Align the horizontal edge of the square with the bottom edge of the tile. As you get closer to your marked line, take smaller and smaller nips. Place the tile on a stable, flat cutting ⦠Create a template for curved cuts, using a piece of paper; add 1/2 on the side of the template facing the curved surface. But doing things right can be time-consuming. A tile saw also works best for "L" shaped cuts. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. When cutting curves to fit around a toilet, pedestal, ⦠Whether you plan to invest in the purchase or rent one to save a few bucks, just make sure you pick up a tile cutter that’s big enough for the tile you’re cutting! The âfrontâ of the tile is the side thatâs smooth or glazed. You can use paper cutouts to quickly draw a mark on the tile you want to cut. The more lines you score, the easier it will be to nip away the extra tile. Note that the divisions below are just general guidelines: For some tiles, you may need to use a combination of tools and techniques. Next, you have to align the tile, as to make sure the blade lines up with the marks at both ends. Purchase a tile cutter thatâs wider than the tiles youâre working with. First, measure and mark the tile where you want to make the cut. Then, starting at the edge of the tile, place the scoring tool on the line and press down firmly as you drag it across the tile. Split tiles look pretty shabby, especially since cutting a hole in tile is neither difficult nor expensive. Her work focuses on tutorials and self-help articles. Tile cutters also make it too easy to cut too much of the tile if you only need to remove one corner. Place the tile on a flat surface, such as a workbench or a piece of plywood. It uses a simple âscore-and-snapâ technique that goes very quickly, enabling you to cut many tiles in a short period of time. If you’re used a glass cutter, place a length of wire hanger or other appropriately sized material beneath the scored line, then push down on either side of the tile to snap it; alternatively, grab the tile nippers and snip off the scored piece. Use the tile saw to cut the tile and leave behind a smoother edge: Line up the blade on the saw with the outside of the line and cut. The latter tool costs little and can be found in craft stores and home stores, as well as online. A tile-cutting blade on an angle grinder is a quick way to take a notch out of a tile. You should hear a scratching noise, which is the sign that the tile is being scored. To make the procedure of cutting ceramic tile easy, three different tools and techniques are recommended the most. As you lay out your tile design, determine what kinds of cuts you’ll need, then check below for the situation that best describes your job to find out how to proceed. Use a fine marker or pencil to mark a cutting line on the glazed face of the tile. Cutting Standard Tiles Lay out your tiles on the counter, table, or floor. Angle Gr⦠If youâre looking for a ⦠Whatever cuts you’re making, the general process is the same: Measure and mark the tile on the top (glazed) side, snap or cut it, then smooth the edges. Position the tile saw blade at the edge of the curve. Cut away large sections or large cutouts with a handheld circular saw equipped with a tile-cutting, stone blade. Place the tile into the tile cutter. Tilt the grinder about 30 degrees and cut about 1/16 in. The very first step is to determine the hole or the cut area on the tile. The outside of the line is the part of the tile you are cutting away. Tile cutting is difficult. Drill a hole from the top of the tile downward until you have completely cut through the tile. Smooth over the cut edges of the tile with a wet, double-sided sanding stone. Most important, before starting any project that involves cutting tile, put on your eye protection and gloves! Once you start, it ⦠If you’re using pliers, open them and slide the tile all the way into them, with the scoring wheel sitting directly under the line you’ve scored on top of the tile. If you need to cut just a few tiles and you don’t need to make any curved or corner cuts, you can probably make do with a carpenter’s square and a glass cutter. For some, you’ll be able to get by with just straight cuts; for others, you may need to cut on the diagonal or carve a corner or curve out of a tile. Begin cutting, turning the tile slightly as you go. Use the vertical edge of the square and a pencil to draw your guideline. Score along deep curves lines and then score several perpendicular lines from the curve to the edge of the tile. To make sure your project goes smoothly, it’s best to figure out ahead of time how you’ll handle all those cuts. Or even you can use a ruler to mark the straight lines also. For ceramic tiles, which tend to measure less than 15mm thick, there are a number of options for cutting straight lines, including a tile scorer, a combined scorer and snapper and, when lots of tiles need cutting, a tile-cutting machine Draw lines with a permanent marker where you want to cut the tile. To make curved cuts, or to remove small pieces of tile, use tile nippers (view an example on Amazon). Different jobs require different types of cuts. These are called relief cuts. Measure the area where the tile will be installed. With either tool, the goal is to score the glazed face of the tile with a boundary line for the ⦠Based in southern Virginia, Kristy Robinson has been writing for various websites since 2008. Step 2: Cover the rest of the area Jennifer Noonan, Bob Vila, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, Make Your Own Vanity: 12 Inventive Bathroom Rehabs, 11 Retro Living Rooms Ideas We Almost Forgot About. Wet Tile Saw 4. Starting at the edge of the tile, place the tile into the tile nippers and squeeze, removing just a small amount of tile. Set the depth of the blade to 1/4 inch. Manual tile cutter. [1] X Research source If you donât have a tile marker, a lead pencil or crayon will work, too. They will take a little longer and a lot more elbow grease to use, but are much more economical. 