Cutting porcelain tile can be a difficult task for a trained professional with years of experience, so it is no surprise that DIYers may be hesitant to choose porcelain tiles for their next home project. Due to porcelain tiles’ hardness and brittleness, it is prone to chipping, breaking, and cracking. However, by ensuring that you have the proper tools and following the techniques outlined in this guide, you will be ready to conquer your porcelain tile installation.
Why is porcelain easy to cut among other materials?
What are tools for cutting porcelain tile?
Below we will discuss the various tools you may use when cutting porcelain tiles and their benefits, including:
- Angle grinders
- Manual tile cutters
- Tile nippers
- Diamond blade wet saws
We also suggest you have the following tools available to use when cutting porcelain tile:
- Grease pencil
- Ruler/tape measure
- Soft cloth
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
- Sturdy gloves
Cutting porcelain tile with an angle grinder
An angle grinder is a great option for cutting porcelain tiles because it can complete several different cuts of various sizes and shapes. These include L cuts, circle cuts, straight cuts, square cuts, and more. However, angle grinders are best for cutting special shapes into the center of a tile and rounded cuts. These are ideal for bathrooms where you will need to be able to cut around round objects, like a toilet or a bathtub.
Cutting porcelain tile with a manual tile cutter
This tool is typically used to cut ceramic tiles, but depending on a tile’s shape and size, it may also be used to cut porcelain tiles. It is a popular choice because it tends to be the quickest option for cutting porcelain tile and cheaper than other power tool options. It is also versatile, accurate, and can be adjusted to make many different cuts. The downfall of a tile cutter is that it can only do straight cuts.
Cutting porcelain tile using a tile nipper
Tile nippers are a perfect choice when you need to make rounded cuts in porcelain tiles. Their ease of use makes them a very popular choice for cutting porcelain tile. However, tile nippers are typically only used to cut off small pieces of tile, and you will likely need to use one of the other options if doing more extensive cuts. If you are going to buy a tile nipper, we suggest getting one with replaceable teeth as these will wear down and break over time due to how hard porcelain tile is.
Cutting porcelain tile with diamond blade wet saw
There is no better option to cut porcelain tile than with a diamond blade saw. It is the easiest option to learn, and it leaves a nice, clean cut with a smooth edge. However, they are expensive and not always economically feasible when being used on a limited basis. The good news is, they can be rented. If using this type of cutter, be sure to get a wet saw with an adjustable blade to help avoid chipping the porcelain tile. Diamond blade saws are an excellent option for just about any type of cut you will need to make.
What are techniques for cutting porcelain without chipping?
There are few basic things to do to make cutting your porcelain tile easier and avoid breaking or chipping it in the process, including
- Notch the tile: Before fully cutting the tile, use your saw to make a small notch in the tile to start your cut. This will help prevent the tile from cracking as it will apply less pressure when starting the initial cut.
- Ensure your blade is sharp: We’ve all tried to use scissors that aren’t sharp; they end up tearing the paper instead of cutting it. This same concept applies to the tools you use to cut porcelain tile. They will cut better if they are sharp.
- Lay the tile on a soft cloth: This will help prevent your work surface from damaging the tile.
- Mark and score your cut: Using your grease pencil, mark the tile where you would like to cut it. Next, score the tile using an angle grinder or another similar tool. Your cut should be about 1/16” deep.
What are safety tips for cutting porcelain tile?
When cutting porcelain tile, you should make sure you are taking the proper safety precautions. Don’t forget to wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and ear protection. We also recommend wearing a mask and cutting porcelain tile in a well-ventilated space, preferably outside, as it will create a lot of dust that you do not want to get into your lungs. Make sure to stay focused when making your cuts, as any power tool can become dangerous if not used in the correct way. Lastly, use a piece of scrap wood if using a wet saw to keep your fingers away from the blade.
Contact us
Interested in porcelain tile for your next project? Contact us through the form on our website and one of our experts will reach out to answer any questions you may have. You may also explore the exciting new TERACANTO collection on our LX Hausys website.