How to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping? Use 6 simple methods (2023)

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You can use many methods, but if you’re using a wet saw or angle grinder with the diamond-tipped blade, the simple way to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping is to work with a sharp blade with a slow approach.

Another strong alternative is to use the tile cutter, and it is one of the most valuable assets when dealing with tiles. You can also use tile nippers, glass cutters, and any sharp object. I have discussed broad notes on these tools’ uses.

You can sharpen your blade by using dressing stones. Use it after every 5 to 10 cuts, and every time you will get the exact perfect result.

Here I’m going to discuss how to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping them with six easy methods step by step.

Contents

How to stop chipping tile when cutting with a wet saw and angle grinder

In this section, I’m going to tell you how you can stop your tile from chipping while you’re using either with a wet saw or even with an angle grinder that has a dry-cutting diamond blade on it.

Now, what happens if these diamond blades are not sharp? If it is not sharp, then you can use a dressing stone. It happens when you have performed a lot of times, and then your blade gets less sharpen.

The dressing stone is something that you’re going to use to clean your blade up. So that it gets those diamonds nice and sharp, and you can use it to cut through that tile like a hot knife through butter.

Not every situation is goanna be that your blade is dull. When you turn on your saw, every blade has a little bit of a wobble in the very beginning before the RPMs really get going.

If you have a severe wobble in your blade or if you’re noticing that when you’re cutting that your tile is breaking, then there’s a good chance that your blade could be bent.

If that is the situation, you’re probably going to have to get a new blade, but either way, you still need to get one of these dressing stones.

I prefer you should use dressing stones after every five to ten cuts. It depends on the tile that you’re cutting.

If you start noticing chipping in your tile, then you just need to use the dressing stone through your blade to clean it up nicely, whether you’re using a wet saw or angle grinder.

1. Cut porcelain, ceramic, glass and marble tile with an angle grinder

How to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping? Use 6 simple methods (1)

Cutting tile with an angle grinder is pretty basic, like cutting all other kinds of stuff. It is a simple and effective way to cut the Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, but you need a solid blade and right angle grinder.

(Video) How To Cut Porcelain Tiles by Hand with Grinder without Chipping. Testing Diamond Blades 4 Tiling

You just have to adjust a diamond blade in the angle grinder, then it will be the perfect porcelain tile cutting with the minimization of chips, and this method is cheap also.

For cutting these types of tiles, you only need a solid diamond blade, and the rest of the process is like wear safety equipment, use the right blade, and start with a slow approach initially.

Required Tools: Angle grinder with a diamond blade, safety equipment, and pencil or marker.

  1. Like the wet saw, get your measurement and make a visible line with a marker to have a clear idea of where you are going to cut.
  2. For cutting the tile, it is better to use a nice and strong diamond blade. Choose the perfect blade and setup correctly.
  3. Wear your safety equipment like gloves and goggles so that you can avoid danger.
  4. Start cutting from the start point with a slow approach because you don’t want any unwanted cut on tile or harm your body.

Many people ask me which angle grinder would be best if I cut porcelain, ceramic or other tiles. So my answer would be you can try Bosch 1375A 4-1/2 or DEWALT DWE4012 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinders.

And if you’re looking for a cordless grinder, I recommend you go for DEWALT (DCG416B) FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE.

You can use GoYonder 4.5 Inch Super Thin Diamond Blade in the blade section. For me, it’s the perfect choice for cutting almost all types of tiles.

2. Cut porcelain and ceramic tile with a wet tile saw

Cutting porcelain, ceramic, or marble tiles with a wet saw is the most common and popular way to cut. The wet saw benefits are that you can cut the most smooth edge compared with other machines, straight cut, and proper finishing.

There are some other methods too that I also discuss in this article but in this section, let’s focus on cutting with a wet saw.

Required Tools:

Wet saw (Diamond blade saw), Performing table, Marker pen, Safety equipment (Eye protection, Hand protection gloves, and Earplugs)

1. If you have a wet saw, then you already have a wet saw with a table setup. It would be best if you marked on your porcelain or ceramic tile and setup for the cut.

