How To Cut Porcelain Stoneware Tiles At Home

How and what to cut porcelain stoneware at home: 4 proven methods
How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home: a description of four possible methods. Step-by-step instructions for chip-free cutting.

How to cut porcelain stoneware with a glass cutter

This is the easiest tool to use. It also gives a minimal effect. Using a glass cutter, you can cut off porcelain stoneware, but provided that its thickness is small. This is how the wall cladding is most often cut. The glass cutter cannot cope with floor tiles.

There are two types of tools: with a hard metal roller and with a diamond cutter. The latter option cuts better, but fails faster. Its cost is higher than that of a roller analogue.

With a glass cutter, you can make a straight or figured cut. In the latter case, you will also need special nippers. To cut the tiles along a straight mowing line, proceed as follows:

1. We lay the cladding on a flat base. Determine where the cut line will go.
2. We take a ruler, lay it along the future cut-off mowing line and press it with our fingers.
3. Gently, but with strong pressure, draw the line along the ruler with the tool. Trying to scratch a deep enough groove at a time. Otherwise, chips cannot be avoided.
4. We put the part on the edge of the table or workbench and press firmly on its edge. So that the liner splits along the intended mowing line.
5. Grind the edge if necessary.

If you want to make a curved cut, a line is drawn with a glass cutter. Then you need to take pliers and use them to remove sections of the tile. The closer the cut is to the mowing line, the smaller the pieces should be cut off. The edge with such processing will turn out to be sharp and not entirely even, so it must be sanded.

How to cut porcelain stoneware with an electric tile cutter

In the recommendations on how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home, you can read that it is convenient to do it with a wet cutter. This is the name of the electric type tile cutter, for which a diamond cutting disc is used. To cool it down, water is supplied to the part during the cutting process (hence the name of the device).

There are two types of equipment: with upper and lower supply of tiles. The first ones make the cut as accurately as possible and are more expensive. For household chores, budget devices are often purchased that feed parts from below.

Devices of any type make it possible to make cuts not only straight, but also curved. To cut a piece of porcelain stoneware tiles, do the following:

1. We outline the cutting line.
2. We fix the part on the bed using special clamps. If you have to make a curved incision, you will have to hold it with your hands.
3. We start the device. First, we select the minimum speed of the disk, so the part does not deform.
4. Increase the cutting speed gradually. Make sure that the element does not move from vibration.

The cuts made on such equipment are more accurate and better than on a mechanical device. It is especially appreciated by beginners because it is able to completely neutralize the so-called shaking hand factor. In addition, the device allows you to cut fragments less than 6 mm wide, does not generate dust or noise. The main disadvantage of the device is the high price of quality models.

Tools for cutting porcelain stoneware

Before determining how and what to cut porcelain stoneware at home, it is worth understanding its features. It is a composite material that successfully combines the properties of natural stone and ceramics. It is made by pressing a mixture pre-fired at high temperatures. The result is a very strong and durable material. During the production process, it can be given a variety of colors and textures.

The surface of the ceramic can be matte, glossy, structured, etc. This should be taken into account when choosing a cutting method.

You can cut a tile fragment using various tools:

• Glass cutter;
• Electric tile cutter (aka wet cutter);
• Mechanical tile cutter;
• Grinder;
• Device for waterjet cutting.

The latter method is not used in a home workshop, since it is assumed that special expensive equipment is available.

How to cut porcelain stoneware with a tile cutter

The principle of the tool is somewhat similar to the glass cutter. There, too, there is a cutting roller that moves along the guides. In addition to it, there is a bed on which the part is laid, a lever and guides. It is very important that the diameter of the cutting element matches the height of the tile.

In addition, when choosing a device, pay attention to:

• The base of the device. The metal from which it is made must be thick enough so that the base does not vibrate or bend during cutting.
• The strength of the guides and supports.
• Smooth movement of the carriage. It is desirable that special bearings provide this.
• No backlash when moving the carriage. If it is available, it is impossible to make a straight cut.

Tile cutters vary in length and it is best to choose a long model. This will make it possible to cut porcelain stoneware of different sizes, not only along the side, but also diagonally.

