How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Tile cutter

This mechanism has proven itself perfectly when processing tiles. Similar results can be achieved in the case of porcelain stoneware, having previously familiarized yourself with the design of the installation. It consists of a base (platform) and several guides along which the carriage moves, and with it the cutting mechanism located below. There is a handle on top that allows you to cut the material mechanically. Thanks to a fairly accurate final cut without chips, this type of tile cutter is the main tool of many construction specialists.

Better than a manual tile cutter, only an electrical modification can cut off, we will talk about it later. Everyone can use the manual option, because by and large, you need to correctly perform 4 steps:

  • Mark the future cut line on the tile.
  • Place the material on the platform so that the mark aligns with the cutter wheel.
  • Next, holding the plate with your hand, take the handle and, applying a slight effort, move the carriage from one side of the guides to the other, thus making a cut.
  • To break, you need to apply force to the handle.

Experts do not recommend using a manual tile cutter for processing mosaic tiles and in cases where the material thickness exceeds 15 mm. However, even in the permissible range, you can make a mistake with the selection of the desired installation, because the dimensions of the tile cutter can be different. So, ceiling and wall tiles are cut with a tile cutter up to 40 cm long, floor tiles. with larger models.

Angle Grinder

This type of tool is one of the most affordable options for adjusting tiles to the required dimensions. With the help of an angle grinder, you can cut ceiling, wall, floor and even mosaic tiles, both tiled and porcelain stoneware. In addition, it is indispensable in a situation where it is necessary to make a figured cut.

The best cutting result is shown by thin diamond-coated discs, they are also dry cutters. If the beauty of the cut doesn’t matter, a regular disc will do. There is no point in explaining how to cut a tile with an angle grinder correctly, since there is no particular difference from metal or concrete processing in this process.

In operation, this is a rather traumatic tool, the dust from which will also make it difficult to work without a respirator, glasses and other protective attributes.

Curly cutting

You can figuratively cut off porcelain stoneware tiles at home with just a few tools, a jigsaw is one of them. Using diamond wire as a cutting element, it can cope with a wide variety of sections, including complex cutting around. They can effectively process wall, ceiling and even dense floor tiles, but it is better to refuse to process the mosaic, otherwise you can damage your own limbs. To properly cut a figure in this way, you need to abundantly moisten the material as it dries and promptly clean the surface of debris.

Cutting tools

Choosing a tool in order to cut even the most common mosaic tiles, you will have to “break your head”. Judge for yourself, every second knows how to cut ceramic tiles, and only a few will answer the same question regarding more durable materials. In addition, it is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve success without certain skills, so it is better to practice well.

Absolutely all tools that can cut porcelain tiles are divided into two types:

  • Mechanical. installations that allow you to make a manual cut.
  • Electric. automatic devices.

It is possible to carefully perform the procedure with both options, but, as already mentioned, a certain skill will be required. Let’s consider each tool separately. As for the cut of small mosaic tiles, special nippers will come in handy.

Electric tile or wet cutter

This device is capable of adjusting the size of the heavy-duty structure tiles. By design, it is a conventional machine with an electric drive. In other words, if you need to exert effort to work with the manual option, everything is automated in an electrically driven machine.

An electric cutter at home is rarely used due to too high prices. It is not strange, because nothing better than this mechanism has yet been created. The installation is capable of processing huge volumes of material for finishing walls and floors for any size with excellent final quality (complete absence of chips, roughness and cracks), which allows it to be actively used for commercial purposes.

If the goals set do not imply enrichment, but only require the completion of the repair, then you need to follow a few simple steps yourself:

  • Fill the tray with water.
  • Install the tiles in the seat.
  • Smoothly skip the tiles under the disc.

With intensive use of the equipment, it is necessary to periodically change the water in the sump, as well as clean off plaque from the disc. These actions will help you get the most out of your wet cutter.

Glass cutter

It is not necessary to spend money on a special tool, a regular glass cutter will do. But in large-scale repairs, it is unlikely to help, a small amount of material is another matter. Of course, the cutting roller must have a diamond element, otherwise the efficiency of the glass cutter will be questionable.

Answering the question of how to cut a tile with a glass cutter, we can safely say. the same as glass! However, there are some nuances:

  • Before starting the procedure, the plate is immersed in water for 30 minutes to soften the structure;
  • Then it is necessary to make a markup based on the dimensions of the working surface;
  • Then it is laid on a smooth and flat surface and the cut is made along the marks with one strong movement;
  • As a result, you need to put a wooden block under the formed fishing line and press on both sides of the material.

If you are going to use a glass cutter to cut tiles or porcelain stoneware tiles, buy more material, you cannot do without cracks and chips!

