How to Cut Bathroom Tiles

Here at Roccia, we’re tile specialists, and so we know a thing or two about cutting and fitting the tiles in your bathroom.

Tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms as they are easy to clean and cope well in humid settings. We have plenty for you to choose from at our tile showroom in Preston, including subway tiles to natural stone effect and victorian bathroom tiles.

If you’d like a bit more inspiration, then take a look at our latest bathroom trends for 2021 blog, which discusses colours, styles, storage and fittings. 

Focusing on the tiles in your bathroom, we’ll discuss the best ways you can cut tiles in this blog.

Cutting Tiles in Half 

Firstly, when cutting any type of tile, it’s important to wear gloves and safety goggles in case of shards or splinters.

There are a number of different ways to cut straight lines across ceramic tiles, and each has its own advantages.  

When cutting ceramic tiles, which are approximately 15mm thick, the simplest method is to use a tile scribe, it has a hardened tip that cuts cleanly.

Using a metal ruler and pencil or felt tip, mark the cutting line on the tile, then scrape across the line with the scribe against the metal ruler. It’s essential to score the full length to prevent breakage when cutting.

To snap the offcut from the tile, place a pencil under the line on the tile and apply downward pressure on the sides. Alternatively, you can rest the tile on the edge of a worktop and press firmly on the sides. 

Another option to cut tiles is to use a combined scorer and snapper. Mark the tile, ensuring that it is scored the full length to prevent breakage during cutting. Now you’re ready to insert the tile into the jaws of the tool, aligning the scored mark. Next, lower the handle to bring the scorer into contact with the tile, and when you squeeze the handles of the machine, the tile will snap in two. If you have a lot of tiles to cut, you may prefer this method as it will be much quicker. The machine acts as a sturdy bed to support the tile. 

How to Cut Tiles to Shape

A tile nipper is a helpful tool for creating curves or when you need to work around obstacles, such as pipes, sinks, and toilets. Firstly score along your desired cut line using a tile scribe, then use the tile nipper to chip away small chunks of the tile slowly. As you get closer to your cut line, take care and nip smaller pieces from the tile to avoid shattering it. To achieve a smooth finish on your cut, use a tile file or very fine sandpaper, then wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust or splinters.

A tungsten carbide rod is another excellent way to cut tiles to shape. It’s a thin wire covered with abrasive particles that can be attached to a hacksaw handle. Securely hold the tile in place on a workbench, then gently cut along your marked line using a hacksaw motion. Smooth off any rough edges using a tile file, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Tile saws are a popular tool requiring less manual effort as they are jigsaws fitted with a tungsten carbide tile cutting blade. Gloves and goggles should always be worn when operating tile cutting machinery. We’d recommend starting with a slow cutting speed, turning the tile (not the tool) to make the cut. Cut inside the marked line and use your tile file to make precise adjustments where needed.

Cutting Porcelain Tiles using a Diamond Blade Wet Saw

Porcelain tiles are usually a lot thicker than ceramic tiles, so they will require specialised cutting. A diamond blade wet saw tile cutter will do the job and can cut tiles up to 25mm thick.

It’s important to keep the flow of water at a constant to avoid the blade from becoming dry. A sufficient stream of water will improve the blade’s efficiency and reduce the amount of dust produced during cutting.

Precision Tile Cutting and Fitting from Roccia 

At Roccia, we’ve got a full collection of bathroom suites, tiles and fittings for you to choose from at our bathroom showroom in Preston and Bolton.

We work with the highest-quality materials and products from the world’s leading bathroom brands to bring you the best range of options for your family or en suite bathroom.

Our specialists will be happy to help you choose tiles, fittings and much more, making your dream bathroom into a reality. We offer full service, from consultation to final installation.

Get in touch and arrange your appointment today by calling 01772 258998 or contact us via our online enquiry form.