Cutting Ceramic Tile -- Methods

Cutting ceramic tile need not be complicated, not should it be a great barrier to tackling a tile project yourself. Granted, one can spend many hundreds of dollars on a professional quality tile saw. However such saws really are not necessary for smaller jobs or big jobs for that matter.

Cutting ceramic tile problems can be classified as one of several types of cuts. Most frequent are straight cuts. Accomplished with saws and snap cutters, these cuts are mostly where the more expensive tools are often used.

Then there are interior cuts which require cutting holes or openings in tile. No special tools are really needed. What is required is some expertise and insight on how to proceed.

Then curved cuts, though less frequently required than straight cuts, puzzle many beginners. How do you make a curved cut with any standard type tool. Even an expensive tile saw won't obviously make a cut on a curve. There are tricks, but just a few simple methods make any kind of curve.

The other cutting tile skill is dressing up the cuts for a smooth edge. This is another of those hand skills that will depend upon some experience, but also requires some techniques to be mastered.

For details on each method for cutting ceramic tile, please read on...

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