One of the main benefits of porcelain tiles is their durability, in fact good quality porcelain tiles can last for years without much maintenance. However, this is exactly why they are quite difficult to cut. Even though they have a hard exterior because of the glaze used when being fired they are softer underneath making them brittle and susceptible to cracking while being cut. If you want to avoid cracking your porcelain tiles when cutting them you need to ensure you use the correct tools.

How to cut porcelain tiles without chipping

The density of porcelain tiles is what makes them more difficult to cut than other types of outdoor porcelain tiles. As such when cutting porcelain tiles you need to make sure you use a diamond blade wet saw tile cutter. Because it is a fine blade it can cut tiles that are up 25 mm in thickness without chipping.

Listed below are some other useful tips on the best way to cut porcelain tiles without chipping them.

Use a wet saw or angle grinder with a sharp, clean blade.

Make sure the blade is completely clean before you begin.

Work slowly and steadily.

Make shallow cuts, about ⅛ of an inch deep.

If you’re using a manual cutter, apply gentle and consistent pressure.

Put masking tape around the tile before cutting to protect it.

Cut the tile upside down to help prevent chips

Handle the tiles as little as possible to prevent the risk of dropping or damaging them

Wear the correct PPE to protect yourself from dust and flying debris, which also helps to ensure you make accurate cuts

Why use porcelain tiles

There are a number of very good reasons why people use white porcelain tiles both inside or outside the home. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing making them a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain tiles are also hard wearing which makes them perfect for use outside on patios and pathways.

Porcelain is durable

Because they are fired at a high temperature it makes porcelain much denser than ceramics. This means as long as they are laid correctly they are very resistant to damage and will look for for years to come. Their strength and durability is one of the main reasons why porcelain tiles are found in hallways and on patios of homes throughout the UK.

Porcelain is versatile

Porcelain tiles are available in not only a wide range of colours but also a number of different shapes styles and sizes. You can get porcelain tiles that give you the look of other materials such as natural stone, marble and wood at a much lower price. The make up of porcelain tiles mean that they require much less maintenance than other types. Because of their durability they are suitable for use almost anywhere inside or outside the home and are a particularly good choice in homes that have pets or children.

Porcelain is easy to look after

Porcelain tiles are perfect for busy areas and rooms with a lot of moisture. They’re low maintenance, moisture-resistant, and have a high-gloss finish. Easy to clean, they stay looking great with minimal effort. Unlike natural stone, most porcelain tiles don’t need regular sealing, and pre-glazed tiles can just be wiped clean.

What is the best blade for porcelain tile?

Diamond cut blades that have a continuous run are the best blades to use when cutting porcelain blades. Another option is a masonry blade or table saw that has been specifically designed to cut porcelain. These saws will have a very narrow gullet. Inorder to get the precise result you are looking for always make sure your blade has been sharpened and clean before starting work.

Because diamond cut blades are manufactured from diamond coated steel they are especially tough allowing them to provide you with the perfect cut time after time. The thickness of the tile will determine the size of blade needed, and because of the different brands available you must ensure that the one you choose is compatible with the cutter you are using.

Is it better to cut porcelain tiles wet or dry?

Most installers prefer using a wet cutter for porcelain tiles because it’s quick, creates less dust, and helps reduce chipping and cracking. The water lubricates the blade, preventing overheating.

Wet tile cutting method

Where porcelain tiles are concerned it is advisable to use a wet cutting method because this will minimise the amount of breakage. You need to be aware that this can be slightly trickier as tiles are less brittle when wet. This technique is usually much quicker, leads to cleaner cuts and leaves less mess than dry cutting. It also enables the blade to work longer as the water will cool it and stop smoking which contributes to premature wear and tear. If you decide on a wet cutting a diamond tipped blade and a water source are essential.

To use a wet cutter:

Set up the machine and cutting area, fill the saw basin with water, and put on your PPE.

Mark where you need to cut on both sides of the tile.

(Optional) Use masking tape around the tile edges to help prevent breakage.

Cut a small notch on your marked line on the back of the tile. Then, flip the tile over and start cutting face-up from the opposite side of the notch.

Make slow, gentle cuts.

After cutting, you might need a sanding block to smooth the edges.

Always keep the water level is always topped up

Dry tile cutting Technique

Even though there a number of distinct advantages to wet gutting for porcelain tiles some people still have a preference for using a dry cutter. The main reason for this is that the cut is slightly easier and you get a precise view of where you are cutting. The downside to dry cutting is that it produces a large amount of dust, could leave jagged edges and there is greater risk of the tile breaking. Its worth bearing in mind that when you employ this method you’ll need a very sharp blade along with the appropriate dry tile saw that has a diamond blade.

When Using a Dry Cutter

Set up your angle grinder bench or dry saw area and put on your PPE.

Mark the shape or line where you need to cut on both sides of the tile.

(Optional) Mask the edges to help prevent cracks.

Make multiple small cuts, flipping the tile over as you go.

Ensure the blade runs into the waste side.

Once the tile is fully cut, use an abrasive wheel to smooth the edge.

What Tools do you need

Before cutting your porcelain tiles make sure you have:

A Tile cutter

A Tile marker

Some Masking tape

A Tape measure

PPE – goggles, dust mask and work gloves

If using an electric cutter, ear defenders

A suitable ventilated area with work bench

Sanding stone or tile file

How to Cut Porcelain Slabs By Hand

You can cut porcelain slabs by hand if you use a tile nipper, manual tile cutter or possibly a hacksaw that has a particularly sharp blade. This is usually the preferred method when cutting fine detail, ornate shapes or complex curves. First thing to do is mark the shape and score the area with utility knife. The best way to achieve the shapes you are looking for is to use small gentle cuts.

Despite the fact that this method is precise and useful for anyone who doesn’t have access to an electric tile cutter it can take a long time and cutting through porcelain is definitely hard work.

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