Cutting Ceramic Tile

In order to cut ceramic tiles there are various safety measures which should be always kept in mind for security reasons. When cutting tiles, one should always wear safety glasses as the ceramic surface can produce sharp splinters. The tiles around the edge of the main area requires to be cut, as will tiles to fit the contours of other items like washbasins and pipes.

Cutting Tile-Straight Cuts:

1. As you tile into the corners you will always need to be cuffing tile as you go.

2. Always measure accurately with a tape measure.

3. Most of the tile dealers can lend you a simple tile cutter. One can also rent a wet saw from your local equipment rental center.

4. While cutting with a non-power tile cutter, score the tile only once. Multiple scores will only dull the blade and create jagged edges on the tile. Always place the breaking wings, located at the bottom of the handle, at about 1/2" from either edge of the tile and slowly but firmly press down on the handle until the wings break the tile. If required , smooth any rough edges with a tile sander. Always cut tiles to fit around pipes and faucets after all the field tiles are laid.

Various different ways to make more complicated cuts:

A) With the tile nipper one can cut tiles to irregular shapes. Scoring the cutoff line with a micro cutter always helps. You might need to cut a tile in two so that the tile wraps around the plumbing.

B) With a wet tile saw (rented from your local equipment rental center) one can always cut the tile with a series of cuts and then go over it with the blade to smooth it out.

If you are in the making of complicated cuts it may be worth it to rent a diamond cut-off wheel like this at an equipment rental center or your tile dealer. One can also use a saber saw with a carbide blade or, for small holes for plumbing pipes, you can use a tile cuffing attachment for your drill.

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