To cut off a piece of porcelain stoneware tiles with your own hands along a straight mowing line, you need to follow these steps:

1. We put the tile cutter on a solid, even base.
2. On the product we outline the cut line.
3. We lay the part on the bed so that the trajectory of the roller runs exactly along the basting.
4. We carry out the cut by pressing on the carriage and moving it away from us.
5. We release the handle and break the part with strong pressure.
6. We grind the cut to remove possible chips.

Working with a mechanical tile cutter is very simple, even a novice master can handle it. There are, however, some disadvantages to be aware of:

• A fragment already 6 mm wide cannot be cut in this way.
• Chamfering or making a curved cut with a mechanical tile cutter is also impossible.
• If the cut falls on an edge for glue or the surface of the material is ribbed, there is a very high probability of chipping.

Cut off the plate without chips

Porcelain stoneware belongs to the materials of increased strength. There are practically no pores in it, it does not absorb water and does not crumble. It is very difficult to even scratch it. Therefore, home craftsmen have the question of how to cut off porcelain stoneware without chips and is it possible at all. It must be admitted that theoretically it is possible, but in practice it turns out very rarely. Often, small chips remain on the cut, which have to be sanded.

To keep them as small as possible, experienced craftsmen advise following these recommendations:

• Cut the part from the top side. Most material chipping occurs where the cutter exits the plate.
• The lower the thickness of the selected cutting disc for the grinder, the lower the chance of chipping.
• Reduce torch speed at the beginning and end of the cut line.
• When working with a mechanical tile cutter, apply more pressure to the lever than when cutting a regular tile.
• Cut slightly to the right of the intended mowing line so that it stays on the cut piece. Then you can remove unwanted chips with a sander.

It is very important that the tool is of high quality and suitable for the material of choice. Otherwise, getting a beautiful cut without chips is almost impossible. If, nevertheless, they appear, which happens most often, the defects should be sanded down. You can use sandpaper or a diamond sponge.

The best option is a grinder with a special attachment. This is the so-called turtle or flexible diamond circle. They are distinguished by the diameter of the particles applied to the surface of the diamond coating. The turtle can only work with a grinder, the model of which provides for the ability to adjust the number of revolutions. If it is higher than three thousand per minute, the nozzle can fly off the axis.

How to cut porcelain stoneware with a grinder without chips

Almost every home craftsman has an angle grinder, or grinder. Therefore, it is she who is most often cut porcelain stoneware. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to make such a cut without chips, but it is quite possible to minimize their number. For this, it is very important to choose the right disc. He must have:

• High-quality diamond dusting;
• Marking confirming that the device is intended for cutting porcelain stoneware;
• The minimum possible thickness;
• Continuous cutting edge.

The grinder is a potentially dangerous tool, so you should not neglect the safety rules. You should take care of the means of protection. The kit includes:

• A respirator, since a lot of dust is generated when cutting.
• Safety goggles to prevent possible exposure of disc fragments to the eyes.
• Special clothing.
• Ear plugs or ear muffs to protect your hearing from loud noise.

It is not recommended to neglect protective equipment, even if you plan to cut several plates.

Correctly cutting porcelain tiles with a grinder is quite simple if you follow the instructions:

1. Preparing a place to work. Lay a substrate on the leveled surface, which will protect the base. You can choose penoplex, polystyrene, etc.
2. We put the part face up on the base, mark the section of the cut on it. To make the chips less, we glue a strip of masking tape on it, draw the cutting line along it.
3. We put a metal corner on top of the tile along the cut path, fix it with clamps. This will allow you to make an accurate cut. This must be done when cutting products with a large thickness.
4. We start the grinder. We cut the part at a time, direct it away from us. To get an even edge, cut off the fragment so that the line of the marking remains on the product. It will be removed during the sanding process, and the tile will retain the specified size.
5. We remove the masking tape, if necessary, grind the end of the part.

If the plate is thin or you do not need a perfectly straight cut, you can simplify your work. The grinder does not cut, but only cut. Then the fragment is broken off with a sharp strong movement.

