How to Cut Wall Tiles? | DIY Megastore

How to Cut Wall Tiles

If you want to create a stylish and seamless tile wall, inevitably, you will eventually have to cut your tiles. Regardless of whether you are working on a new bathroom or refurbing your kitchen, no tiling project can be completed without the know-how we’ll be going through below.

This includes the proper planning and preparation that you’ll need to take, how best to tile around obstacles and of course, four fantastic methods of cutting that will help you ensure a professional-looking finish.

Planning & Preparation
How to Tile Around Obstacles?
How to use a Tile Scribe?
How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter?
How to Use a Tile Saw?
How to Use an Electric Tile Cutter?

Preparation & Planning

As with any work that involves cutting and sharp objects, safety considerations should be among the first things on your mind. Always makes sure to wear appropriate protective goggles and gloves. You should also take care to read the manufactures instructions and safety guidelines when using heavier-duty cutting tools.

With safety taken care of the next thing on your list will be to create a template or guideline. This will not only tell you how many tiles you need to order but also what size you should cut them all to, including any that need to be worked around obstacles. Remember that when ordering, you should also get a few spares just in case any get damaged whilst they are being cut.

How to Tile Around Obstacles?

Perhaps the trickiest aspect of any tiling project, working around obstacles such as toilets, sinks or pipes can cause more than a few headaches. However, there are some simple techniques that you can employ to make this much easier for yourself.

Step 1: Create a Paper Template	First, cut out a piece of paper to the same size as one of your standard tiles. This should be as accurate as you can make it.
Step 2: Cut Slits into the Paper Template	On the side of the template that will come into contact with the obstacle, cut slits about 5-10mm apart that are shorter than the obstacle they will be abutting.
Step 3: Position the Template & Mark	With the slits abutting the obstacle, place your template into position. Ensure the slits are flush against it and mark a line along their base, remembering to take into account a 5mm gap for grout.
Step 4: Cut the Template to Size	Cut the template using the marked line as a guide. Double-check this still fits around the obstacle.
Step 5: Mark the Tile	Finally, simply lay the template across the tile and mark along the irregular edge with a pencil or pen. The tile can then be cut using an electric tile cutter (more on this below).

How to use a Tile Scribe? (For Cutting Thinner Tiles)

Tile Scribes are one of the simplest tools to use and one that won’t put a lot of strain on your wallet. They are handheld tools which have been designed with a hardened tip that lets them cut through thin tiles with relative ease.

Step 1: Measure	Measure where your tile needs to be cut and mark this line using a pencil and metal ruler. Make sure to keep your hand steady on the ruler so that the line stays straight.
Step 2: Score	Still holding the metal ruler, use the Tile Scribe to score across the marked line. Hold the scribe at a 45-degree angle and it should be able to cut cleanly across the glaze.
Step 3: Snap	Place a long thin object (such as a pencil) underneath the scored line and apply pressure to both ends of the tile. This should give you a clean break. You can also use Tile Snapper here, which is another simple handheld tool that can make snapping a little bit easier.
Step 4: File	Check the edges of your tile. If they are rough, use a Tile File or Sandpaper to smooth them over.

How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter? (For Straight Cuts)

A tad more expensive than Tile Scribes, but far more versatile, Manual Tile Cutters are tools which help you create perfectly straight scores and cuts. They can be used on thicker tiles than would be suitable for the Tile Scribe.

Builder kneeling down to cut a white procelian tile with a manual tile cutter.

Step 1: Measure	Mark the tile as you would normally, using a pencil and a metal ruler, and insert it into the machine so that the mark lines up with the guide.
Step 2: Score	Lower the handle of the machine until the scorer comes into contact with the tile. Then simply push (or pull depending on the model) to score along your marked line.
Step 3: Snap	There will be a separate handle for the machine’s snapper. Lower this until it comes into contact with the tile and then gently apply pressure until it snaps in two.

How to Use a Tile Saw? (For Cutting Irregular and Curved Edges)

Tile Saws make for a quick yet accurate method of creating curved edges in your tiles. However, they are not suitable for all types of tiles and typically cannot be used for those of a higher thickness, such as porcelain or natural stone.

Worker hand cutting ceramic tile with tile saw.

Step 1: Measure & Mark	Mark an accurate line on your tile, if this line needs to be curved make sure to use the method explained above regarding working around obstacles.
Step 2: Cut	Follow the manufactures instructions when using your Tile Saw. Remember to set it to a slow cutting speed and to turn the tile rather than the tool when making the cut.
Step 3: File	File down the edges using a Tile File or Sandpaper and then wipe down with a damp cloth.

How to Use an Electric Tile Cutter? (For Cutting Right Angles, Curved Edges and Thicker Tiles incl. Porcelain and Natural Stone)

As you would expect the powered tool is the most flexible of the bunch and allows for a greater option when cutting your tiles. It is important when looking for an Electric Tile Cutter that you find one suitable for your specific tiles. For example, Porcelain and Natural Tiles will likely need a diamond blade wet-saw tile cutter (this can be used to cut tiles up to 25mm thick).

Step 1: Prep the Cutter	The first step is to make sure that the cutter has enough water in its tray to prevent the blade from overheating.
Step 2: Mark Out Cutting Lines	Straight lines can be marked as normal, however, if you are cutting a curved line (or right angle) the template method above is your best bet for accuracy. As you can’t turn the tile during the cutting process it is recommended that you mark serval straight lines up to this curved marking as well.
Step 3: Cut	Use the cutter to cut each of the lines up to the point of the curved line. When finished it should resemble a comb. Note: Some models of Electric Cutters may include a mitre guide to help when cutting right angles.
Step 4: Score the Curve	Mark along the curved line and use a tile scribe to score across and cut into the glaze.
Step 5: Use A Nipper to Cut Away the Excess Area	Tile Nippers are tools used to cut away small sections of tile to create curved or irregular edges. Think nail clippers but for tiles. Use this to cut away all the excess area and then file down the curved edge until smooth.

How to Tile a Wall

Tile Buying Guide

Contents