Cutting tiles - everything you need to know

Cutting tiles made easy - we'll show you how it's done and what you need!

Tiles are a popular floor and wall covering because they are durable, easy to care for and visually appealing. They will be in many different rooms and locations such as:

• bathroom
• Living room
• or even used in the garden area.

Very often, however, tiles need to be adjusted to get them into a specific shape or size. This results in having to cut tiles.

Very often, however, tiles need to be adjusted to get them into a specific shape or size. This results in tiles having to be cut.

1. Application examples for cutting tiles are:

1.1 Mitred tiles:

When tiles are fitted to a corner or wall, they often need to be mitered to get a clean and tight cut edge.

1.2 Cut tiles into small pieces:

Sometimes it is necessary to cut tiles into small pieces to lay them in niches or in hard-to-reach places. Often done with fancy patterns .

1.3 Cut tiles to size:

In some cases, tiles may need to be cut to size to fit a specific area. For example, an adaptation to a door. We would also include cut-outs that have to be made in order to adapt the tile to heating pipes or similar, for example.

1.4 Remove tiles - Cut tiles that have already been laid : 

When tiles need to be removed from a bathroom , they can be cut into small pieces for easier removal. For particularly stubborn tiles, it is worth using an angle grinder and a diamond disc . Another option would be to use a tile chisel.

1.5 Repair Tiles :

When tiles are damaged they must be replaced by removing the damaged tile and installing a new tile.

If an exact matching tile is not available, the new tile must be shortened or adjusted. It is recommended to always save some tiles when laying them.

1.6 Cutting tiles in complicated shapes:

When tiles are to be laid in intricate shapes or patterns, they must be cut into curves or into many small pieces.

2. With these machines and tools you can cut tiles yourself

There are a variety of different machines, tools and methods that can be used to cut tiles. We would like to show you a few of them below.

2.1 Cut and break tiles correctly with the tile cutter:

The tile cutter consists of a cutting plate on which the tile is placed and a cutting wheel that is rolled over the tile to create a clean and precise cut edge. The pressure on the cutting wheel is applied by a lever action and the tile is moved on the cutting plate to achieve the desired cutting line. After cutting, the tile is broken or cut with a tile cutter with a small wheel.

What are the advantages of cutting tiles with a tile cutter?

• Ideal for cutting tiles quickly and straight
• Easy to use

What are the disadvantages of the tile cutter when cutting tiles?

• Not suitable for cutting curves and many small tile parts
• Often not suitable for particularly hard and large tiles in XXL format.

Tile cutter step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparation

• It is advisable to choose a flat, clean and stable base surface on which the tile cutter is placed.

• Ideally, use protective gloves and goggles. This is not mandatory, but it protects you from injuries.

Step 2: Mark tile

• Measure out the desired size and fit of the tile. Mark the desired dimension or cut-out on both sides using a felt-tip pen or a pencil.

• Use a ruler or other tile to straightly connect the two dots. This will give you an ideal cutting line.

Step 3: Position tile

• Place the tile on the platter of the tile cutter. Make sure there is no residue under the tile. The cutting line should be aligned parallel to the guide. The tile itself does not necessarily have to lie against the edge.

• Check for the last time whether your tile has a non-slip hold.

Step 4: Insert the cutting wheel

• Place the cutting wheel at the "first" mark of the cutting line.

• Make sure that the cutting wheel lies firmly and straight on the tile or presses on it.

Step 5: Score the tile

• Press the cutting wheel onto the tile and drag it along the cutting line
• Guide the cutting wheel evenly and with light pressure along the entire length of the cutting line

Step 6: Break Tile

• Position the tile cutter's breaking jig in the middle of the line you set.

• Push the lever or breaking mechanism down to break the tile along the scored line.

Step 7: Check tile

• Lift the cut tile from the tile cutter and check the cut edge for any bumps or chips.

• If necessary, you can rework the cut edge (breaking edge) of the tile with the appropriate abrasive by hand or with an angle grinder.

2.2 Cutting tiles with the angle grinder

The best alternative to cutting tiles without a tile cutter . Versatile and powerful, an angle grinder is ideal for cutting tiles without a tile cutter. You need some manual skills and sensitivity for an optimal result.

Versatile and powerful, an angle grinder is ideal for cutting tiles without a tile cutter. You need some manual skills and sensitivity for an optimal result.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of flexing tiles?

Advantages	Disadvantages
Versatile and powerful	Cutting the tile hole requires a lot of practice
Suitable for various tile cuts (straight lines, recesses, curves)

Cutting tiles with the angle grinder video

Read step-by-step instructions

Read the guide to cutting tiles with the Flex (angle grinder). Many additional tips & tricks as well as information on tools are given.

2.3 Cutting tiles with the wet cutter:

In this section you will learn how to use a wet saw correctly to cut tiles cleanly and precisely .

The wet cutter, also known as a tile cutting table (table saw), is the most effective, precise and cost-effective method for cutting tiles, from an installation area of ​​20 square meters.

The wet cutter is a very effective machine for precise cutting of tiles and other hard and delicate materials such as porcelain stoneware, granite or marble.

Using water during the cutting process reduces dust and chipping, allowing for a clean and precise cut.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cutting tiles with the wet cutter?

Advantages	Disadvantages
Effective and precise	Not accessible to everyone
Cleanest way to cut tiles	Can be expensive, especially when renting
Dust-free cutting

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparation

• Make sure you place the wet trimmer on a stable and level surface.
  
  
• Have protective gloves, safety goggles and hearing protection ready.
  
  
• Fill the wet saw drip tray with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure water connection.

Step 2: Mark tile

• Measure the tile size you want and mark it with a pencil or erasable felt-tip pen on both sides of the tile.

• Use a ruler or a straight edge to connect the marks and create a clear cutting line

Click here for the complete guide to cutting tiles with the wet cutter. (click image below)

So how do I choose the right tools and machines for my tile type?+

• Tile cutters and angle grinders work best for ceramic tiles
  
  
• Porcelain stoneware and thicker tiles may require the use of a wet saw or an angle grinder with a diamond disc
  
  
• For mosaic tiles or tiles with irregular shapes, an angle grinder or wet saw may work better

What safety measures do I have to take when cutting tiles?

Safety precautions are also very important when cutting tiles.

This is important:

• protective gloves
• safety goggles
• ear protection
• Proper installation of tools

This way one can ensure that the tile cutting is done safely and effectively.