2. Make sure your wet saw tank is loaded with water. Obviously you don’t want a bunch of dust and have a dry cut.

3. Your next step is to adjust the wet saw to cut a depth of 1/8 inch into the tile for the shallow cut. Please don’t set it entirely through the whole of it.

4. Place the tile properly on the platform. Now let bring the glazed face or upper part of the tile towards the blade. Now you have options if the blade comes at the bottom, it down the face and if the blade comes from the top, reverse the tile face simply.

5. The final step is to turn on the saw, slowly push the tile into the blade, and there you go, you have a perfect shallow cut.

A solid tile saw with a high-quality blade is a perfect combination for any tile cutting. You can try SKIL (3540-02) 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw for small or medium uses, and for professional uses, I would recommend you go for DEWALT (D24000S) 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw with Stand.

For a blade that lasts long, you can try QEP 6-7003Q 7-inch or QEP 6-1008BW Black Widow 10-inch premium blade for a smooth cutting experience.

Things you must know about tile saw before start cutting.

Continuous water supply, Shallow cut, and Adjustability of saw

How to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping? Use 6 simple methods (2)

The water tank or reservoir must be filled under the platform with a continuous water supply or have enough water to perform the whole task.

The wet saw need to be adjusted to cut to a depth of 1 by 8 inch into the tile, don’t adjust it for entirely so that it can go through all of it.

If the saw has a lowers blade, then depth is adjusted back of the saw blade near where the hinge is placed.

(Video) 5 Ways to Cut Tile - Everything You Need to Know for Your First Tile Project

In some of the models, the platform needs to be adjusted instead of the blade. That actually depends on the machine type. Both adjustments are very easy to perform.

Understanding the cutting depth is not that difficult or critical you’re thinking, but yes, remember that the saw’s blade must not perform more than half or tile thickness.

After the placement, you have to gently engage the saw into the tile to make a shallow cut across the tile.

Then you can reset the blade to perform the full cut to the whole tile, or a notch must be cut through into one end so the tile could be cut easily.

Notching One End

Place the tile on the platform with one end of the marked line. It would be best if you placed it like the tile facing the blade.If you scored the surface with a shallow cut, then one end of the cut should face the blade.After that, turn on the saw and then perform the cut slowly.

After that, you have to push the saw to perform the cut. Gently push 1 or 2 inches mostly depending on the tile’s size to get the proper cut. If the tile is small, then cutting an edge within 1 cm would be great.

If the tile is a 12-inches square tile, then you need to cut nearly 2 inches from the edge side.You have to rotate the tiles to the opposite corner and then perform the cut in the marked line.

Finally, engage the saw totally, and the perform cut across the line to the initial cut. While the cut is done, turn off the saw and place it safely.

[Safety Notes: When cutting tile don’t be afraid of the saw. Put your earplugs in and put the goggles on to protect your eyes.

The blade itself is coated with diamonds if touched with soft skin, it’s really not going to do anything to you at all.

If you were to touch it with your fingernail being a hard surface like the tile, it could put a nick in your fingernail. So don’t be too afraid of the saw but use caution.]

3. Cut a tile with a tile cutter or snap cutter

Tile cutter or snap cutter is a very common tool for cutting a variety of tiles like porcelain, ceramic, mosaic, glass, and others.

This is the best option if you only need to cut a few tiles and don’t want to spend a huge money on an expensive tool. Also, you do not need much experience to use this tool. They are used for getting straight cuts only.

It is one of the less expensive cutting tools on this list, and you can choose from $50 up to $900. The $50 snap cutters are fine for ceramic tiles.

Don’t use any handheld manual cutter. It is hard to have a straight cut, and there is a big chance that you can cross over the visible line with handheld cutters.

Obviously, you don’t want to waste your money. I strongly recommend you avoid handheld tile cutters.

Required Tools: Tile cutter, Tiles, Pencil or Marker

  1. Make your measurements and mark the visible line using a marker or pencil to draw the particular line you want to cut.
  2. Remove the handle and slide it back out of the way. Then rip the fence and adjust it accordingly to the finished size that you want.
  3. Lay the tile on the cutter accurately and line the wheel up with your mark so that you don’t cut extra or less tile portions.
  4. Then roll the wheel across the whole surface of the tile right from side to side. Don’t push real hard on it and make about two or three passes.
  5. Now that you’ve made the score mark push the slide all the way to the end. So that just the little foot is going to be on the tile, not the wheel.
  6. Finally, put some pressure down on the handle. It doesn’t take much pressure, and it will break that tile right off.

