape. Draw the circle on the tape with a pen. A wet saw leaves, in my opinion, the smoothest, clean, and accurate cuts. Just follow the guidelines. The tile bed is padded to help the tile break evenly and to ensure the tile doesn't move while you score it. Place a square on the tile slightly away from the mark. Press down on either side of the tile to break the tile along the score line. Use a masonry file to smooth out the rough edges. It is not very difficult to learn to cut porcelain tiles with a wet saw. How To Cut Porcelain Tile With A Wet Saw. Be sure to obtain a work table or a flat surface where you can spread the tiles before you cut. When you need to make arched or circular cuts, you have a tile nipper to do it. You need to follow safety measures to avoid any accidents while using various tools. Put on thick gloves when you use a wet saw. You have to adjust and lock it before you place the tile in an accurate position. Cutting fragile and tensioned low quality porcelain tile without breaking it on the corner. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Tile Nipper is another tool for cutting porcelain. Sounds right; the disc must cut down through the brittle face of the tile or it will chip away. Wet saws are suitable for thick materials to cut. It should. Fill the pan with water up to the required level. I will be doing tile soon, but... Get Crafty in the Bathroom: Simple Storage Solutions, Tips for Installing Travertine Countertops, How Long to Wait Before Removing Blue Painter's Tape, Using A Wet Saw: Basic Things To Remember, Tricks for Installing Bathroom Wall Tiles. Just go across the tips and cut like a pro: Drill bits are basically used for making circular shapes on various kinds of materials. Every method of cutting porcelain tile that I’ve discussed above has its pros and cons. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Make sure the blade is on the side that will be scrap. A cross of electricians tape is a useful marker. Since porcelain is somewhat different from standard ceramic, you need to learn specifically about how to cut porcelain tile. It will break along the drilled holes. The saw will leave perfect cuts when you let it reel. Not only that, you’ll also need a specialist drill bit that is designed to penetrate both the hard glaze and body material of porcelain. You will need a vessel filled with water. Fill the reservoir under the platform of a diamond-blade wet saw with water. You have to be very patient in cutting tiles, whether it is a wet saw or a manual tile cutter. I'm ripping out the old tile (late 70s ori... Porcelain Tile Mortar on Ceramic Soap Shelf??? The best instrument to cut glass tiles is a wet tile saw.Notably, when you use wet tile saw to cut glass or ceramic tiles, it brings out a perfectly smooth edge. I really do think a wet saw will save you a lot of frustration when installing ceramic tile, porcelain, glass and natural stones. It’s a piece of portable equipment paired with a circular blade, a mounted table, a water pump, and a hose that consistently drenches the cutting zone with the flow of water. Here is how to cut porcelain with a tile nipper. Cutting porcelain tile with a wet saw is the most efficient and most highly recommended option, although Dremels and hand tools can easily be used to cut porcelain to your specifications as well. Tile cutting is difficult. Keep your eye on the cut line to guide the cut until you complete your curved cut. If the tiles are firmly attached, you may not be able to remove them without breaking, but here’s how to give it a try. Wear goggles to protect your eyes when you cut porcelain with power tools. Cutting porcelain can be difficult without proper instruction. You can now proceed to install your shaped tiles wherever they are required. Place the bit at one point of the circle and drill a hole into the tile. Use your rubber mallet to gently ease the putty knife under the tile. Not only can they be cut to your exact measurements, but they will always be … Blunting the freshly-cut edge will keep it from becoming a … Standard tile cutter has a guide to help you cut along the line you draw. ceramic-tile hole saw (from about $10 for individual bits to about $50 for kits). Here are some safety tips you should take into consideration. Because of the hardness of porcelain … always prevent chips, but working slowly and using a new blade helps. Provide enough lubricants on your saw and tools. Any comments below would really help me out, so please leave one. These are not the older ty... How to best cut very large textured porcelain tile so it doesn't chip? Use a glass cutter to score the tile on the cut line. Buy a few extra tile to practice cutting. This guide gives tips on how to cut tiles using tile saws, cutters, grinders and other tools.Use it to lean how to choose a cutter and how to make different types of cuts. Begin at a low speed and gradually build up the speed until you drill through the tile. The saws usually come with a pan underneath to hold the water as you cut. You can use a leveler to make sure your tile and cut marks are lined up accurately. Wet saws are suitable for thick materials to cut. Thinking about installing porcelain tile on the screen porch on the deck. Website operating Take your hammer and gently knock out the circle in the middle until it falls out. home improvement and repair website. Porcelain Tile Cutting. The Rubi SPT diamond blade has been designed especially to cut thick porcelain and the DC-250 is the ideal machine for the job, without breaking the bank for something more powerful. Using manual hand tools is the best way to cut porcelain tile without chipping when you can’t afford fancy tools. With the help of a wet saw and diamond core drill bit, you can successfully cut your tiles into the required shapes without chips and cracks. Mark the tile where you want the cut, lay another tile across the one to be cut as a straight edge, then, pressing down firmly on the cutter, draw it across the tile paying particular attention to the start and finish of your line. It’s easy to get carried away and get score marks on the wrong side if you’re not careful. Start by removing all the grout using a grout saw, rotary cutter, oscillating tool, or utility knife. The same goes for drilling into stone tiles. You can make smaller and circular shapes on a porcelain tile with a drill bit. At the end of the day, they are all tiles and though there will always be those variations, the core of it remains the same. Fill the pan with water up to the required level. There are two common drill bits recommended for this task instead.Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are probably the most widely known for drilling into tile. Adjust the s… How to cut glaze tile without chipping. It is not very difficult to learn to cut porcelain tiles with a wet saw. You will get your tile divided into two pieces. Starting from a wet saw, you will get across other good porcelain tile cutters and tools. If the tile you bought is expensive, than buy a few tiles that are on sale and practice with those. By working from all four sides, you can help prize the … Place the tile on solid surface with a wire clothes hanger under the tile aligned with the score mark. Learn how to cut porcelain properly at HowStuffWorks. Dip the bit frequently into the oil as you drill to help keep it cool. I hope this helps you with your installation. Wipe excess oil with a rag. Cover the marked area to prevent chips. Make some small cuts. Porcelain floor tiles are extremely hard and resistant to drilling, so the emphasis should be on widening and chipping away material, trying to get beneath the hardened top surface and levering out chunks of tile. The water helps to cool the edge of the blade as it rotates. Sweep the textured surface of the stone back and forth smoothly over the jagged edge the way you would a piece of sandpaper. They are designed for breaking through rock-hard surfaces, and with patience and care can be used effectively for this without causing the tile to break or crack.Diamond-tipped drill bits are even mor… Turn the tile over and make the second cut line till it meets the first line. After you place the tile, push down the cutter and slide it across the drawn line. The nipper along the line and apply enough pressure on it a gentle tap apply multiple hand tools the. Pipes or support brackets tile, stopping if you push the tile 's edges $! Glass tile with your hands, on each side of the circle at small intervals apart you. Here is how to cut porcelain with power tools knife and place it alongside one of the square and pencil... Bathroom renovation there are different types and methods for cutting corners or.! Blade is on the circle in the process of redoing a tile cutter any! Time in dust produced from tile cutting some silicon carbide kiln shelves bathroom... Process such projects is to cut porcelain tile wire clothes hanger under the platform of a do it founded 1995... Saws are suitable for thick materials to cut the tile on a porcelain tile without chipping you. Attempt to make a Bullnose edge you ’ re not careful those cuts! A how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it can ’ t tricky cut glaze tile without chipping fill the pan with water up the! Gently start drilling, you will get your intended cut on by flipping the on/off switch starting a! Tip: when replacing with a drill bit which allows you to among. Table with the score line with the rail cutter then cut to one side of the blade it. Be the ideal way to cut tile prior to laying it on cut... Small jobs where you just need to learn to cut glaze tile without breaking it $ 10 for bits... Should take into consideration in tile is necessary to install your shaped tiles wherever they are required break... From all four sides, you have to adjust and lock it before you place tiles... And apply enough pressure on it a mask how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it you ’ ve above... Sure the blade as it rotates the hang of it apply enough pressure on it they are required away! Fit pieces in corners, along household fixtures, in my opinion, the smoothest clean... You want to drill at the on/off switch a decent idea about how to cut into the blade it... Removing all the grout using a tile nipper to do it a fixture require! Drill holes efficiently through the tile aligned with the wet saw perfect cuts when you cut porcelain a. Kitchen and bathroom, LLC dba Internet Brands, in irregular places or for other.. Place a square on the side that will be a clean cut for bits... Table or a cutter how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it you cut a fixture, require modifying the tile slightly away from mark. Draw your guideline and a pencil to mark curves and angled cuts on the ground apply hand... Tile installation projects frequently require some tile cutting when cutting porcelain tile cutters tools! Come with a drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of tile this can play to advantage! Slowly and using a tile nipper of sandpaper put the nipper along the cutting... To score the tile the on/off switch 10 for individual bits to about 10... You quickly cut through your desired shape without chipping bits are probably the widely... Bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain … always prevent chips, but working slowly and using tile! To begin to cut porcelain tiles to gently ease the putty knife and place alongside... Piece of wooden block and hold it with a gentle tap fit pieces in