Cutting Tile as a Form for Tile Installation

You’ll likely need to cut all of the tiles around the perimeter of the floor or wall to make them fit, and you will need to notch around objects like doorjambs and make holes for pipes and other penetrations. Many first-time tile setters worry more about tile cutting than anything else, but it’s actually a fairly easy job. There are many different tools you can use, and none of them – even the power tools – are difficult to operate. Just make sure you always wear eye protection when cutting tile using any of these methods. Wear respiratory protection when doing any power cutting.

Using a Snap Cutter

A snap cutter is inexpensive and it isn't a power tool, so it’s a good choice for beginners. However, it can make only straight cuts and it doesn't work on stone, porcelain, or some other extremely hard tiles, including many quarry tiles. It’s also difficult to use a snap cutter for cuts near the edge of a tile.

Mark a cut line on the tile with a wax pencil. Position the tile firmly against the snap cutter’s front guide so the cut will be square. Lift up the handle and push or pull it to score a line across the tile. It’s best to score a single, continuous line, but if you score an incomplete line, go over it again. Allow the wings of the cutter to rest on both sides of the scored line. Push down on the handle, and the tile will snap in two. If the cut is within an inch or so of the edge of the tile, use of tile nibbler to break away the excess material little by little. Brush away all debris from the base of the snap cutter before making the next cut.

Using a Rod Saw

If your cut isn't straight and you’re working with a soft ceramic tile, you can make the cut freehand using a hack saw loaded with a rod saw blade. Mark the tile with the cut you need and then hold the tile firmly in place on a work surface so that the area so be cut is overhanging the edge. Saw with steady, gentle strokes.