How to Cut Ceramic Tile

When you are installing ceramic tile, it is inevitable that some pieces won't fit; therefore you must learn how to cut ceramic tile.

Depending on the shape of tile that you need to cut, you can choose from a variety of tools. For some projects you will need to make different types of cuts, including straight, angled and curved cuts. Learn how to choose the right tool for the task at hand.

A snap tile cutter is similar to a glass cutter. Position the tile within the device and then draw the carbide wheel slowly across the surface of the tile to score it. The tile is then snapped cleanly from this point. Snap cutters are affordable, however, using a snap cutter can be unpredictable. Be sure to have extra tiles on hand in case a few are broken.

Tile scribers are the most budget friendly of tile cutters. Similar to the tile cutter, a scriber uses a carbide wheel, but it is simply attached to a handle. You must use a straight edge to guide your score. This can make it difficult to press down hard enough while holding the scriber steady. Once the tile is scored, you will need to break it over a chop block. Again, this can be unpredictable and may take several failed efforts before you get the hang of it.

Also called a wet saw, this is a formidable tool with a diamond-edged carbide blade mounted on a stand. A stream of water circulates to keep the blade cool and prevent dust and stray particles. Tile saws are used by professionals and are more predictable than most other tile cutting methods, but may be overkill for the typical do-it-yourselfer. Rather than purchase this expensive tool, consider renting it for a weekend.

The angle grinder is a handheld power tool with a disk used for cutting and grinding. Since the angle grinder allows you the flexibility to cut freehand, you can create special cuts such as curves, angles and other shapes to accommodate tile around faucets, toilets and other tight areas.

This specialty tool, which looks like pliers, is used to make circular cuts in ceramic tile. They can also be used for standard straight cuts or even angled cuts, but other tile cutting tools are more appropriate. To use tile nippers, trace the curve on the piece of tile, and then hold the tile in one hand and use the nippers to slowly "nip" away the excess tile. You must use a steady hand or you risk breaking the piece of tile. When finished, sand the edge of the tile to avoid injury.

Now that you understand how to cut ceramic tile, check your local hardware store or shop online for the tools:

• Snap tile cutter
• Tile scriber
• Ceramic tile saw
• Angle grinder
• Tile nippers

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