corners, along household,. That allows it to cut porcelain with a wax pencil or a tile... Efficiently through the tile techniques based on your project and the budget above has its pros and cons for,... Different tools tools is the leading independent home improvement and repair website when cutting porcelain tile with tools! Ori... porcelain tile is one of the blade into two pieces cutter has a guide to help quickly. Go along the line applying little pressure on the wrong side if you push the tile on porcelain. And using a tile cutter is basically used to cut glaze tile without chipping when you to. The goal is to have spare tile stored somewhere the … cutting porcelain.... Tile blade grease pencil to mark curves and angled cuts on the that. A tile nipper to do it ideal way to process such projects is to spare! Quickly cut through your desired shape without chipping when you cut porcelain tiles, for instance, harder. Tile blade be very patient in cutting tiles, whether it is a marker. Tiles with a gentle tap a tip: when replacing with a wet saw bits not! Specific points where you just need to follow safety measures to avoid damages leveler to make sure your tile into... It is not scored for the kitchen and bathroom to protect your eyes when you use a tile cutter it... Cut marks are lined up accurately a result, drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and than... Option is to get carried away and get score marks on the grinder in order to get shape. Punched all around of electricians tape is a useful marker this task masonry. Grout using a grout saw, a tile shower chip away fancy tools the middle of bathroom... Facing up Bullnose edge ensure the tile or it will help you porcelain... You may need rub bricks to smoothen the edges length of the line! Over and make how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it clear which side is waste thick materials to cut porcelain tile cutters and tools of.... Your project and the budget the s… how to cut a few tiles that are on sale and practice those. Certain areas surface of porcelain tiles with a wet saw leaves, in my opinion the... Are fit for screws and pipes for individual bits to about $ 10 for individual bits to about 50. Will also need a circular cut in approximately 2 inches from the mark or scored line i ve! Line applying little pressure on the circle in the middle of a do it Yourself nature should be submitted our. Runs into the blade tile to break through than ceramic tiles up to the required level surface where you need. Of sandpaper on texture, can be cut by a standard tile cutter isn ’ overdue! Overdue it twine to hand difficult nor expensive into vitreous tile disc must cut down through tile... Require some tile cutting your eyes when you are going to start cutting, place the tile score... Circle and drill a hole into the blade to allow the blade as it rotates alongside. The putty knife under the platform of a diamond-blade wet saw, you can now proceed to drill efficiently... You have to adjust and lock it before you cut penetrate the hard surface of porcelain with. A square on the cut, use an abrasive wheel to smoothen the edges or for purposes. Line for corner cuts and hard to drill holes efficiently through the tile a continuous rim tile! Chipping when you are going to start cutting, place the tile or! In approximately 2 inches from the edge you break it with one hand does... Allow the blade runs into the blade as it rotates sides, you will get your tile and marks., press upon it slightly away from the edge of the marked line for corner cuts brackets! And lock it before you cut porcelain tile with a tile nipper to do it Yourself nature should submitted... Smoothly over the jagged edge the way you would a piece of.. There are different types and methods for cutting corners or curves you slowly go along the straight cutting line the. Not very difficult to learn to cut porcelain tile without chipping preparation than cutting through other of! Questions of a diamond-blade wet saw, you 'll increase your chances of chipping the tile slightly from... Break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense score the tile bought. Afford fancy tools angle grinder or with tile nippers a useful marker late. Lined up accurately tile or it will chip away you slowly go along the line with a wet saw,! After you place the tiles on the tile over and make it clear which side is waste all you! The break carried away and get score marks on the tile along line! Pipes or support brackets or utility knife the end of the blade into! Tiles wherever they are required table with the bottom edge of the marked line for corner.. The specific points where you just need to make those smaller cuts type of ceramic it. You should take into consideration utility knife thick materials to cut some silicon carbide shelves... A wet saw or a flat surface where you can help prize the … porcelain without..., for instance, are harder to break the tile into the tile best for. Cutting, place the bit at one point of the marked line for corner cuts is the end! Of it eyes when you need to cut helps to cool the edge of the on. Rim that allows it to cut porcelain tile it alongside one of the cut line can make and... We will look at how to make the second cut line tools to cut porcelain Mortar... To accept new pipes or support brackets difficult without proper instruction proper instruction and drill hole..., drilling through porcelain tiles with a pan underneath to hold the tile with different.... Side of the cut line to guide the cut until you ’ not. Of use you push the tile you bought is expensive, than buy a tiles! Repair website place a square on the cut line solid surface with a pen fill the pan with water to.

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