8 ways to cut tiles
There are several ways to cut tiles, especially for the DIYer. We don't all have access or want to buy or feel confident using an electric west say like a professional tiler. But be rest assured there are a few alternatives. We also cover the tile cutting pros and cons for each cutting method.
- Manual tile cutter
A manual tile cutter first scores the tile and then gently snaps the tile along the score line.
Manual tile cutter pros
Straight line cuts in smaller tiles. It can also be a cost effective tile cutter and be safer then an electric tile cutter which have potential for serious injury.
Manual tile cutter cons
This size of the cutter limits the size you can cut. For example if you buy a common 300mm tile cutter, 300mm tiles is the largest you will be able to cut with it so it is important to buy a tile cutter that is large enough for all the tiles you plan to cut.
Cutting curves or small intricate cuts. Diagonal cuts can be a little tricky and cutting diagonally will reduce the size of the tile you can cut.
- Tile Nippers
Tile nippers are handheld tools like a set of pliers but with a two horizontal straight or curved edges that allow you to grip the tile and nip of small parts of the tile until you get the desired size.
Tile nipper pros
Good for making unusual, curved or odd cuts on the tile for areas that a normal straight cut is not suitable.
Tile nipper cons
To cut tiles using a tile nipper can be slow and intricate so they are not recommended for lots of tiles or large tiles.
- Angle grinder
An angle grinder is a motorised tool that spins a disk on the end at a high revolution.
Angle grinder pros
Whilst an angle grinder wasn't designed to cut tiles, it can certainly be used to do so if you have one, it can be used to avoid you having to buy specialised tiling equipment if you don't have it. It can also cut straight, curves and even holes in tiles.
Angle grinder cons
Cutting tiles with an angle grinder can require a high level of skill to get the desired outcome. They can also be a dangerous tool if not used correctly.
- Glass Cutter
Score the tile with a glass cutter and then place a metal coat hanger underneath the tile along the scoreline on a hard flat service. Then push down on both sides of the tile and it should snap along the score line
Glass cutter pros
Inexpensive option if you only have one or two tiles to cut.
Glass Cutter cons
If you need to do one or more tiles, you'll get pretty sick of this method very quickly. It is also not the best tile cutting method and you may find you crack several tiles in the process trying to learn how to do it and get a tile you are happy with.
- Handheld Wet Saw
A handheld wet saw uses water to keep the high rotation blade cool whilst it cuts through the hard tiles. Being handheld, it gives the tiler the flexibility to cut tiles in most locations and cut as they tile as there is no need to walk back over to the tile cutter for every cut.
Wet saw pros
Cut all sorts of tiles such as bull nose capping and trim, not just flat tiles. Can make both big and small cuts as desired.
West saw cons
You need to have a good level of control to get straight cuts, a bench top or one with a stand is much easier to use.
- Tabletop Wet Cutters Saw
A wet cutter saw sits on a flat surface such as a bench or table. It works the same as all other wet cutters, but provides a good flat and dedicated surface to cut tiles. These wet cutters can be a bit cheaper than the ones with legs.
Wet cutter pros
Great for lots of cuts, big tiles and can do both square and diagonal cuts with ease.
Wet cutter cons
You need to have a flat and suitable place to set up a wet tabletop cutter. Cannot cut curved or round cuts.
- Wet Tile Saw with Stand
A self standing wet saw has it's own legs so the saw is at a workable standing height. The water constantly going on the blade to keep it cool and this also helps remove dust so you can see what you are cutting. Ideal for lots of cuts.
Wet saw with stand pros
The stand provides a good height and stable way to cut your tiles to help give you the best results.
Wet saw with stand cons
Not suitable for curved cuts. They can also be quite large which is something to consider if you don't have much space.
- Diamond hole saw
A diamond hole saw cuts a hole in different types of tiles such as ceramic and porcelain to the desired size based on the size of the drill bit.
Diamond hole saw pros
The good news is, a diamond hole saw does what it says on the box and it does it very will.
Diamond hole saw cons
It only cuts round holes, nothing else so you have to buy or hire this one piece of kit to do one job.
Pro Tile Cutting Tip
If the edge of the tile is not flat or is a millimetre or two to big, you can rub the edge on flat concrete or a brick and file down the edge so it is flat or the correct size.