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What Can You Use To Cut Porcelain Tile Flooring (How To)

If you have to lay some porcelain tile, you are probably wondering how to cut it properly. There are options, but some choices are better than others.

The best tool for cutting a porcelain tile is a wet saw. It can make straight cuts as well as some unusual cuts or cutting notches to work around obstacles. Otherwise, you can use a manual tile cutter or even another tool with an appropriate blade.

Cutting the white tiles

Porcelain is often preferred to ceramic and other types of tiles because of its quality and endurance. Although it is similar to ceramic, it is much more durable, but that also makes it harder to cut.

Many softer types of tiles, including some natural stone, can be cut with many different tools and you would end up with a clean edge. Porcelain, on the other hand, needs to be treated properly because of how hard it is.

Let’s take a look at the proper way to cut porcelain tile as well as ensuring that we are using the right tool for the right job.

What Can You Use To Cut Porcelain Tile Flooring (How To)

Since a wet saw is a proper choice for cutting porcelain tile, let’s take a look at how to do it in the best way possible.

Step 1: Set up your work area

Establishing a work area is a very important part of cutting any type of tile. You want to have the area where you are cutting the tile away from the area where you are installing it. In addition, a wet saw can make a big mess so it is best if you cut outside if at all possible.

Step 2: Check the blade

If you have been using the diamond blade for a while, it can get dull and it makes it difficult to cut through the tile. That is especially true with a tile as hard as porcelain.

If the tile is chipping or if you just want to revive your blade, you can do it by using a dressing tool. That tool will help to sharpen the diamonds and you can make the blade as good as new again.

When starting the blade, make sure that you allow approximately 30 seconds for the water to completely soak the blade. Otherwise, you would be working against the purpose of the saw.

Step 3: Making straight cuts

Wet saws are the best tool for making straight cuts in porcelain tile. The only other tool that you could consider is a manual tile cutter, which can also be used for straight cuts.

You might find that a manual tile cutter makes a cleaner cut on the edge than a wet saw. This is not going to be necessary for every job, as the edge of the tile is often going to be hidden under a baseboard.

Don’t try to force the tile through the saw as it is cutting. Let the saw blade do its work of cutting the tile. You should just guide it along the way.

It is especially important to slow down and let the blade do its work at the end of the cut. Trying to push the tile through the end of the cut will likely blow out the tile and result in a big chunk coming off.

Step 4: Making odd cuts

It is possible to make curved or unusual cuts using a wet saw but you will often have to hold the piece in your hand rather than having it on the table.

If there is a large piece of waste that can be removed from the tile, do that first and then work with the smaller, unusual shape second.

You can sometimes cut in from both edges to remove a large piece of the tile. After coming in from the sides, you can cut straight into the tile to remove as much of the piece as possible.

Sometimes, you will need to make multiple cuts from the edge of the tile into the mark. If you have only small pieces of porcelain, they will easily break away at that line.

Step 5: Keeping it clean

Make sure that you keep the surface where you are cutting the tile as clean as possible. Wet saws are notoriously messy, but having a clean cutting surface to guide the tile will make a difference.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Tile Cutter?

Cutting the white tiles

You can use a tile cutter to cut many types of tile. Is it also possible to use it for porcelain?

A tile cutter is an excellent choice for cutting straight lines in porcelain tile. Since porcelain is harder than most other types of tile, you will need to work with it a little more and it takes some extra pressure to snap. If you take your time and use a quality manual tile cutter, it can do an excellent job.

Tile cutters are used because of the quality lines that they create. In many types of tiles, you can overcome the possibility of chipping or breakage by using such a tool.

The same may also be true for porcelain but it really is a lot harder than ceramic or other types of tile. It may take some additional pressure to score the tile properly on top and you need to have things set up properly for the tile to snap at the line.

With some work and a little practice, you might find that a manual tile cutter is one of your best choices for straight lines across the tile.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Grinder?

Cutting the white tiles

If you have a grinder available, you may be considering using it to cut porcelain tile. Is that a good idea?

If you are using a diamond blade, it is possible to cut porcelain tile with a grinder. An angle grinder can make quick work of many jobs, and it can cut both straight and unusual angles on porcelain tile.

