How to Cut Tiles Without Breaking Them

For those who work in the world of construction and DIY, it's important to understand how to cut tiles without breaking or chipping them. These floor and wall coverings are actually the last aesthetic element that will cover the raw surfaces. This means that the tiles must be perfect, without imperfections. And cut to the millimeter to avoid burrs.

The aesthetic requirements are clear and cannot take a back seat. It's no coincidence that tile laying is always sought-after and refined work. But there are various techniques for cutting tiles, in ceramic or porcelain stoneware, even if already laid. Here are tools and techniques to explore when you need to shape a tile with millimeter precision.

The best tools for cutting tiles

Many solutions depend on what you prefer or can use to cut tiles or plates. Whether ceramic or porcelain stoneware, it's the tool you use that makes the difference. What are the best solutions? Here's what you need to know to get started.

Hand tools

The manual tile cutter is the first tool to consider. It's a tool with a base and a lever that allows you to manage a tungsten carbide blade, therefore very hard and capable of cutting the glazed part of the tile. Once the line is marked, the manual tile cutter is perfect for breaking the surface to create corners and recesses.

But there are also other tools for manually cutting tiles. For example, you can use a specific hacksaw or pliers to cut small portions. And create personalized solutions for special needs.

Power tools

Among the useful tools for cutting ceramic, terracotta or porcelain stoneware tiles without manual effort you can use an angle grinder with diamond disc, that is with a hardness such as to allow you to shape a tile in a few seconds with extreme precision.

Remember that diamond discs are also perfect for breaking porcelain stoneware tiles. If instead you want to cut tiles at 45-degree angles or with other angles you can use radial arm saws with a base that can be adjusted according to needs.

Which disc to use for cutting tiles?

If you've decided to use an angle grinder, circular saw or band saw you need to use a specific blade in disc shape. What's the best solution to cut ceramic and tiles in porcelain stoneware with maximum possible precision?

One of the best conditions is that of diamond discs. In the Krino catalog you find the models you need. The Corona Turbo model with a diameter of 115 millimeters and continuous rim with thickness of only 1.2 mm, ideal for fast cuts, offers a precise and clean cut on porcelain stoneware tiles, glazed, marble and standard ceramic tiles.

Is it better to use a continuous smooth rim or a model with serrated edges? The latter solution is suitable for harder building materials, on delicate ones it's better to use a continuous disc. In any case, in the Krino catalog you can find both solutions

How to cut tiles without chipping them

Let's assume this choice: you've decided to shape the tiles with an angle grinder. That is, a solution that allows you to speed up the work and operate on different surfaces. Mount the diamond disc, fix the tile so it doesn't move.

Do you know why this is so important? Besides the precision of the work, fixing the element allows you to complete the operation because vibrations cause the tile to crack.

Start the angle grinder and cut along the traced line maintaining a light hand. Also make sure to follow the disc instructions to understand if lubrication and cooling are needed. This solution also works for shaping already laid tiles.