4. Cut porcelain or ceramic tile with a Glass Cutter

If you have a small amount of tile and don’t want to use any big and fancy tools, a glass cutter can be your handy tool.

You don’t need any safety equipment for performing this task yes you can use goggles. You know it is an easy and straightforward process.

You can use glass cutters for ceramic and porcelain tiles. First, you have to make a deep scratch and then bend it down to get two tiles. It is that simple for better understand; let’s jump into the work process steps.

Required Tools: Glass cutter, pencil, Square (if needed)

(Video) How to stop chipping tile when cutting with a wetsaw

  1. To cut tile with a Glass cutter, you first need to use a marker or pencil to draw the particular line you want to cut.
  2. Use a square to guide the glass cutter(if it is possible)
  3. Than use the glass cutter properly, push down, and get a good score. For getting a good firm score, get your hand close to the wheel. When you start in the scoreline, you start right on top of the tire, not over the edge.
  4. Finally, put some pressure down on the handle and squeeze nice and easy, and you have the perfect cut.

5. Cut porcelain or ceramic tile using tile nippers

How to cut porcelain or ceramic tile using tile nippers?

Tile nippers are great for cutting arcs or circular sections of tile. They’re also great for making irregular cuts as well.

To cut porcelain or ceramic tile with tile nippers first, you need to use a marker or pencil to draw the particular line that you want along the length of the tile.

Next, use a utility knife. Score along the surface of the tile over the mark that you made in the tile. This will helps to create a relief point when you go to start nipping the tile. Ensure that you don’t get over tip the tile and have to start all over again.

Next, before cutting the tile with the nippers, put on some safety glasses as fragments of the tile fly everywhere and put on at least one glove to firmly hold the tile piece.

Now hold the tile in one hand firmly over the arm or a basket of some sort and begin with your ceramic tile nippers making very small nips at the edges of the tile.

Don’t try to take large nips. Otherwise, you’ll crack the piece of tile, and you have to start over again. So take small pieces out and work slowly.

As you get near the edge make sure that you have taken very small nips. You don’t want to overdo it and overbite.

Now use a sandpaper to smooth the edges. You can also use a rubbing stone for that. And that’s all you have, your expected perfect cut.

6. Cut glass, porcelain or ceramic tile with a Diamond Tile Cutter Penor any sharp objects

How to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping? Use 6 simple methods (3)

First, think that what a tile cutter or a glass cutter does basically helps get a good score. Then you put some pressure down on the tile to break in perfect two pieces.

Here you also follow the same process, first use a pencil to mark your tiles rough part, don’t draw on Shiny or upper part because we will score on it.

Then use a hanger, ruler, or another straight tile for anything you have and are comfortable with.

Use one hand to hold the ruler and do some good score with a diamond tile cutter pen or any sharp objects you have. Try to use diamond tile cutter pens.

Diamond tile cutter pens are great for cutting small sizes and fewer tiles. If you only need to cut few tiles and you’re a DIY’re then buy one. Tile cutter pens are cost-effective and a handful tool.

[Note: If you use a knife or any sharp objects that can strongly mark, you can use those tools, but I recommend not use them because there is a strong chance that tiles might damage or will be useless.]

Ensure that you have scored a few [5-8] times, not ones because if your score was not well enough in every portion of the marked line and you bend it, the result will not be perfect as you expected.

After making some good score with a knife or a sharp object, put your pencil under the tile and place it where you marked.

Then use your two hands on the tile to bend the tile, put some pressure down on the tile, and have successfully broken the tile into perfect two pieces.

Safety Measures:

The different cutting process needs all most same safety equipment. Yes, there are options of flexibility in various points that you’re going to use them or not.

These cutting processes are not so dangerous, but you must be aware of safety equipment. In most cases, you need three equipment gloves, goggles, and a face mask.

