How to cut ceramic tile | HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans

This article is about how to cut ceramic tile using a tile cutter. Installing ceramic tile in your kitchen, bathroom or even outside your house it is an important project for any homeowner, but it can also prove to be a costly venture. Nevertheless, if you are skilled enough as to start a diy tile project by yourself, you have to know several basic techniques, as to get the job right from the very beginning. Cutting ceramic tiles is one of the essential techniques, therefore you have to master it before cutting the tiles. Before showing you the actual techniques, you have to be aware of several aspects.

Learning how to cut tiles is essential for your project. Nevertheless, you have to understand that there are several tools that can be used to make clean cuts. The first method is to cut tiles by hand, using a simple glass cutter and a L-square. 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. Last but not least, you can use a wet ceramic tile saw, if you can afford this investment. This power tool is useful if you install harder grades of ceramic tiles.

Generally speaking, ceramic tiles can be cut in multiple ways. You can cut tiles in a regular way, horizontally, as yo obtain two rectangles or you might want to install the tiles diagonally. Consequently, you have to learn how to cut tile both ways: on diagonal or horizontally. In addition, there are cases in which you have to cut holes in the ceramic tiles: either to install an outlet, a tap, a radiator, a drain or a pipe. In this case you have to use either a grinder with a diamond blade or a hole saw tile drill bit, connected to a drill machinery.

When cutting ceramic tiles, you have to take good measurements, otherwise even if you make a perfect clean cut the tile won’t fit into location. Therefore, before using the ceramic tile cutter, make sure you marked properly the tile. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the ceramic tile projects, if you want to see more step by step guides. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to cut ceramic tiles, you need the following:

Materials

Ceramic tiles
Marker

Tools

Safety gloves, eye protection
Measuring tape, framing square
Pencil, T-square
Ceramic tile cutter

Tips

Position attentively the ceramic tile in the score and snap cutter

Time

Several minutes, for each cut

Tools for cutting ceramic tiles

Ceramic tile cutter

If you have to install ceramic tile on a large surface, or you want to make sure you get the highest quality possible, then it is better to buy or rent a ceramic tile cutter. These tools come in a large variety of design, but basically all of them work in the same manner.

Next, you have to make sure the score-and-snap cutter works properly. Therefore, it is better to use a scrap tile to make several cuts, just to verify if it works as it is supposed to.

Cutting tiles with wet saw

On the other hand, you can also cut tiles using a wet saw. From our experience, using a wet saw is necessary when having to make complex cuts or notches in the tiles. As you can see in the image, you need to mark the cut lines on the tiles before cutting it. It is also necessary to take accurate measurements, in order to get a professional result.

Fill the tray with water, as to cool down the blade in a professional manner. See a step by step tutorial about cutting tiles with a wet saw here.

Cutting ceramic tile

Cutting ceramic tiles

Place carefully the tile in the cutter, making sure the ceramic face is upward oriented. Next, you have to align the tile, as to make sure the blade lines up with the marks at both ends. This aspect is important, otherwise you won’t be able to make a clean cut.

Tile cutters have a measurement grid, so we recommend you to check if you have proper marks. We cannot emphasize enough on the importance of taking accurate measurements, as it is essential for any tile project.

Cutting tiles with a tile cutter

After you have verified that the measurement are correct, you can start cutting the tile. Consequently, move the carriage with the sharp blade on the bottom edge (the one near to you). Place the blade on the edge and then apply pressure and move the handle forward, as to score a continuous straight line till the opposite edge.

Snapping ceramic tile

Remember that you have to slide the blade till the end of the ceramic tile, otherwise, when you will snap the tile, you won’t get a professional cut, but multiple cracks. It is always a good idea to rehearse on several spare tiles, as to get accustomed with the main techniques.

That is why, you have to score a continuous line from one edge to the other. Most likely, you won’t succeed from the very first attempt, you just need to practice several times, until you nail the technique.

Clean ceramic tile snap

Next, in order to make the tile snap, you have to push firmly the handle downward, until the tile breaks. After the tile snapped, you don’t have to apply pressure any more. If you have followed our guidelines, then you should be able to cut ceramic tile by yourself.

Extra things to keep in mind

1. Measure Twice, Cut Once: It’s an old saying, but it really applies here. Take the time to double-check your measurements before making any cuts. A slight miscalculation can mean wasted tiles, which not only adds cost but also frustration. Especially when working around corners, fixtures, or uneven walls, measuring accurately is key.

2. Safety First: Cutting tiles can create a lot of dust and sharp edges. Always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp tile fragments. If you’re using a wet saw, ear protection is also a good idea since they can get pretty loud.

3. Handle Edges with Care: Even if your cuts are clean, the edges of ceramic tiles can be sharp. After making a cut, use tile or sandpaper to smooth out any rough or sharp edges. This step is important for safety and gives a polished, professional finish.

4. Use a Jig for Repetitive Cuts: If you need to make the same cut on multiple tiles, like for a row along a wall, use a jig to speed things up. Mark the measurements on one tile, and use it as a guide for the others to ensure uniformity without remeasuring every single time.

5. Cut Tiles for Expansion Gaps: If you’re installing tiles along the edges of a room, leave a small expansion gap (usually 1/8″ to 1/4″) between the tiles and the walls. Ceramic tiles expand and contract with temperature changes, and these gaps allow for movement without cracking the tiles.

Cutting ceramic tile diagonally

If you want to install tiles on diagonal, then you have to make proper cuts. Consequently, just place the ceramic tile in the cutter, as you can see in the image, making sure it is aligned properly at both ends.

Two of the corners of the ceramic tile have to be placed in such a manner, as the blade of the cutter to come exactly over both corners. Remember that this aspect is essential, otherwise you won’t get two symmetrical pieces.

Cutting ceramic tile on diagonal

The other steps for cutting ceramic tiles diagonally, are the same as in the method described above. Consequently, you have to score the tile, describing a continuous line, and then to push firmly the handle to make it snap.

My best tips to cut tiles

1. Use the Right Tool: For straight cuts, a **manual tile cutter** works great—just score the tile and snap it along the line. For more intricate cuts, like around outlets or pipes, a **wet saw** is your best bet. It makes clean cuts and minimizes the risk of cracking.

2. Score Lightly, Cut Confidently: If you’re using a manual tile cutter, lightly score the tile with even pressure. Don’t press too hard during scoring, but when it comes time to snap it, apply firm pressure for a clean break.

3. For Curves, Use Nippers: If you need to cut a curve, like for a toilet base or corner, use **tile nippers**. Take small bites out of the tile to avoid cracking or breaking the tile in the wrong spot.

4. Keep the Blade Wet: If you’re using a wet saw, make sure the water tray is full and the blade stays wet. This not only keeps dust down but also prevents the tile from overheating and cracking.

5. Mark Your Cuts: Use a pencil or marker to clearly outline your cut on the tile. If you’re working with intricate cuts, masking tape over the cut line can help prevent chips and make the line more visible.

Thank you for reading our article on how to cut ceramic tile and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Please SHARE and LIKE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets, to help us create more free tutorials.

PRINT PLAN