It is very convenient to use a grinder to cut porcelain stoneware tiles. First of all, because it is the most accessible of all the devices that can be used. They can make cuts of various shapes, including any curved. However, the grinder is traumatic, you need to work very carefully. It is very dusty and noisy.

Tile cutter

This mechanism has proven itself perfectly when processing tiles. Similar results can be achieved in the case of porcelain stoneware, having previously familiarized yourself with the installation design. It consists of a base (platform) and several guides along which the carriage moves, and with it the cutting mechanism located below. There is a handle on top that allows you to cut the material mechanically. Thanks to a fairly accurate final cut without chips, this type of tile cutter is the main tool of many construction professionals.

Better than a manual tile cutter, only an electrical modification can cut off, we’ll talk about it later. Everyone can use the manual option, because by and large, you need to correctly perform 4 steps:

1. Mark the future cut line on the tile.
2. Place the material on the platform so that the mark aligns with the cutter wheel.
3. Then, holding the plate with your hand, take the handle and, applying a slight effort, move the carriage from one side of the guides to the other, thus making a cut.
4. To break, you need to apply force to the handle.

Experts do not recommend using a manual tile cutter for processing mosaic tiles and in cases where the material thickness exceeds 15 mm. However, even in the permissible range, you can make a mistake with the selection of the desired installation, because the dimensions of the tile cutter can be different. So, ceiling and wall tiles are cut with a tile cutter up to 40 cm long, floor tiles. With larger models.

Cutting tools

Choosing a tool in order to cut even the most common mosaic tiles, you will have to “break your head”. Judge for yourself, every second knows how to cut ceramic tiles, and only a few will answer the same question regarding more durable materials. In addition, it is unlikely that you will succeed without certain skills, so it is better to practice well.

Absolutely all tools that are able to cut porcelain tiles are divided into two types:

1. Mechanical. Installations that allow you to perform a manual cut.
2. Electric. Automatic devices.

Bulgarian

This type of tool is one of the most affordable options for adjusting tiles to the required dimensions. With the help of a grinder, you can cut ceiling, wall, floor and even mosaic tiles, both tiled and porcelain stoneware. In addition, it is indispensable in a situation where it is necessary to make a figured cut.

The best cutting result is shown by thin diamond-coated discs, they are also dry cutters. If the beauty of the cut doesn’t matter, a regular disc will do. There is no point in explaining how to cut a tile with a grinder correctly, since there is no particular difference from the processing of metal or concrete in this process.

Glass cutter

It is not necessary to spend money on a special tool, a regular glass cutter will do. But in large-scale repairs, it is unlikely to help, another thing is small amounts of material. Of course, the cutting roller must have a diamond element, otherwise the efficiency of the glass cutter will be questionable.

Answering the question of how to cut a tile with a glass cutter, we can safely say. Just like glass! However, there are some nuances:

• Before starting the procedure, the plate is immersed in water for 30 minutes to soften the structure;
• Then it is necessary to make a markup based on the dimensions of the working surface;
• Then it is laid on a smooth and even surface and the cut is made along the marks with one strong movement;
• As a result, under the formed fishing line, you need to put a wooden block and press on both sides of the material.

If you are going to use a glass cutter to cut tiles or porcelain stoneware tiles, buy more material, you cannot do without cracks and chips!

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Before starting to decorate the walls, floor or ceiling with porcelain stoneware tiles, each owner should be well prepared, both theoretically and practically. A person who has come across how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home will confirm that the main pitfall of the process is cutting the material to certain dimensions, especially in the case of a stronger floor. Of course, it is likely that in some cases the dimensions of the full row will correspond to the length of the wall, but even with such layouts, one should not forget about the corners, heating mains and other built-in elements. Here, you will definitely have to think about how to cut a tile with a tile cutter into a smaller surface area without splitting it at the same time.

In the arsenal of any owner, you can find a wide variety of tools that will allow you to process floor, ceiling and wall tiles, which means that success is guaranteed. But in order to achieve it, the availability of equipment alone is not enough, you need to know how to use a tile cutter or any other unit at home.

