How to Cut Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile Floor
You have decided that you are going to redo your bathroom and put in new ceramic or porcelain tile floor. The tiling looks easy, the grouting is not hard, but how do you cut the tiles that are needed for those small areas or curved surfaces? Here is how to cut tile for a ceramic or porcelain floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Tile cutter
- Utility knife
- Matchsticks
- Straightedge
- Clippers
- Pincers
- Tile saw
- Vise
- Tile file
- Gloves
- Goggles
Instructions
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Make a plan of the floor on graph paper to work out where you will be placing the tiles. When deciding on the placement of your tiles, you will probably find some areas where the tile will have to be cut in order to fit properly. The floor plan will assist you in knowing which tiles and the quantity of tiles that will need to be cut to fit your pattern.
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Figure out which tiles will need to be cut and mark them for cutting.
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3
Pick up one of the tiles that need to be cut. With the sharp utility knife score along the surface with a tile cutter.
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Hold the tile in the pincers and squeeze the handle to break the tile into 2 halves. If you do not have pincers, score the surface of the tile. Then place the tile face up on top of 2 wooden matchsticks lined up under the scored line. Press your fingers lightly on the edges of the tile on either side of the line and the tile should break along the line.
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If the tile needs to be cut at an angle, score the surface and then chip away at the excess tile with the pincers until you have reached your desired angle.
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File the rough edges with a tile file. Always work away from the glaze so you do not damage it.
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For cutting curves in a tile, make a template of the curve on a piece of cardboard. Trace the outline onto the upper surface of the tile. Place the tile in a vise and tighten the vise to hold the tile into place. Use a tile saw to cut the shape. Use the tile file to smooth any rough edges.
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Tips & Warnings
When purchasing your tile, make sure that you buy extra pieces to use if you make a mistake or break a piece.
Use safety equipment when cutting tiles, gloves and goggles should be used when using a saw.