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 don't need to bother about professional machines.In [â¦] The ideal way to process such projects is to have spare tile stored somewhere. As needed, round the top and bottom edges of non-glazed tiles on the cut side to create a smoother appearance. If you have a circle template or rounded edge you can trace, your line will be more accurate. Cutting curves in tiles is one of those methods, and you can now cut smooth decorative curves and cut outs in ceramic and porcelain tiles with ease. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Use the tile saw to cut the tile and leave behind a smoother edge: Line up the blade on the saw with the outside of the line and cut. It has carbide grit embedded in the rim that allows it to cut into vitreous tile. Trace straight lines along a ruler. Apply downward pressure on the handle, and the tile will snap. It should. Hold the saw up to your marked lines. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. If you try to remove too much at once, you will end up cracking the tile. How to Cut a Porcelain Tile Using Tile Cutter. Put on eye protection and a dust mask to protect against dust. Mark the center of the area you want to cut the tile with a grease pencil. Subtract 1/4-inch to allow for a spacer to determine the exact size to cut the tile. Use a circular object or another shape to trace around if you want to make any irregular cuts. Many tile jobs require you to cut one or more large round holes for floor drains or shower valves. You can’t put the tile back together once it’s cut, so be sure you measure it accurately before marking. ceramic-tile hole saw (from about $10 for individual bits to about $50 for kits). If you’re doing a one-time job that will require a tile cutter or wet saw, you may want to rent instead of buy; these tools are available for rental from home improvement stores. Attach a tile hole-cutting bit to your drill to drill a hole in the tile. Manual Snap Cutter 2. Then, as mentioned above, practice on a few spare tiles until you’re comfortable with this tiling tool. Cut slowly, paying close attention to the line so you do not inadvertently cut away too much tile. By Jennifer Noonan and Bob Vila. Measure the tile from end to end and pick out a tile cutter at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger than the dimension of the tile. The tile will break along the line. You can pick one up on Amazon for under $10. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The cutting method you need to use will depend on the type of tiles you choose. Grab a carbide-tipped pencil and a straightedge, such as a speed square, from your local hardware store. Case in point: Even the most straightforward tiling job will require cutting a few tiles, whether to complete the edges of the surface or to work around obstacles. This aspect is important, otherwise you wonât be able to make a clean cut. Using this method gives you a neat edge, without any chipping, that is almost impossible to achieve using any other tool. Use a grease pencil and straight edge to mark your line well. It’s also not bad idea to take a few practice cuts before jumping into the project. Squeeze the pliers while gently supporting the tile as it snaps. A small- to medium-size ceramic tiling job is a project that’s well within the grasp of most DIYers. You should hear a scratching noise, which is the sign that the tile is being scored. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. (I recommend renting unless you envision doing many similar projects in the future.) A tile cutter is used to cut ceramic ⦠Then clamp your tile securely onto a firm surface like a sawhorse. Firmly press the edge of the glass cutter or carbide pencil along the line, using a carpenter square as a guide. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Here are the 8 tools you can use for cutting a ceramic tile: 1. Next, score the tile along the cutting line, using a snap tile cutter for straight cuts, or a glass cutter for curved or notched cuts. Use a pencil and a square to measure and mark your tiles. Make ⦠While applying slight pressure on the handle, slide the wheel forward across the tile. Mark and Score a Cutting Line . Score more lines diagonally across those perpendicular lines. The easiest and neatest method is to buy a 1-1/4 in. The cut edge of a nipped tile will be rough, so be sure to smooth it with a rubbing stone. Cut several grooves from the edge of the tile in toward the curved line, using the tile saw. How to Cut Ceramic Tile That Is Already Installed, How to Cut Porcelain Tile Around a Shower Valve, How to Make Openings in Allure Vinyl Tile, National Tiles: DIY Tiling -- Floor Tiling, How to Cut a Right Angle on Tile Without a Tile Saw. Tile cutters are effective for making straight cuts, but that’s all they’re good for. Photos 1 â 3 show how to cut a hole for a shower valve. The tile will break along each score line. In this fashion, continue to work your way toward your marked line, taking off only a little bit of tile at a time. Cutting Ceramic Tile by Hand. Measure and mark up the notch you want to remove. Have patience, as you can successfully cut tile this way only a little bit at a time. Measure, then use a pencil to mark the tile where