How To Cut Tile With A Grinder

Tiling a bathroom or kitchen is often daunting enough without the added issue of not having the correct tools. For many of us, owning specialized hardware is not feasible, especially when a trusty angle grinder fits most purposes, but how do you cut tiles with a grinder?

How To Cut Tiles With A Grinder

While a standard angle grinder is perfect for cutting asphalt and some are for cutting tiles, you must use the correct cutting disc. The most effective method for cutting tiles is a diamond blade cutting disc. However, being patient while you cut to avoid breakages is equally important.

Step One: Preparation Is Key To Cutting Tiles With A Grinder

Before cutting, you must select the correct cutting discs for the grinder. While a diamond disc is non-negotiable, the style of the disc you require depends on the type of tile to be cut.

There are three types of diamond cutting discs, which perform better with certain types of tiles. The table below compares which discs work best for some popular tiles.

Continuous rim cutting discs are better for delicate materials, while segmented and turbo rims are better for thicker/harder materials. For most standard tiles, choose continuous-rim diamond cutting discs.

Step Two: Measure And Mark Where You Want To Cut

If you cut too little, you can always cut more off but risk chipping/breaking the tile. If you cut off too much, you might need a new tile. It’s wise to ensure that your measurements are correct, your lines are accurate, and that you leave nothing to chance.

Using a pencil or marker pen, draw on the tile. For straight lines, use a ruler or other straight material.

Other helpful tools for marking on a tile include:

• Speed squares
• T-squares
• Compass
• Protractor 

Step Three: Place The Tile On A Suitable Surface

A stable surface is essential for tile cutting to ensure you cut straight and the tile does not crack. While the corner of a table will suffice, a rigid foam provides better support for the tile (further reducing the likelihood of cracking).

Another suitable alternative is using a flat piece of board like plywood to cut on. While providing stability, the board won’t damage the diamond blade (provided you don’t press too deeply into it).

Selecting the surface on which to cut applies to free tiles (before they’re attached). You can’t change the backing material if you’re cutting a tile already in place.

Step Four: Use A Guide When Cutting In A Straight Line

Although the benefit of a high-quality angle grinder is its versatility in cutting positions, it’s often challenging to cut straight (even with a line). If you also struggle with keeping a steady hand, use a metal ruler or wooden plank as a guide and attach it to the tile.

Step Four: Cut A Shallow Groove On The Line

We recommend cutting a shallow groove along the line first. Patience is essential when tile cutting. While many experienced DIYers and artisans prefer to cut through the tile in a single pass, there are several drawbacks to this speedy approach. 

If you’re unfamiliar with tile cutting, you risk chipping or breaking the tile (should your hand slip or the material is too hard). Additionally, dry-cutting tiles produce dust which may obscure the line. By cutting a preliminary groove through the tile’s surface layer, you have a better route to follow.

Step Five: Cut Through The Tile

Now that you’ve cut a groove to follow, you’re ready to cut through the tile in its entirety. Start at one end and work your way through the tile. 

Be careful not to rush the process, and apply consistent pressure as you cut. If you rush, you risk breakages.

Step Five: Trim Edges And Neaten The Tile

Once you’ve cut through the tile, there might be some rough edges that need smoothing or edges that need further shaping. 

Use the grinder to smooth these edges by cutting along the line or using the side of the disc to smooth down the cut edge.

How To Cut Circles/Holes In Tiles With A Grinder

When fitting tiles, you’ll often need to cut a rounded edge or hole (for pipes). Fortunately, an angle grinder is perfect for cutting circles too.

Start by marking the area you want to cut, then make a 1/16-inch incision along the line. The best way to do this is by tilting the grinder roughly 30° from its usual cutting position.

Next, move the grinder roughly ⅛ inch away from the line and cut toward the first incision at the 30° angle. You’ll make a “shaving” motion, taking off a small amount of tile each cut and moving around the tile. Keep moving toward the center and cutting deeper each time until you’re through the tile.

Once you’ve cut through the middle, trim away the excess tile.

For smaller holes, you’ll mark off the circle, then cut straight down through the middle of the circle. Once through, turn the blade a fraction and cut through the middle of the circle again. Continue until the hole is complete, and trim away excess tile fragments.

What About Other Shaped Holes?

Angle grinders work wonderfully for cutting holes of various shapes and sizes in the middle of a tile. If (for example) you need to cut a rectangular or square hole, you’ll start by measuring and marking the desired hole on the front of the tile.

Next, flip the tile upside down and make the same markings on the back of the tile. When cutting, you’ll cut through the backend. Cut through the tile, starting in (roughly) the middle of the line on a side. Then cut out the desired shape.

The benefit of cutting on the back is that the front of the tile lines up with the lines, while the back has longer cuts to accommodate the disc passing through the tile. 

When cutting semi-circles (that start and end at the tile edge), start by drawing the desired outline. Next, use the angle grinder to cut straight lines from the edge to where the line is. Once you’ve cut multiple lines, most of the tile falls away. You’ll use the grinder to smooth off whatever is left over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion 

Angle grinders are the quintessential tools for cutting tiles and other DIY projects like cutting bricks for your landscape. Thanks to their versatile cutting angles, these tools allow DIYers to cut various shapes into tiles, provided they are equipped with diamond, continuous-rim cutting discs. Measuring before marking and a slow and steady cut is essential to prevent tiles from chipping and breaking.