How to Drill Through Ceramic Wall Tile

Many appliances and amenities for homes must be mounted on a vertical surface, ranging from towel racks to toilet paper dispensers to mirrors, lights and beyond. In some cases it is necessary to mount something on a wall that has a ceramic tile or natural stone surface. This requires drilling through the tile, but it is vitally important to drill without cracking the surrounding pieces and ruining the overall installation.

Things You'll Need

• Hand-held drill
• Carbide or diamond drill bit
• Masking tape
• Marker
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure where you'll drill, using the tape measure. Try to keep the holes aligned with grout joints, as it is far easier to drill through a grout joint than through the actual face of a piece of tile. In addition, there is less likelihood of chipping or fracturing occurring if the hole can be drilled on a grout joint, where the drill bit creates less tension and friction.

2. Mark the areas you'll be cutting through the tile, using a marker.

3. Place the end of a hand-held drill with a carbide or diamond bit onto the mark and apply steady pressure while you pull the trigger. The hardest part is "breaking through" the surface of the tile, but once you get through the surface the drill bit will slide in much faster and easier. Start with a slow speed until you have broken through the surface, then increase your speed to finish the hole.

4. Cover the area where a hole needs to be drilled on ceramic tile surfaces with masking tape. If you are drilling on a grout joint, it will slide in almost immediately, but if you are drilling on the base of the tile itself you may find the drill bit trying to “skip” because to the slick nature of ceramic and porcelain tiles. In this case, take extra care to avoid scratching the face of surrounding tiles, and masking tape can prevent the drill bit from skipping around on the tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a hammer-drill, as the force of the vibration can cause the surrounding tiles to crack out. A regular electric or battery-powered hand-held drill will suffice, so long as the proper drill bits are used. In addition, carbide or diamond core drill bits can be used for holes larger than 1/4 inch.

• Natural stone is soft and can be drilled through without regard to the grout joints, nor does it require masking tape.

• Wear protective eye and ear protection when working with power tools.

Resources

• National Tile Contractor's Association