you want to make the cut. Some instances, such as the addition of a fixture, require modifying the tile to accept new pipes or support brackets. For a dark piece of tile, ⦠It's not the best way to cut tiles, and this method might get tiring for large-scale tile jobs, but it comes in handy for basic DIY projects. Cutting ceramic tiles . Best Professional: Rubi 10 in. If you need a perfect tool to cut tile by hand, a tile nipper is another ⦠Turn the wet saw on, confirm that water is flowing over the blade, then proceed to make your cut the same way you would cut wood on a table saw. However, one should keep in mind that cement, stone, terracotta and a certain type of porcelain tiles should only be processed using a wet saw. Tile Nipper. Luckily there are methods for cutting tiles that don't require a tile cutter. With careful measuring, the right tools, and conscientious attention to detail, a determined homeowner can achieve satisfying results. Apply ⦠The manual tile cutter is the perfect tool for making straight cuts in smaller tiles. Press down on the tool to nip pieces of tile away. A square is a special ruler shaped like a right angle. If you’ll be cutting lots of tiles for a big job, or if you need to make corner cuts around door jambs or wall outlets, invest in a wet saw or rent one from your local home center. Turn the scoring tool around to the other side, the nipper side, and hook the groove over the edge of the tile. Hold a straight edge on top of the tile lined up with the marks you made earlier. STEP 2: Nip the tile. Press strips of painterâs tape across the top of the sheet of tiles and around the ⦠If the tile you want to cut is not glossy, you could use a pencil to draw the lines instead of a permanent marker. Once you’ve scored the tile, move the handle back slightly from the tile’s edge and let the breaking feet lie flat on top of the tile. Draw the cut line on the front of the tile with a tile marker. If the cut edge of the tile is rough, smooth it with a rubbing stone. 120-Volt Tile Saw DC 48 in. For simple, straight ceramic tile cuts, a carbide-tipped pencil does the trick. Glass Cutter 5. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for the wet saw, and make sure you’ve put enough water in the tub. As with any power tool, read the instructions carefully before you begin and heed the recommended safety precautions. Place carefully the tile in the cutter, making sure the ceramic face is upward oriented. Cut several fringes, 1/2-inch long, along the curved edge of the paper. Place the template on top of the tile and trace the curve onto the tile. Before the advent of power tools, only the most skilled artisans performed ceramic tile cutting. Cutting tiles is not as hard as you think! If you have lots of tiles to cut, or if you need to make cuts from corner to corner, use a tile cutter. deep. If you have never used any of these tools before, it’s a good idea to practice a little on some spare or scrap tiles before you get started in earnest. First mark the tile, using your measurements, and then cut along the outside of the lines. Cutting tiles is a task that demands accurate measurements and precise use of tools. Score the front of the tile along the circle guideline with the diamond blade. Score along the line with the scoring tool and then bend the tile. And each type of cut entails different methods and tools. Set your square slightly off your marked line so the glass cutter (or the scoring wheel on the pliers) will hit the right place. If your tile is small, 1 inch is enough; if your tile is big (a square foot or more), then cut 2 inches. Use a straight edge to mark the line with an erasable marker. Tile Nipper 3. Continue nipping until the excess tile has been removed. The best option is to cut tile prior to laying it on the ground. Secure the tile to a steady work surface, using clamps. Cutting ceramic tile. That won’t do you any good if you need to tile around your commode, an oval bathtub or shower fixtures. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from American InterContinental University. Pry cut pieces from the surface with a small pry bar placed into the joints. Now, you are going to make the notch: push the tile into the blade along the shallow cut you made before, for about 1 or 2 inches, then back the tile out and turn off the saw. Hold the tile over a trash can or bucket to catch the debris. Mark a line across the tile at that distance. If youâre planning on laying your tile in a diagonal pattern (which may require diagonal cuts), measure from corner to corner instead to ma⦠Then push the paper up against the curved surface and bend the fringes back until you have matched the curve. Use your angle grinder to cut in from the edges of the tile ⦠This method is better suited to small jobs where you just need to ⦠First, measure and mark the tile where you want to make the cut. Make sure the tile is pushed snugly up to the fence and that your marked line is directly under the scoring wheel. The trick a square to measure and mark the tile with a rubbing stone out of a fixture require. 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Shaped cuts homeowner can achieve satisfying results tiles on the how to cut tiles edge of the tile the! Job is a project that involves cutting tile, as you can ’ t put the tile vertical. A circular object or another shape to trace around if you try remove... Stores, as mentioned above, practice on a flat surface, using your measurements, and hook the over. Agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the cutter, making sure the face. Use tile nippers ( view an example on Amazon for under $ 10 straight lines also,!