Curly cutting

You can figuratively cut off porcelain stoneware tiles at home with just a few tools, a jigsaw is one of them. Using diamond wire as a cutting element, it can cope with a wide variety of sections, including complex cutting around. They can effectively process wall, ceiling and even dense floor tiles, but it is better to refuse to process mosaics, otherwise you can damage your own limbs. To properly cut the figure in this way, you need to abundantly wet the material as it dries and promptly clean the surface of debris.

Bulgarian

The grinder is the number one tool; it can easily cut porcelain stoneware tiles. To do this, use a diamond-coated nozzle for dry cutting.

The universal assistant when working with porcelain stoneware tiles. Grinder

In order not to mow the cut line and not damage the tiles, you must first outline the contours with chalk, pencil or marker. Then fix the porcelain stoneware to a stable surface. The disc is installed in the direction of movement of the grinder.

Get to work after checking that the attachment is secure. Step back a little from the line mowing line and start working. Move smoothly, slowing down at the edge. The disadvantage of using a grinder is a large percentage of the likelihood of chipping, that is, marriage. This is especially true for glazed tiles. Therefore, it is better to consider the option of using a tile cutter.

Material features

Porcelain stoneware gained its popularity due to its unique properties, but these advantages complicate the process of cutting tiles at home.

The following features of porcelain stoneware should be highlighted:

• Strength;
• Wear resistance;
• Frost resistance;
• Fire resistance;
• Aesthetics;
• Durability;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Hygiene;
• Antistatic.

Due to the almost complete absence of pores in the structure of the material, porcelain stoneware is super strong, it does not scratch, abrade, does not crumble, but that is why it is very difficult to cut it yourself. How to be in such a situation?

Porcelain stoneware is a very durable material

We cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

When working with porcelain stoneware at home, the question often arises. How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles? This material is in some ways very similar to ordinary tiles, but for the most part it has a number of striking differences. In this regard, most of the tools that are successfully used for cutting tiles are not at all suitable in this case.

Due to the high strength of the material, not all tools are suitable for cutting porcelain tiles.

What tools are used

So, how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home? Hand tools are ineffective in this case. You should generally forget about the glass cutter. But there is a way out. First of all, it is worth mentioning such a tool, which is in the arsenal of almost every real owner and craftsman. This is a Bulgarian. With its help, you can successfully perform both a straight cut and a curly cut.

Do not use a glass cutter to cut porcelain tiles.

Another tool is a tile cutter. It is of two types: manual and electric. Since we are talking about porcelain stoneware, it is better to use the electric option. Of course, it will take up more space than a grinder or its manual alternative, but the efficiency is impressive.

You can use a device similar to an electric cutter, since you already have nothing suitable. Replace the circular saw blade with a diamond blade and you will get a good tool for working with porcelain stoneware.

If you intend to cut a large amount of porcelain stoneware, you can ask for help from special firms that provide this kind of service. They have all the necessary equipment for any kind of work. For curly cutting, the method of waterjet cutting is used, but this service is quite decent.

Tile cutter

The tile cutter used for adjusting the shapes and sizes of heavy-duty materials is used in the electrical version. It looks like a machine with a diamond disc. In this case, it is recommended to use the wet cutting attachment. On the machine, you can conveniently fix the tile, thus preventing its displacement in the process.

The powerful professional electric cutter will quickly handle large tile volumes

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles with a tile cutter:

1. Fill the tray with water. This will ensure cleanliness during operation. In the future, you need to change it often enough so that the accumulated particles do not fall on the disk and do not damage it.
2. Place the tiles on the cutting surface of your tile cutter.
3. Hold the porcelain stoneware with your hands, preferably on both sides, if possible.
4. Press lightly and guide the material towards the blade.

From time to time it is necessary to clean off plaque from the disc so as not to reduce the efficiency of the tool.

A circular saw

How else can you cut porcelain tiles at home? If you are the owner of a summer house or a private house, you probably have your own workshop. One of the most essential tools in this case is a circular saw. It is a toothed disc machine. Since the work is related to the processing of porcelain stoneware, you need to change the attachment to a diamond blade for dry cutting.

After the preparation is completed, the line of the cut is outlined, you can start working. Press the tile against the table and gently push it forward with both hands, taking care of your fingers. This option is suitable for a large amount of work with a straight cut.