How to cut tiles

To cut tiles you need the confidence that comes only with practice. Hone your skills on discards to improve your success rate, rather than risk expensive mistakes.

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Straight Cuts

STEP 1
For straight cuts, use a tile cutter suitable for cutting extremely hard, fully vitrified or monocottura tiles. To cut large tiles on the diagonal, hire or buy a tile cutter with a 45° fence to act as a guide.

	STEP 2 Set the cutter up on a firm, level and stable surface. Set the fence, and position the tile accurately in the cutter. Hold the lever down with your forefinger on top.
	STEP 3 Score the tile once only with the wheel of the cutter, using firm, steady downward pressure throughout the stroke.
	STEP 4 Reposition the lever near the centre of the tile and press down firmly to snap it. Professional tilers often snap tiles by pressing down on them with the palms of their hands, instead of using the lever.

Complex cuts

To make complex cuts, use a 115mm angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade. Although pricey, diamond blades are not prohibitively expensive and they make the job much easier. Wet saws, with a water-lubricated diamond blade, can be hired. These are very accurate and essential for cutting stone tiles, such as those made from marble, granite or slate.

STEP 1
Mark the cut on top of the tile and place it on a stable, flat surface. Carefully guide the blade along the cut line. Complete any angled cuts by notching out the corner of the angle fully.

STEP 2
Use a pair of tile pincers to nibble small pieces of waste from awkward corners.