How to Cut a Bevel on Tile
A bevel -- also called a miter -- is a fabricated, 45-degree angle tile edge. Its size varies according to the bevel's intended purpose, the thickness of the tile itself and the particular look desired by the do-it-yourselfer or tile installer. For example, a tile installer may slightly bevel corner shower tiles to reduce a particular tile's rough, angular edge. This type of bevel may be just 1/8-inch wide. Or he may be asked to prevent a pedestrian hazard by producing a 1/2-inch bevel on thick, floor tile threshold pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Adjust a wet saw blade to cut the tile edge at a 45-degree angle. Several wet tile saw models on the market today are equipped with an adjustable cutting blade. Consult your owner's manual on blade angle adjustment. Adjust the blade. Mark the desired bevel depth on the first piece of tile with a grease pencil. Place the piece on the tile saw cutting tray, lining up the penciled bevel mark. Begin cutting with a scrap tile piece or two to avoid wasting material while you learn the process.
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Use a 7-inch grinder with a carbide wheel for grinding the bevel. This approach is likely the least DIY-friendly; but after practice, you should be able to get an efficient system down. Start out by attaching a carbide wheel to the grinder. Set the grinder on the lowest speed possible if it has a variable speed. Mark the bevel line on the tile edge with a grease pencil. Position the grinder wheel at the tile edge at a 45-degree angle. Slowly start grinding in a consistent, back-and-forth pattern on the tile edge. Increase the grinder speed as you become more comfortable with the process.
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Cut the bevel with a special wet tile saw blade called a profile blade. Purchase and install a profile blade capable of cutting a 45-degree bevel. Mark the bevel dimension on the first tile piece with a grease pencil. For example, mark 1/8- or 1/4-inch from the tile edge for each respective bevel dimension. Place the first tile on the wet saw cutting tray and line up your mark with the profile blade edge. Turn the saw on, allow the pump time to prime then force water over the blade. Push the cutting tray forward slowly to make the cut.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also subcontract the beveling out to a local tile installation company. Many tile contractors are more than happy to fabricate beveled tile edges for your project; and if you negotiate their rates, it may be a time- and money-saving alternative to the do-it-yourself route. Check with your local home improvement store and ask if they can bevel the pieces for you.
Always wear eye and breathing protection when grinding tile.
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