Most people will find an angle grinder to be ideal for the removal of porcelain tile when something needs cut. It can certainly make good cuts in new tile, but it is better for the removal of tile.

An angle grinder also makes it easy for you to guide the blade, which is why it is preferred by many people. It is still not as good as a wet saw for making cuts, but it can do a relatively good job.

Just make sure that you are using the right blade and that you run the RPMs high enough that it cuts through the porcelain without chipping.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Dremel?

tools for cutting the tiles

You’ve probably heard that it is possible to do almost anything with a Dremel tool. Can you also use it to cut porcelain tile?

With the right attachments, you can make small cuts in porcelain tile easily with a Dremel tool. It’s great for notching a tile to go around an obstacle or perhaps for making a circular cut when you have to go around a drain. Dremel tools can be used to cut porcelain tile but they are not the best for larger projects.

Of course, there are a variety of different types of Dremel tools but most people looking for this information have a hobby kit that they use for a variety of jobs around the home. They make different blades and tips for this tool and it can be used for porcelain.

One benefit of using a Dremel tool is the fact that you can control the cut much easier than you can with another type of portable tool. That being said, you would not want to tackle a large job with a hobby Dremel tool because it would burn out quickly.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Jigsaw?

tools for cutting the tiles

Would you like to use your jigsaw to cut porcelain tile? Is it even capable of doing it?

A jigsaw is a very practical tool for cutting porcelain tile. As long as you use the right type of blade, such as a carbide tip or diamond blade, you can cut through the porcelain cleanly and easily. In addition, a jigsaw allows you to make unusual cuts, along with making a straight cut if desired.

One of the reasons why people love using a jigsaw for cutting porcelain tile is because it is portable. Rather than having to haul a large wet saw to the area, you can sometimes just make a few cuts with a jigsaw and get the job done.

When you use the right type of blade, you will find that it cuts through porcelain fairly cleanly. Just keep in mind that porcelain is a very strong material and it is not going to be as easy to use a jigsaw for porcelain as it is for other, softer tiles.

One other thing to keep in mind is the amount of dust that it will create. Wear a facemask and cut in a room where you will not be laying tile.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Multi-Tool?

tools for cutting the tiles

Would you like to use an oscillating multi-tool to cut porcelain? You might be on to something good.

Oscillating multi-tools can be used to cut porcelain and almost any other type of tile. The only tile that it may not cut is a natural stone tile that is extremely hard, such as granite. Although oscillating multi-tools can be used to cut porcelain, they are better suited for the demolition phase than the installation phase.

If you plan on using an oscillating tool for installing porcelain tile, you may be a little disappointed with the results. It can certainly make a cut and can even cut unusual shapes, but the edge is going to be rough.

Generally speaking, you would only use an oscillating multi-tool if you didn’t have another option for cutting the tile. It can work in a pinch, but it is not the best option for a large-scale installation job.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Circular Saw?

tools for cutting the tiles

A circular saw is a tool that is found in almost every home. It’s a convenient option for cutting wood but can it also be used to cut porcelain?

It is possible to cut porcelain with the circular saw but you have to use the right type of blade. A diamond blade is necessary because porcelain is a very hard material and if you try to use a regular saw blade, you will quickly burn through it. The diamond blade can be used to either score a mark in the tile or to cut through it cleanly.

One of the primary benefits of using the circular saw for porcelain is the fact that it is portable. You can carry it from one room to the next and you might even have a cordless option that is even more convenient.

At the same time, however, you are going to create a tremendous amount of dust when cutting porcelain with a diamond blade. That is why you must protect yourself and the area where you are cutting.

Most people find it convenient to cut the tile in an outside location. You might also want to consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from the dust, which could be potentially harmful.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Diamond Blade?

tools for cutting the tiles

Are you going to cut porcelain tile and you only have a diamond blade available? Is that the right tool for the job?

Diamond blades are by far the best option for cutting porcelain tile and almost any other type of tile. They are extremely durable and can cut through a piece of porcelain easily. It doesn’t matter what type of tool you are using, a diamond blade is going to be the best option if it is used for porcelain.