(Video) How to cut ceramic tiles in thin pieces (tips and tricks)

  • Check the water feeding tank regularly or ensure you have a continuous water supply when you’re using the wet tile saw.
  • No matter what machine or tools you’re using, a pair of gloves always helps you for better grip and safety.
  • Using a good face mask is very important specially if you’re cutting with a tile saw or an angle grinder. It will protect you from unwanted dust and water drops.
  • Be aware that the cut performed by you is straight; otherwise, the tile would get wasted.
  • Use the earplugs to get rid of the noise if you’re using a tile saw.

FAQs

Will a manual tile cutter cut porcelain?

Yes. A manual tile cutter or snap cutter can cut a porcelain tile easily. Not only porcelain tiles, but it can also cut a variety of tiles like ceramic, glass, mosaic, porcelain, and even terracotta. But it would be best if you chose a good quality tile cutter, not a 50$ casual cutter.

What kind of blade do I need to cut porcelain or ceramic tiles?

For cutting the porcelain ceramic, mosaic, or other hard tiles, you need diamond blades. Either you are using a wet saw, or an angle grinder diamond blade is necessary equipment.

What’s the best way to cut porcelain tiles?

In my opinion, there are three best ways to cut tiles, and these are wet tile saw, angle grinder, and tile cutter.
A wet saw is a perfect option when you ask for smooth, straight cuts. That’s why if you give me one option only, then I’ll choose a wet saw.
Angle grinder and tile or snap cutters are also handy options for cutting tiles. You can have a great straight cut with these tools too.

Why won’t my tile cutters cut straight?

If you use a handheld tile cutter, there is a big chance of having these types of problems. Mark bold, visible line before cutting, place straight and properly on the platform, score two or three times and don’t push too hard start slowly to have a straight cut.
With tile cutter placement is essential as well as your focus point. For avoiding these problems, use a high-quality tile cutter, not handheld tile cutters.

Conclusion:

the six methods I have mentioned earlier in the article are the most common and popular ways to cut any tile. Using these tools/machines, not only porcelain and ceramic but also cut other tiles.

If you are going your home improvements or job task, it will be hard for you to cut all kinds of shapes using only one tool. Every machine has its own value; that’s why I try to cover five popular tools/machines.

Think that you have cut a good amount of tile pieces with a tile saw, and you have to stop your saw, but suddenly you feel that you need to cut arcs or circular sections of tile, then you definitely need a tile nipper.

The main fact is once you gather the working experience with tile cutting saw, the more you cut tile more, and you will get perfect.

I hope you enjoyed the article.

Thank you.

How to cut porcelain and ceramic tile without chipping? Use 6 simple methods (4)

Richard K. Bragg

I love to write about my work experience and love to solve other's problems with my writing. Construction is my playing field. in many forum sites every day I see a lot of questions and I know how to fix these. So I try to write these kinds of posts through this blog site.
Hope You Enjoyed :)

(Video) How to Cut Tile for Beginners

FAQs

How do you cut porcelain tiles without them chipping? ›

A powerful diamond blade wet saw is needed to cut porcelain tile. Wet saws can chip porcelain tiles, so tile installers use tricks to ensure a cleaner cut. A wet saw with an adjustable blade is best, but a standard-depth saw can reduce porcelain chipping. Working slowly and with a new blade helps prevent chips.

What's the best way to cut porcelain tile? ›

I just move it and then. I just do a quick score. And I don't press down super hard with the scoring

Do you cut ceramic tile face up or down? ›

Regardless of the kind of tile you're cutting, the best method is to cut with the front of the tile facing up. The front is the side that will be exposed once you lay the tile. This method ensures the smoothest finished edge on the tile with the least amount of chipping.

What is the easiest way to cut tile? ›

So even the cheap manual cutters have no problem here however if you plan to cut porcelain tile or

What kind of blade do you use to cut porcelain tile? ›

If you're planning on using any kind of electric cutter, whether wet or dry, for your porcelain, you'll need a diamond blade. Part of what makes porcelain so durable is that it's a very hard material, so you'll need something even harder to cut through it.

How do I stop my tiles from cracking when I cut them? ›

Push the handle all the way down and pull back to score the tile with a deeper cut. Slide the same metal handle to the middle of the tile and press down again. Pressure snaps the tile at the scored line. Lowes.com recommends applying equal pressure on either side of the tile with both hands.

