How to Cut Silestone Tiles

Silestone tiles offer a scratch-resistant, durable and easy-to-care-for surface on a backsplash, countertop, wall or floor. Silestone tiles are naturally occurring quartz that the manufacturer, Cosentino, cuts into tiles and sells under the name Silestone. Silestone tile comes in a range of shapes, colors and sizes to match many design themes and ideas. Installing a Silestone tile surface typically requires cutting the Silestone tile to fit around an obstacle or within a space.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Marker
• Wet saw
• Diamond blade
• Safety goggles or face shield
• Push stick
• C-clamp
• Dust mask
• Circular saw

Instructions

Wet Saw

1. Measure the size of the area that requires tile. Write down this measurement. Measure the size of the tile, and use a marker to mark the portion that you will cut on the unfinished side of the Silestone tile.

2. Equip a wet saw with a diamond blade. Put on safety goggles.

3. Lay the Silestone tile with the guideline facing up on the wet saw's deck. Line up the cutting line on the Silestone tile with the wet saw blade. Set the guide on the wet saw to hold the Silestone tile in place. Turn on the wet saw.

4. Move the Silestone forward toward the saw blade by hand, keeping your hand and fingers out of the path of the saw blade. Use a push stick to move the Silestone tile forward if the tile is small or close to your fingers. Continue to move the tile until the blade makes its way through the whole tile along the cutting line.

Circular Saw

1. Measure the space requiring Silestone tile, and mark a cutting guideline on the unfinished side of the tile with a marker.

2. Clamp the Silestone tile to a sturdy work surface with a C-clamp. Let the waste section of the Silestone tile hang over the edge of the work surface.

3. Install a diamond blade in a circular saw.

4. Put on safety goggles or a face shield and a dust mask.

5. Align the saw blade with the cutting guideline. Turn on the saw and cut through the line.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the wet saw's blade rotate through the water for 10 to 15 seconds before you push the Silestone through, so the blade is wet.

• Perform dry cuts outdoors because Silestone tiles generate a lot of dust while cutting.

• Tie long hair back; remove loose-fitting clothing and jewelry when using a power saw.

References

• "Ultimate Guide To Ceramic and Stone Tile"; Creative Homeowner Editors; 2006
• "The Book of Skills and Tools"; Family Handyman Magazine Editors; 1993