Tile installation is a difficult task that requires a lot of skill and precision. But what should you do if you need to cut an already-installed tile? Although it might be challenging and frustrating, you can make precise and clean cuts without causing any harm to the current tile by using the appropriate tools and techniques. Here, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cut different types of tiles that are already installed.
Materials You Will Need
- Angle grinder
- Pencil to mark the line
- Measuring tape
- Protective eyewear
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Tile nipper or tile file
- Straight edge or guide
- Spray bottle with water
Steps to Cut Ceramic Tile
Do you want to cut the floor tile? You may want to remove some tiles that are on your wall. Whether your ceramic tile is on your backsplash or your floors, here are the steps to cut tile:
Prepare the Work Area
Make sure you have adequate room to work comfortably and safely by clearing away any obstructed or cluttered areas. After that, protect the nearby surfaces from dust, debris, and tile shards by covering them with a cloth or plastic sheeting. Finally, clean the tile with a moist cloth to remove dust or debris before cutting it.
Measure and Mark the Tile
You must be precise to ensure you don’t ruin the tile. Measure the tile you want to cut with a straight edge and mark the line with a pencil. You can use a grease pencil. These pencils can draw on difficult surfaces like tile.
Put on Protective Gear
Wear protective eyewear, a dust mask, and gloves to protect yourself from the tile fragments and debris.
A mask is essential to avoid breathing in the dust when cutting tiles. In addition, wearing protective eyewear prevents flying pieces of tile or debris from causing eye injuries. Cutting requires sharp instruments like tile nippers and angle grinders, so gloves are also necessary to protect your hands.
Use an Angle Grinder
Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to score the tile and cut it. Place the blade on the line you marked and turn on the grinder. Slowly and carefully cut along the line, applying light pressure. Repeat the process until you can snap the tile out of its position. Be sure to keep the grinder level and move it smoothly and evenly.
Keep the Area Wet
Apply water from a spray bottle to the cutting area to keep it moist. By wetting the area, you can reduce the amount of dust created, and the blade stays cool. Cut a little at a time to avoid overheating and keep the blade damp. After you’ve finished cutting, clean the tile by wiping it down with a moist towel to remove any leftover dust or debris.
Finish the Edges
If you’re cutting backsplash tile or another visible area, use a tile edging strip or bullnose tile to finish the rough edges. You can sand the edges with sandpaper to smooth and round them if you don’t have either.
Clean the Area
Once you’ve finished cutting the tile, clean up the area thoroughly. Remove debris, dust, or tile shards, and clean the area with a damp cloth or mop.
Difference Between Cutting Ceramic and Porcelain
Tiles made of ceramic and porcelain are frequently used for backsplashes, floors, and other decorative applications. But they are made of different materials and have different densities, which affects how well they cut.
Ceramic tiles are made of clay and are often softer and easier to cut than porcelain tiles. Moreover, they are less dense, increasing their propensity to break and chip when being cut. You can cut ceramic tiles using a tile cutter, tile nipper, or tile saw with a diamond blade.
On the other hand, porcelain tiles are a blend of clay and other materials like feldspar and quartz. They are more challenging to cut since they are harder and denser than ceramic tiles. You can cut porcelain tiles with a tile saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade. You will need more time, care, and skill during cutting to avoid chipping or cracking.
Leave the Hard Work to the Pros!
Whether you are dealing with ceramic or porcelain tiles, taking proper safety measures, using the appropriate tools, and working with care and precision is crucial.
At Florida Tile & Grout Restoration, we understand the importance of maintaining and repairing your tile floors, backsplashes, and other surfaces. Our experienced professionals use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to ensure that your tiles are cut precisely and with minimal damage.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your tile surfaces looking beautiful and functional.