Porcelain tiles are strong, stylish and can be quite durable. They are used frequently on floors, walls, and kitchen countertops because of the tendency to resist stains and moisture. However, these are not easy to cut as they are hard. The only issue is if you don’t use the correct tools and methods, the tiles can chip, crack, or break unevenly.
Trying to figure out how to cut porcelain tile without chipping is natural, as many people are asking this question. They describe, “What’s the best tool to cut porcelain tile?” However, if the cut is straight, curved, or for plumbing a hole, the answer is different.
As you are about to find out in this tile cutting guide, it uses the best tools, step by step methods, and expert tips to show you how to cut tile. If you are just beginning on doing it by yourself or you are a genuine DIYer whom always want to make perfect cuts every single time, then this guide will be your best friend.
Why is Porcelain Tile Hard to Cut?
Porcelain tiles are much denser, heavier, and harder than ceramic tiles. Porcelain is like hard white baked glaze, very high temperature, which is durable and nonporous.
This strength, however, also makes it harder to cut because porcelain that can last for years. Using the wrong tool can cause the tile to break, chip, or chip unevenly. For that reason, you need a tile cutting tool that has the ability to cut the density of porcelain.
Examples of some common problems when cutting porcelain tile are:
- Chipping along the edges
- Tile breaking unevenly
- Rough, jagged cuts
- Cracks forming after installation
That is why, to prevent these problems, it is necessary to use the right tool and technique for each type of cut.
Tools You Need to Cut Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles need strong cutting tools to cut them cleanly. Be sure to use one of these best tile cutting tools, with the following instructions.
A. Manual Tile Cutter (Snap Cutter)
For straight cuts across the face of thin to medium thick porcelain tiles, this tool is the best tool to use. The tile is scored and then snapped with the scored line.
B. Wet Saw with Diamond Blade (Best for Smooth Cuts)
The wet saw has to be the best tool for cutting porcelain tiles as you have to use a water cooled diamond blade. Essentially, the water is a heat and dust reduction that helps to protect from chipping and cracking.
C. Angle Grinder with Tile Cutting Blade
Porcelain tile is cut with an angle grinder into curved shapes and can also be cut precisely with minor cuts for detailed work. To cut the tile properly you will require a diamond blade.
D. Tile Nippers (For Small Cuts & Shaping)
Tile nippers are for trimming small edges or trimming them to shape a curve, not for doing the full tile cutting.
How to Cut Porcelain Tile Without Chipping
Many beginners struggle with chipping when cutting porcelain tile. This is caused by a dull blade, cutting too fast, or not having water to cool the tile.
Follow the below important tips for avoiding chipping:
- Use a diamond blade – Moving on, one that is suitable for cutting porcelain tile is a diamond blade. Regular blades may cause chipping.
- Cut slowly and steadily – Do not rush the cut, cut slowly and steadily.
- Use a wet saw if possible – The water helps reduce the friction and keeps the tile cool, which thus prevents the cracks.
- Mark your cutting line clearly – Draw a pencil or marker line to follow while you cut.
- Score the tile before cutting – If using a manual cutter, score the tile, rather than cutting, in order to create a ‘weak point’.
If you follow this tips then your tiles cuts will be fine with no cracks or chips.
Cutting Special Shapes in Porcelain Tile
Well there are occasions where we have to cut some tiles to fit around obstacles like a toilet, pipe or an outlet. This requires special cutting techniques.
Follow these steps if you need to cut a tile around a toilet.
- Trace the shape of the toilet base on the tile.
- To cut along the marked outline cautiously, use an angle grinder or a wet saw.
- You can use tile nippers to trim small sections as required.
To cut a hole into porcelain tile to run a pipe through, you need to do the following:
- Start making a small starter hole in the tile with a diamond drill bit.
- And if the hole has to be opened bigger, put it up to a rotary cutter.
- The hole is then sand rounded to the edge.
Safety Tips When Cutting Tile
It is not advisable to cut porcelain tile without proper precautions. Injuries occur from sharp blades, tile dust, and flying fragments. This will ensure that:
- Put on safety goggles to keep your eyes covered from the flying debris.
- Gloves protect hands in case of sharp tile edges.
- Work in a ventilated area to prevent breathing the Tile Dust.
- Ear protection should be worn if working with power tools like a wet saw.
- Lock the tile to keep it from slipping or the cuts uneven.
With these safety measures, you will be able to cut tiles safely and without errors.
Conclusion
Porcelain tile cutting might seem to be a difficult job, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done quietly and professionally. However, the trick to it is using a wet saw because it cuts nice and clean and smooth without much chipping.
As with a manual tile cutter, if you need straight cuts only, you can get away with it. An angle grinder is definitely the best choice if you want curves or small shapes. Cut slowly, use as much water as possible and do it with safety gear.
However, if using the wrong tile cutting tools or too little care in applying the entire technique, you will never have a perfect match with new tiles or old at all. Azzaro Surfaces provides a broad inventory of premium porcelain tiles, so take your project to the next level with our premium porcelain tile collection at Azzaro Surfaces. Today, go find the perfect style for your home by exploring our collection.
