Need to cut some porcelain tiling to size? The best way to cut porcelain tile is to use a proper cutter! This could be a manual cutter, an automatic cutter, a wet tile saw, or a grinder.

This article will examine whether cutting tile with a cutter is practical and the risks it can cause if you’re not careful.

Will A Cutter Crack Porcelain?

Porcelain floor tiles are notoriously tricky to cut, even with a proper cutter. The tile is hard and brittle, so if the blade is not sharp enough or the technique is not correct, it will cause irreversible damage to your tiles.

However, there are some tips and tricks that can help amateurs to cut tile.

Automatic Vs Manual Cutter

Electric cutters are best – if you have one. These cutters look like a table saw; they have a diamond cutting blade and cutting wheel that cuts neatly through the tile. An electric cutter uses wet cutting to cut ceramic tiles at various angles.

However, a manual cutter is more common and less expensive. These cutters are similar to a car jack – the tiles go underneath two bars and get scored along the smooth edge, then break along the score.

While more common and less expensive, manual tile cutters only cut in straight lines.

How To Cut A Porcelain Tile With A Tile Cutter

Step 1: Place The Tile On A Sturdy Surface

For best results, you need to place the tile properly. Work on a flat surface and put the tile’s edge flush against the stop at the cutter end.

Step 2: Measure Correct Dimensions

You can avoid mistakes and wastage by getting the dimensions of the cut spot on. Use a measuring tape for the area and mark the tile with a pen and some scrap wood.

Step 3: Mark Lines In Pencil

It’s a good idea to make a marked line in pencil on the tile’s rough edges before using the scoring wheel; this gives you a guiding line to make the cutting process accurate.

Step 4: Carefully Cut The Tile

Use the pencil line as a guide and run the blade across it. Press the saw blades down carefully as you do this to make a deeper cut; this helps when breaking the tile edge with tile nippers.

Tips For Cutting Porcelain Tile

Cutting porcelain material using a wet saw or a drill bit can be dangerous if not used properly or with the correct safety equipment.

Wear Safety Equipment

Wear protective goggles when using machines to prevent tile chips from damaging your eyes. Also, make sure you aren’t wearing loose clothing that can get trapped.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush your tile cut! Rushing the job will cause you to put the wrong pressure on the tiles leading to chips and cracks.

Use Tools Designed For The Job

Using the correct tools is paramount; it is possible to use a glass cutter for tiles, but it’s more effective to source a dedicated cutter and a tile nipper. This will have the correct pressure settings and diamond blade sharpness.

FAQs

Are porcelain tiles difficult to cut?

Cutting porcelain tile with a manual tile cutter is straightforward, but it can still be hard to cut them correctly without training.

How can I cut porcelain tiles without chipping them?

To prevent chipping, use a wet cutter and a sharp blade with an abrasive wheel when cutting porcelain tiles – work slowly. If you are using a manual cutter we recommend using the appropriate wheel.

What is the best way to cut large porcelain tile?

For larger tiles, use a mounted diamond wet saw with a sharp blade and a wet wheel for straight cuts.

Can I use an angle grinder to cut tiles?

Using an angle grinder will work, but there is a higher chance of damaging them. However, they are better for cutting curves.