How to Cut Porcelain Tile

Learning how to cut porcelain tile is easy, right?

Not so much.

You need to know what tools to use and when.

Unfortunately, that’s also not enough because you need to know how to use those tools.

I’ll share what tools I like best for cutting porcelain and how to make them perform like a Ferrari.

Basics for Cutting Porcelain Tile

Cutting tile depends on the cut you need and the type of tile.

For example, making a miter joint requires different tools than your standard straight cut.

If I need to make a straight cut, I’ll use my manual snap cutter.

Heck, I’ve used my manual cutter exclusively along with a grinder and polishing pad for many projects.

I’ve been using Montolit’s Masterpiuma for years. It’s not cheap, but it cuts a variety of tiles.

If I need to notch tiles around a curb or wall, normally I use my grinder, wet saw, or IQ saw.

There are pros and cons for each tool.

I’ll explain.

Manual Snap Cutter (Straight Cuts)

It’ll take a lot to convince that a great manual snap cutter isn’t the best tool for porcelain.

First, they’re fast to set up and don’t create a mess like wet saws.

Second, they fit in small spaces like inside showers and on countertops.

Third, they’re quiet compared to wet saws – which is great if someone is working from home.

Finally, they’re easy to use. Here’s a rundown of how I use my Montolit Masterpiuma

• Measure and mark: Draw the cut lines on the tile with a pencil
• Position the tile: Place the tile on the cutter and align the mark under the scoring wheel
• Score the tile: Place the cutting wheel on the tile edge, apply firm downward pressure, and push the handle forward across the tile in one smooth motion
• Snap it: Push the handle downward with a quick motion while applying even pressure to snap the tile

Here’s what AI and the internet don’t mention: sometimes the tile doesn’t snap evenly.

I don’t throw the tile away. Instead, I’ll polish the snapped edge and make it square.

If you’re a good tile setter (and you should be striving toward that), you should have polishing pads.

I like using hand polishing pads or 200-grit electroplated ones that attach to the grinder.

Wet Saws have been a staple in the tile industry for years. So let’s see some tips for that.

Wet Saws for Cutting Porcelain Tile

I don’t use wet saws often, but when I do…

It’s the DeWALT D24000.

This saw is a beast and can handle tiles up to 24 inches.

The downside to these saws is that they’re messy and loud.

If you want to lose your hearing, use one of these every day.

Here’s the step-by-step for how to use a Wet Saw with porcelain:

• Setup: Fill the saw reservoir or a 5-gallon bucket with water, and ensure the pump is in water
• Aim water: Check to see that the water is hitting the saw blade to cool it and reduce dust
• Measure and mark: Dry the cut lines on the tile with a pencil or, preferably, a wax-tipped marker
• Guide the tile: Line up the cut mark with the blade before starting the wet saw, pull back the tile, and power on the saw
• Make the cut: Push the tile forward slowly and let the blade do the work; pushing too fast will cause porcelain tile to crack or chip

Here’s a bonus tip:

Remove old debris from the wet saw blade using a dressing stone.

This is especially important if you’re renting or borrowing a wet saw and using an older blade.

Grinders are like mini wet saws, or at least they can be!

I’ll explain.

Angle Grinders for Cutting Porcelain

Angle grinders are like the Swiss Army Knife of tile cutting.

You can cut tiles, make notches, make U-shapes, polish, and more.

However, grinders can be extremely dangerous.

First, the blade has to be installed properly. Normally, there’s an arrow or indicator on the blade that coincides with the rotation of the grinder.

Second, know the RPM rating of the grinder and the blade.

The blade RPM cannot be lower than the grinder’s RPM.

For example, if the blade is rated for 5,000 RPMs and the grinder is rated for 7,000 RPMs, that’s a problem.

The blade could overheat and break. Those shards have the potential to really hurt you or someone else.

Here are the basics for using an angle grinder to cut porcelain tile:

• Setup: Install the blade properly and have its rotational arrow align with the grinder’s
• Secure the tile: Clamp the tile to a bench or sturdy table with plywood or scrap foam board underneath
• Measure and mark: Dry the cut lines on the tile with a pencil or, preferably, a wax-tipped marker
• Score first pass: Score the top of the tile with the blade to reduce chipping and cracking
• Complete the cut: Cut the tile a second or third time to complete the cut
• Polish the edge: Use handheld polishing pads or an electroplated polishing pad with a grinder to polish the cut edge

Learning how to cut porcelain tile is a great skill.

I have a ton of great courses on how to tile showers, bathroom floors, and more inside Home Repair Tutor – it’s one of the best online resources for anyone renovating a bathroom or home. Tap the button below to learn more

Jeff