Can you cut porcelain tiles with an angle grinder? ›

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. An angle grinder is perfectly suited to cutting curves in tiles.

How do you cut a large porcelain tile? ›

How to Cut Porcelain and Ceramic Floor Tiles - Tile Mountain - YouTube

Can you use a tile cutter to cut porcelain tiles? ›

The concept of a tile cutter is similar to the one behind cutting glass, but a tile cutter usually has a base and a guide to help you do the job accurately. This is a tool frequently used to cut ceramic tile, but it can also be used with porcelain tiles.

Why is my ceramic tile chipping when cutting? ›

Forcing the cut and not letting the blade do the work will also cause chipping 👍. For large tiles use a tile saw bench water cooled, use a sharp carbide tip on the tile cutter & a diamond dusted blade on a grinder...

Can you dry cut ceramic tile? ›

Cut Tile Dry: Save Time and Money on Your Tile Jobs - YouTube

Can you cut porcelain tile with a circular saw? ›

Using a tile cutter can be messy and unnecessarily difficult. So, can you cut porcelain tile with a circular saw? Yes, it is not only an option but, by far, the best choice. These saws have a compact electrical bench perfectly settled, with the perfect diamond-coated blade for this job, and a water pump.

How do you cut tile by hand? ›

How To Cut Tile With Handheld Tile Cutters - YouTube

How do you cut porcelain tile with a Dremel? ›

Cutting Ceramic Tile | Blain's Farm & Fleet - YouTube

How do you cut tile straight? ›

How to cut tiles - YouTube

What is the best diamond blade to cut porcelain tile? ›

One of the best diamond saw blades that RUBI offers to cut porcelain tiles is the Premium Arrowhead. RUBI has two types of blades used on porcelain tiles both of them offering high speed and great precision. Both types, the Premium Arrowhead and the Porcelain blade, are available in 4 ½, 7 and 10 inches.

What is best wet saw blade for cutting porcelain tile? ›

Continuous Rim Diamond Blade is the perfect choice for DIYers that need a blade that is made to last. Great for fast and consistent cutting of ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and marble. For use on a 7 in. wet tile saw with a 5/8 in.

Will a diamond wheel cut porcelain? ›

In the world of tile cutting, there is nothing stronger than a diamond blade. These blades are perfect for cutting tile, glass, concrete and porcelain and have the capability to do so in wet or dry conditions.

Why do porcelain tiles crack when cutting? ›

These cracks usually form when the tiles are weakened due to the cut – either partial or multiple – and especially where they are cut to form the corners or edges.

What are the disadvantages of porcelain tiles? ›

Cons to consider: Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.

Is porcelain tile harder to cut than ceramic? ›

For you DIYers who like to get handy, ceramic tiles are far easier to work with. Especially in areas that require a lot of cuts to install your tiles neatly. Porcelain is much harder to cut and can require professional tools and skills to create the same effect.

Are porcelain tiles hard to cut? ›

Porcelain is much harder to cut and often will require a more professional porcelain tile cutter to cut to the same effect.

How do you cut porcelain tile with a wet saw? ›

How To Cut Tile With a Wet Saw - Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone, Glass ...

How do you cut large scale tiles? ›

How to properly cut large format tile - YouTube

How do you notch porcelain tiles? ›

DIY How to Easily Notch Cut Ceramic Tile - YouTube

How do you use a tile snap cutter? ›

How To Use A Tile Snap Cutter - YouTube

Does porcelain tile chip easily? ›

Think about the right type of tile for the job! And if you want something very similar to ceramic, consider porcelain. While porcelain tiles are slightly more brittle (meaning they're more prone to cracking) they are also harder meaning that they're less likely to chip.

Can you cut ceramic tiles with a multi tool? ›

Absolutely, you can use the tool to cut tiles, and it works especially well for making precise cuts along the edges of the tiles as well as for making holes in the middle of the tiles. An oscillating tool is considered by some do-it-yourselfers to be one of the most effective tools for cutting tile.

