How to Differentiate Between Tile Cuts

There are many types of tile cuts used for special areas in your tile installation. Some cuts may be circular, diamond shaped or cut on an angle. For a more intricate the design, you'll probably need to use a tile saw. You can rent a tile saw for a day or a week if you don't own one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cut tile in a straight line using either a hand-powered tile cutter or a tile saw. If your tile job has no circular or intricate cuts, use a hand powered tile cutter for the whole job. The tile is marked for the cut, placed in the tile cutter and a blade is drawn across the tile to cut it. The tile is then pushed down to break the cut in this type of tile cutting.

2. Use the tile saw to make a circular cut. A tile saw is cooled by water and keeping enough water running is important to keep the cut clean. Mark the tile with a marker that won't fade when water is sprayed on the cut. This type of cut requires that the edges be cut off first, so they don't break off in big pieces and ruin the tile.

3. Mark the tile darkly when using a tile saw to make an angle cut or a diamond pattern. When cutting a tile on an angle, make sure you hold the end of the tile so the tile doesn't crack when cutting. A diamond pattern is cut on angles and the technique is the same; make sure the marks are dark enough so you cut accurately and cut in a straight line. The diamond type of cut is made by holding the edges of the tile tightly, so the tile doesn't wobble and crack as it goes through the tile saw.