How to Cut Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are made by baking a mixture of clay, crushed quartz, sand and non-metallic material at a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. This process make them hard and water-resistant. Their hardness becomes a problem when the need arises to cut them into size and shape. You can undertake the task of cutting ceramic tiles decently, with the help of some cutting tools. Following are some tips on how to cut ceramic tiles.

How to Cut Ceramic Tiles?

Before you learn how to install ceramic tile floors, you need to first get the hang of how to go about cutting a ceramic tile. The following description is some information about cutting tools, which may help you in cutting ceramic tiles.

Tools for Cutting Ceramic Tiles

If you are not going to install ceramic tiles in the near or distant future, then it is better not to buy cutting tools. You can inquire about renting them at your local hardware store. Don't hesitate to shell out extra money to rent good cutting tools, because tools that can be bought cheap, may not have enough cutting power, to serve your purpose of cutting ceramic tiles. Following is a list of tools for cutting ceramic tiles:

1. Carbide-Tipped Pencil: When the number of tiles to cut is small, and the cuts you are required to execute are straight and easy, employ a carbide-tipped pencil to score the glazed side of the tile. Using a tile nipper's snappy jaws; a helpful cutting tool, break the tile along the scored line. The jaws of tile nipper make circular breaks along the scored line. To achieve a smooth edge you will have to put a little bit of extra work and patience.
2. Ceramic Tile Cutter: A ceramic tile cutter is easy to operate and can be used when you have to cut a multiple number of tiles. Lay a tile marked with a guide line, which is drawn with a pen, along the tile to be scored. Be careful about locking the tile firmly into the place. Score the glazed surface of tile along the line by operating tile cutter's wheel tipped with carbide. Apply pressure on the tile cutter's lever to move it downward. The lever transfers the pressure to the tile, which snaps along the scored line in two parts.
3. Hacksaw: A hacksaw is useful to make a 'L' type cut on the tile. A hacksaw, fitted with a blade which has carbide-tipped teeth, is easy to use and lasts longer than a standard one. While executing the 'L' shaped cut on the tile, use a carbide-tipped hacksaw to cut along the vertical arm of the 'L' shaped cut. Execute the second cut, which is smaller in length, using the tile cutter.
4. Drill: Power drills or hand-operated drills can be used to make holes into ceramic tiles. While going through the tough, glazed part of the tile, operate the power drills at a slow speed.
5. Carbide Rod Blade: If you have to cut a tile to achieve a curved cut, then a carbide rod blade is useful. Draw the shape on the tile, and saw the tile using the same carbide rod blade.

Ceramic Tile Ideas

If you are thinking of installing ceramic tile flooring, decorating walls with ceramic tile patterns or backsplashes, or improving your kitchen design by coming up with some kitchen backsplash ideas, then here are couple of ceramic tile design ideas that may help you:

1. Murals: Manufacturers of ceramic tiles can transfer drawings or pictures provided by you onto ceramic tiles. These tiles can be used to make wall murals.
2. Portrait: Manufacturers can create tiles with photographs, screen printed onto them.

After installing the ceramic tiles to lay the flooring or backsplash, you must install ceramic tile trim, to complete the installation process. Apply the adhesive to the back of tile and stick it like a post stamp, in the proper place carefully.

One task that most people fail to envisage in full, when they decide to install ceramic tiles on their own, is cutting ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are tough, utterly impractical and they assume shape according to their wish when you are cutting them to fit your requirement.