How to cut tiles
By Tom Drake | 11th August 2025 | 5 min read
Manual tile cutters are great for fast, straight cuts in ceramic and some porcelain tiles. Electric tile cutters handle harder tiles with precision using a water-cooled blade. Angle grinders can cut curves and thicker tiles but create dust. For small, curved shapes, use tile nippers and for small straight cuts in thin ceramic tiles, try a tile scribe.
Tile cutting methods:
Manual tile cutters are a great option if you need to make lots of straight cuts. They will cut ceramic tiles with ease and will also cut some porcelain tiles. However, they will struggle with particularly hard porcelain or stone tiles.
Manual tile cutters don’t need a power source and make little mess, which is ideal if you want to cut tiles indoors, close to where you’re working. They will usually cost less than an electric tile cutter and will be easier to use for anyone who doesn’t have experience using electric saws.
Manual tile cutters can make straight cuts very quickly, but if you want to cut curves or notches into tiles, you’ll need to use an angle grinder or tile nippers.
How to use a manual tile cutter
First, draw a line where you want to cut the tile. Position the tile so the cutting wheel is on top of the line. Then, apply light pressure to the handle while moving the cutting wheel along the line to score the tile.
With the tile scored, position the tile snapper on top of the tile, then apply pressure to the handle until the tile snaps along the scored line.
Electric tile cutters, also known as tile saws or wet saws, are ideal for anyone who needs to make lots of cuts in ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles.
Electric tile cutters feature a strong diamond blade that can easily cut through harder tiles. They are water-cooled, which helps to reduce dust, maintain the life of the blade, and prevent tiles from chipping or cracking as you cut. Electric tile cutters will often produce more precise, straight cuts than manual tile cutters, but can also be used to cut angles.
Electric tile cutters will usually be more expensive to purchase than a manual tile cutter. They can also be messier and bulkier, so you may need to cut your tiles outside.
How to use an electric tile cutter
First, draw a line on your tile to mark where you want to cut. Then, use the cutting guide to line the tile up with the blade. Allow the blade to reach full speed, then slowly feed your tile into the blade whilst keeping it pushed against the guide.
Always keep your fingers clear of the blade and wear the appropriate safety clothing.
An angle grinder with a diamond or tile-specific disc can be used to cut tiles. They are powerful tools which, with the correct disc, can cut through thicker and harder tiles.
Angle grinders are ideal for cutting angles or curved shapes. However, unless you have a lot of experience, it can be harder to achieve a straight cut.
Cutting tiles with an angle grinder will be loud and will generate a lot of dust, so you’ll need to cut your tiles outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
One of the advantages of using an angle grinder over specific tile cutters is the fact that angle grinders have other uses. If you purchase an angle grinder, you can use it for other, non-tiling projects.
Tile nippers are small handheld tools that can be used to make small cuts in tiles.
They allow you to gradually chip small pieces of tile away, which makes them useful for cutting curves or irregular shapes around obstacles.
You can cut a variety of tiles with tile nippers, but always check the instructions included with your nippers to see which you can cut.
Tile nippers are great for cutting small sections of tile. However, the process can be time-consuming, and you won’t be able to make long, straight cuts. Tile nippers are ideal for small tiling jobs, but if you need to make lots of curved cuts, consider using an angle grinder.
How to use tile nippers
First, mark where you want to cut on the tile. Then, squeeze the handles to gradually chip away small sections of the tile until you reach your marked line. You’ll need to work slowly to avoid chipping large pieces.
For a cleaner result, you can score the tile where you want to cut with a tile scribe first.
Tile scribes are budget-friendly tools that make straight cuts in thin ceramic tiles.
Tile scribes are ideal for small jobs that require straight cuts, such as tiling a basin splashback. However, using a tile scribe can be time-consuming, and achieving precise cuts is difficult. For larger jobs, a manual tile cutter is recommended.
How to use a tile scribe
First, draw a line on the tile marking where you want to cut. Hold a metal ruler on this line, then firmly run the tile scribe along the ruler to score the tile. Use enough pressure to cut through the glaze on top of the tile.
Place a pencil underneath the scored line and then apply pressure to both sides of the tile until you can snap it in two.
FAQs
Are tile cutters worth it?
Tile cutters are a worthwhile investment, even for small tiling projects. They make it easier to achieve straight cuts, and their ease of use can mean fewer wasted tiles from incorrect cuts.
How do you cut porcelain tiles?
Thinner porcelain tiles can be cut with a manual tile cutter, but for thicker or harder porcelain, you’ll usually need to use an electric tile cutter.
Is it better to cut tiles wet or dry?
If you're working on a small tiling project or you want to cut tiles close to where you’re working, dry cutting is a good option. However, wet cutting gives more precise cuts and reduces the risk of tiles cracking. So, for larger jobs where precision is key, wet cutting is a better option.
Do you cut tiles face up or face down?
Tiles are usually cut face up. When using a manual tile cutter or a tile scribe, the decorative face of the tile needs to be scored. When using an electric tile cutter, unless the blade cuts from underneath, cutting the tile face up will help prevent chipping on the visible side of the tile.