How do you cut porcelain tile with a drill? ›

drill porcelain tile - YouTube

Can you score ceramic tile with a utility knife? ›

Scribing the tile in the desired location with a tile scriber or utility knife beforehand makes the task much easier. Place the tile between the jaws of the nippers and apply firm pressure to the handles while simultaneously twisting your wrist to chip away bits of the tile.

Can you cut ceramic tiles with a hacksaw? ›

You can also use a hacksaw with a tungsten carbide rod to cut ceramic tiles. Securely hold the tile on a workbench and gently cut along your marked line, pulling the saw backwards and forwards. Smooth off the edges with a tile file or fine sandpaper and wipe down with a damp cloth.

Is it better to cut tile wet or dry? ›

Wet cutting is recommended when cutting through metal, reinforced concrete, thick tiles and other stones. The method uses water to aid in the job, reducing the amount of dust that comes with cutting the material.

What is the best blade to cut ceramic tile? ›

The Blade. The best type of blade to use with an angle grinder when cutting ceramic tile is a diamond-tipped, smooth-edge blade without any notches or serration. Notched blades are for porcelain and serrated blades are more suited to natural stones.

Is it better to cut tile with water? ›

Wet cutters, on the other hand, work best for projects that are more intense. One definite benefit of cutting tiles with a wet saw is that the water reduces the amount of dust that spreads into the air, thereby reducing respiratory risks and health hazards. Water also helps cool down the machine and the tile.

Can you use a diamond blade to cut ceramic tile? ›

One of the many wonders of the 21st-century diamond saw blade is its ability to cut effortlessly through incredibly hard materials- such as ceramic or porcelain tile, asphalt, concrete, and bricks.

Will carbide cut porcelain tile? ›

Ceramic tile can be drilled with a carbide bit, while glass and porcelain call for a diamond-tipped bit.

What to use if you don't have a wet saw? ›

Tile-Cutting Tools

For larger jobs, there are a number of tools that can make quick work of cutting tiles without a wet saw. A manual tile cutter works well for larger tiles, doesn't require electricity and is simple to use. An inexpensive pair of compound tile nippers assists in getting corners and curves just right.

Can I cut tile with a utility knife? ›

Beyond cutting ceiling tile, the industrial knives and utility knives make great general use cutting tools. They'll cut many common materials: cardboard.

Can I use a hand saw to cut tile? ›

A manual tile cutter, hacksaw or wet saw are generally best for porcelain tiles used in bathrooms. Whatever tool you use the process is similar: score a shallow cut in the tile and then use the brittle nature of the porcelain to snap the tile apart.

Can you use tile nippers on porcelain? ›

The tool can be a little harder to use on thicker ceramic floor tiles, or on porcelain tiles, which are harder than standard ceramic tiles. With practice, though, tile nippers can work quite well on all tiles except for natural stone like marble or granite.

How do you cut ceramic floor tiles by hand? ›

To cut ceramic tile by hand without a tile cutter:

Place the tile on solid surface with a wire clothes hanger under the tile aligned with the score mark. Press down on either side of the tile to break the tile along the score line. If needed, smooth the cut by rubbing the edge on concrete or a brick.

Can you cut ceramic tile with Dremel tool? ›

Use the Dremel EZ Lock Diamond Tile Cutting Wheel for cutting ceramic material such as 1/2 in. floor tile. It features a screw-free system for easy locking and loading, and can make straight cuts with little dust. It's compatible with Dremel rotary tools.

Can I cut ceramic tile with a Dremel? ›

Save time and freely cut any shape or size in wall tiles with your Dremel Multi-Tool and the Wall Tile Cutting attachment. Easily choose your cutting depth up to 20mm with the cutting guide.

Will a glass cutter cut ceramic tile? ›

Cutting Ceramic Tile with a Glass Cutter - YouTube

Can you cut ceramic tile with a jigsaw? ›

Ceramic tiles are brittle and prone to cracking. To cut through ceramic tile, you will need a power tool with an abrasive blade. Fortunately, a jigsaw with an abrasive carbide (or diamond) edge can cut ceramic tile cleanly and safely – plus it can make notches, slanted cuts, and openings that few other power tools can.

What is a snap cutter? ›

A tile snap cutter, also known as a rail tile cutter, is a manual tool for cutting straight lines across ceramic, glass, or stone tile. A tile snap cutter is closer to a glass cutter than it is to the other tool for cutting tile, the wet tile saw.

