How To Cut Tile

If you’re completing home improvement or remodeling projects such as installing a kitchen backsplash, laying down a bathroom floor, or lining the wall in your shower, you may need to cut tile at some point. While this may seem intimidating, any DIY enthusiast can master this skill with time, patience, and the right tools and techniques. In the video above, This Old House tile expert Joe Ferrante shows host Kevin O’Connor several methods and equipment for cutting different types of tile.

Prep for Cutting Tile

Different types of tile require different approaches, so be sure you have the right tools before you start cutting to avoid damaging your tile, your equipment, or yourself.

Types of Tile Cuts

There are several types of cuts you may need to make when working with tile, depending on what type of project you’re doing:

• Straight cuts: The most common type, used for fitting tiles along edges or creating clean lines
• Notched cuts: Used to fit tiles around obstacles such as electrical outlets or pipes
• Curved cuts: Necessary for creating rounded edges or fitting tiles around circular objects
• Hole cuts: Mainly for accommodating fixtures or creating openings in the tile

Tile Cutting Tools

Each of these tools serves a specific purpose and can make your project easier and your cuts more accurate. Invest in quality tools to save time and minimize errors and broken tiles. Here are some tools you’ll need:

• Carbide scribe
• Tile nippers
• Rubbing brick
• Manual tile cutter
• Wet saw
• Drill/driver with hole saw bits

Score and Snap Method

For basic straight cuts, you can use manual scoring and snapping. This technique is ideal for glazed ceramic tiles and works well for a small number of cuts. It’s also cheap and you don’t need specialized equipment.

Step 1: Use a Carbide Scribe

1. Mark the cutting line on the tile using a pencil and straightedge.
2. Score the glazed surface of the tile along the marked line using a carbide-tipped pencil or scribe.
3. Apply firm, even pressure as you drag the scribe across the tile surface.
4. Make several passes to create a deep, consistent score.

Step 2: Snap the Tile

Snap the tile along the scored line:

1. Position the tile with the score line aligned with the edge of a flat surface.
2. Apply even downward pressure on both sides of the score line.
3. The tile should snap cleanly along the scored line.
4. You can also use tile nippers to create a clean cut.

Step 3: Finish the Cut

After snapping the tile, you may need to smooth the cut edge so the tile fits properly:

1. Use a two-sided grit rubbing brick to gently sand the cut edge.
2. Move the rubbing brick in a circular motion to remove any rough spots.
3. Continue until the edge is smooth and even.

Manual Tile Cutter Method

A manual tile cutter is a more efficient option for projects requiring multiple straight cuts. This tool combines scoring and snapping in one device, allowing for quicker and more consistent cuts.

Step 1: Set Up the Tile Cutter

1. Sharpen the cutting wheel and make sure it is properly aligned.
2. Adjust the fence on the tile cutter to match your desired cut length.
3. Place the tile face-up on the cutter’s base, aligning it with the fence.

Step 2: Score and Snap

1. Pull the cutting wheel down to the tile, applying firm downward pressure.
2. Drag the wheel toward you to score the tile surface.
3. Push the handle down to snap the tile along the scored line in a single, smooth motion.
4. The tile should break cleanly along the score, creating a straight edge.

Electric Wet Saw for Complex Cuts

A wet saw is the tool of choice for more intricate cuts or when working with harder materials such as natural stone. This power tool uses a water-cooled diamond blade to cut through tile accurately and safely.

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Saw

1. Fill the saw’s reservoir with clean water.
2. Adjust the cutting guide to match your desired cut.
3. Make sure the blade is in good condition. Check that it is sharp and properly aligned.

Step 2: Cut Notches and L-Shapes

1. Mark the cut lines on the tile using a pencil.
2. Turn on the saw and allow the blade to reach full speed.
3. Slowly feed the tile into the blade, following your marked lines.
4. For L-shaped cuts, make two perpendicular cuts, stopping at the intersection point.
5. Use tile nippers to remove any remaining material in the corner.

Step 3: Cut Curves and Other Shapes

To cut curves or other intricate shapes to customize your project, do the following:

1. Mark the desired shape on the tile using a pencil.
2. Use the wet saw to make a series of small, straight cuts up to the marked line.
3. Carefully break off the small sections and smooth the edges with tile nippers or a rubbing brick.

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when using a wet saw to prevent accidents and injuries. Follow these safety precautions for the best results:

• Wear safety goggles and hearing protection.
• Keep your hands clear of the blade.
• Use push sticks or holding devices for small pieces.
• Maintain a clean, dry work area to prevent slips.

Cut Holes in Tile

Sometimes, you need to create circular holes in tile for pipes, fixtures, or other features in your house. The best tool for this job is a drill with a carbide-tipped hole saw.

Step 1: Prepare for the Cut

1. Mark the center point of the desired hole on the tile.
2. Apply masking tape over the area to be cut to help prevent chipping.
3. If possible, place a piece of scrap wood behind the tile for support.

Step 2: Drill the Hole

1. Attach the appropriate-sized hole saw to your drill.
2. Begin drilling slowly, allowing the pilot bit to penetrate the glaze.
3. Once the pilot bit has broken through, increase the drill speed.
4. Apply steady pressure, allowing the hole saw to cut through the tile body.
5. Periodically lift the drill to clear debris and allow for cooling.

Keep a consistent, steady pressure for a smooth, even hole and to avoid breaking the tile.

Step 3: Finish the Tile

After cutting the hole, make sure to finish it properly to avoid sharp edges and so that it fits around the fixture:

1. Smooth any rough edges with a rubbing brick or fine-grit sandpaper.
2. Clean the tile surface to remove any dust or debris.
3. Test-fit the fixture or pipe and adjust or recut the tile as needed.

Tips for Professional-Looking Tile Cuts

Attention to detail and patience can turn a good project into a great one. For the best results when cutting tile, keep these tips in mind:

• Always measure twice and cut once to avoid wasting material.
• Use a tile nipper for small adjustments or to remove excess material after cutting.
• When using a wet saw, make sure to keep the blade lubricated with water to prevent overheating, burning, or breaking the tile or equipment.
• Practice on scrap pieces before cutting your final tiles, especially when using new tools or techniques.
• For more complicated cuts, consider creating a template using cardboard or thin plywood before cutting the actual tile.