Diamond blades are excellent for cutting porcelain but they are limited in their ability to cut it forever. You may not notice that the blade looks as if it is wearing down but it may not be cutting as cleanly as it did in the past.

If you find yourself with this problem, you can sharpen up the diamonds again by using a dressing tool.

Using a dressing tool can bring a diamond blade back to life again when it is no longer cutting as it should. You would be surprised with what kind of difference it makes.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Glass Cutter?

tools for cutting the tiles

Did somebody tell you that you can use a glass cutter to cut porcelain tile? Were they telling you the truth?

You can use a glass cutter to cut almost any type of tile, including porcelain. You can use the cutter to mark along the top of the tile and score a line for snapping the tile. It’s a tool that can be used in a pinch but it is not the most effective way to cut porcelain.

Glass cutters can be used on a wide variety of softer materials, including ceramic or terra-cotta. Once you get to porcelain, however, you are dealing with a type of tile that is a lot more sturdy and durable.

Rather than sliding the glass cutter across the top of the tile once to make the score mark, you may have to run across a number of times to make a mark.

That being said, if you are going across the tile in a straight line, you can score the line with a glass cutter and snap it cleanly. It works, but it isn’t the best choice for the job.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With An Oscillating Tool?

tools for cutting the tiles

Do you want to use your oscillating tool for cutting tile? Make sure you read this first.

Oscillating tools are an excellent choice for almost anything around the home. When it comes to cutting porcelain, however, they are not going to be the best option to cut a clean line. Oscillating tools are often used during the demolition phase when you have to get into a tight spot but they will not be as neat and clean as a wet saw.

If you do decide to use your oscillating tool for the installation of a porcelain floor, make sure you are using a blade that can do the job. A diamond blade is the best choice because it can cut through the porcelain cleanly.

The bottom line is, you can use an oscillating tool if you want and it can cut through porcelain. If you really want a clean cut, however, you should use a wet saw.

Can You Cut Porcelain Tile With A Miter Saw?

tools for cutting the tiles

Miter saws are very convenient but are they convenient enough to use for cutting porcelain?

Miter saws can be used for porcelain and they are very convenient. As long as you use a diamond blade for the job, they can make straight cuts at any angle you desire. Just make sure you are prepared for the dust that will be created by this project.

Many miter saws are equipped with a bag to capture much of the dust during the cutting process. When you are cutting porcelain, however, the dust can quickly overtake the ability of the saw to capture everything.

That is why you should always wear a mask when cutting porcelain with a miter saw. You don’t want to breathe in that dust, as it could be hazardous to your health.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on March 2, 2022.

Even a chop saw will do the same job and many people have found it to be convenient because it cuts across the tile cleanly. As long as you have a saw with a large enough blade, you can cut larger tiles without any problem.

How To Properly Cut Porcelain Tile?

Confuse worker man

Porcelain is known for its durability and it is one of the better types of tiles for use on the floor or even as a backsplash.

If you want to cut porcelain tile, you will need to use a wet saw. Although other power saws can be used for cutting porcelain, a wet saw is going to be the best choice for cutting straight cuts. Otherwise, you can use a manual tile cutter.

One thing to keep in mind when you are cutting porcelain tile with a wet saw is the blade. The blade itself is specially made and it will be soaked with water, as the name of the saw would suggest.

Once the saw begins to wear out, however, you will have to sharpen the blade by using a specialty tool. Those dressing tools can make a difference by sharpening up the diamonds and bringing the blade back to life again.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 2, 2022.

You should also cut in an area where you are not going to be laying the tile. It may not be as convenient if you have to walk outside to cut something, but you will have to continually clean the mess if you are cutting and installing in the same room.

Take your time and allow the saw blade to do the majority of the work. Rushing the job will likely end up with a chipped piece of tile and perhaps even one that breaks at the end.

Using the wet saw is the best choice for cutting porcelain tile. It cuts cleanly through the tile and makes a straight line easy to cut. Otherwise, you can use a manual tile cutter or even a jigsaw with the right type of blade.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 2, 2022.

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