Are porcelain tiles hard to cut? ›

Porcelain is much harder to cut and often will require a more professional porcelain tile cutter to cut to the same effect.

How do you smooth rough edges on porcelain tile? ›

How To Smooth Out Rough Edges Of A Cut Tile - YouTube

Is porcelain tile harder to cut than ceramic? ›

For you DIYers who like to get handy, ceramic tiles are far easier to work with. Especially in areas that require a lot of cuts to install your tiles neatly. Porcelain is much harder to cut and can require professional tools and skills to create the same effect.

Can you use an angle grinder to cut porcelain tile? ›

When cutting ceramic tiles, use a diamond-tipped, smooth-edged angle grinder blade. Because it cuts smoothly. Notched blades are best for porcelain tiles and serrated blades for natural stone.

Can you use a tile cutter to cut porcelain tiles? ›

The concept of a tile cutter is similar to the one behind cutting glass, but a tile cutter usually has a base and a guide to help you do the job accurately. This is a tool frequently used to cut ceramic tile, but it can also be used with porcelain tiles.

Can you cut porcelain tile with a circular saw? ›

Using a tile cutter can be messy and unnecessarily difficult. So, can you cut porcelain tile with a circular saw? Yes, it is not only an option but, by far, the best choice. These saws have a compact electrical bench perfectly settled, with the perfect diamond-coated blade for this job, and a water pump.

How do you cut porcelain tile with a Dremel? ›

Cutting Ceramic Tile | Blain's Farm & Fleet - YouTube

How do you polish edges of porcelain tile? ›

Fit an angle grinder with a polishing pad to polish the edge of the tile. Run the grinder along the edge of the tile that has been rounded by continuously moving the grinder along and over the edge. Do not leave the angle grinder in one spot on the tile for too long, as this may mark the tile.

Does sandpaper scratch ceramic tile? ›

A fine grit sandpaper--a 220-grit is preferred--can be used to sand off the shiny and slick top surface of the tile. A gritted paper like 220 won't scar the surface like grittier papers, although much sandpaper will have to be used to get past the thick coating.

How do I know if my tile is porcelain or ceramic? ›

Porcelain tiles have a fine-grained finish that is smoother than the finish on ceramic tiles. So, if the finish is slightly bumpy or coarse when you touch it, you're dealing with non-porcelain (ceramic) tile. If the tiles are already glazed, flip them over and look at the unglazed underside.

What's difference between porcelain and ceramic tile? ›

The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.

How do you tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain? ›

Ceramic vs Porcelain
  • Ceramic is an inorganic material that is made from clay by the process of heating and solidifying. ...
  • Ceramic is opaque whereas porcelain is translucent.
  • Porcelain has a delicate appearance when compared to ceramics.
  • When compared to ceramics, porcelain has a fine and smooth surface.

What is the best blade to cut ceramic tile? ›

The Blade. The best type of blade to use with an angle grinder when cutting ceramic tile is a diamond-tipped, smooth-edge blade without any notches or serration. Notched blades are for porcelain and serrated blades are more suited to natural stones.

How do you cut a large porcelain tile? ›

How to Cut Porcelain and Ceramic Floor Tiles - Tile Mountain - YouTube

Does porcelain tile chip easily? ›

Think about the right type of tile for the job! And if you want something very similar to ceramic, consider porcelain. While porcelain tiles are slightly more brittle (meaning they're more prone to cracking) they are also harder meaning that they're less likely to chip.

Videos

1. How to Cut Porcelain and Ceramic Floor Tiles - Tile Mountain
(Tile Mountain)
2. How To | Cut Tiles Without Power Tools | South & City College Birmingham
(South & City College Birmingham)
3. How to cut tile without any cutting tools | DIY easy way to cut tile without any tool
(Dakshu Techno Tips)
4. How To Cut Porcelain Tile-using a tile cutter
(So That's How You Do That!)
5. How to cut tile without a cutter or without a tile machine
(Decorated Tiles and Marble Designs)
6. tutorial 02 - how to cut the porcelain large format Tiles / Large Slabs
(Technoriunite)
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