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Before starting to decorate the walls, floor or ceiling with porcelain stoneware tiles, each owner should be well prepared, both theoretically and practically. A person who has come across how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home will confirm that the main pitfall of the process is cutting the material to specific sizes, especially in the case of a stronger floor. Of course, it is likely that in some cases the dimensions of the full row will correspond to the length of the wall, but even with such layouts, one should not forget about the corners, heating mains and other built-in elements. Here, you will definitely have to think about how to cut a tile with a tile cutter into a smaller surface area without splitting it at the same time.

In the arsenal of any owner, you can find a wide variety of tools that will allow you to process floor, ceiling and wall tiles, which means that success is guaranteed. But in order to achieve it, the availability of equipment alone is not enough, you need to know how to use a tile cutter or any other unit at home.

Tile decor

Intricate patterns on a porcelain stoneware surface are cut out with an electric jigsaw. The tool is equipped with a diamond wire that is able to cut even such a strong facing material.

First, patterns are drawn on the outside of the tile. Use a pencil or chalk that is easy to clean. The workpiece is fixed on the table. The surface is moistened with water, at least 8 mm away from the edge. The nozzle moves slowly and gradually. After each small curl, the tool is turned off and the crumb is brushed off the porcelain stoneware in order to see the pattern more clearly. The material is periodically sprayed with water from a spray bottle. Moisture will ease the sliding of the diamond wire and protect the tile from scratches and large chips.

You can decorate porcelain stoneware with complex patterns using an ordinary drill. For thick workpieces, take drills with a diameter of 8 and 12 mm. Holes are made in thin tiles, the size of which does not exceed 4 and 6 mm, in order to prevent the appearance of chips.

With pencils, conceived patterns are drawn on the front surface. Carefully guide the contour and mark with dots where the holes should be. It is recommended to maintain a distance of 5 to 10 mm, a little less is possible. Be sure to retreat from the edges at least 0.8 cm.

The first step is shallow drilling. The drill is equipped with a nozzle with a diameter of 8 or 4 mm, depending on the thickness of the material. Then a larger drill is used, which is inserted into the finished grooves. Slowly press down on the drill, trying to get the tool into the tile to the very bottom.

The pieces of porcelain stoneware are separated from the tiles using dowels. Insert nails into the drilled hole and lightly hit them with a hammer until a crack appears on the surface to be treated. Sometimes the remnants of pressed clay are removed with a chisel, and then the edges of the pattern are sanded with coarse sandpaper.

A jigsaw and a drill will handle a small amount of porcelain stoneware. Only specialists who have waterjet machines are capable of covering 100 or more tiles with drawings. The facing material is treated with a stream of water containing particles of sand or other solid material. It cuts the porcelain stoneware like a sheet of paper, leaving no chips or scratches. The edges of the patterns after professional processing do not need to be sanded. They are even and smooth.

Electric tile or wet cutter

This device is capable of adjusting the size of the heavy-duty structure tiles. By design, it is a conventional machine with an electric drive. In other words, if you need to exert effort to work with the manual option, everything is automated in an electrically driven machine.

An electric cutter at home is rarely used due to too high prices. It is not strange, because nothing better than this mechanism has yet been created. The installation is capable of processing huge volumes of material for finishing walls and floors for any size with excellent final quality (complete absence of chips, roughness and cracks), which allows it to be actively used for commercial purposes.

If the goals set do not imply enrichment, but only require the completion of the repair, then you need to follow a few simple steps yourself:

  • Fill the tray with water.
  • Install the tiles in the seat.
  • Smoothly skip the tiles under the disc.

How to Cut Tile for Beginners

With intensive use of the equipment, it is necessary to periodically change the water in the sump, as well as clean off plaque from the disc. These actions will help you get the most out of your wet cutter.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Porcelain stoneware is a durable and at the same time fragile material. It is resistant to temperature extremes and, unlike tiles, has high wear resistance. The material has refractory properties and low water absorption. Porcelain stoneware consists of compressed clay mixed with hard minerals, so it does not crumble and practically does not scratch. Cutting such a tile is more difficult than a tile, but possible. The main thing is to choose the right way.

Waterjet cutting of porcelain stoneware

It is impossible to carry out the procedure for cutting material in this way at home, since cutting ceramic tiles or the same porcelain stoneware is carried out using expensive professional equipment for special purposes. In other words, it is obvious that it is unprofitable to purchase such an installation for single purposes, therefore, the purpose of a waterjet machine is exclusively commercial. That is, it is the main tool of businessmen specializing in the processing of building materials.

By contacting such an organization, for a certain amount of money, the consumer will receive porcelain stoneware tiles of any required dimensions with a perfectly even cut as soon as possible. No matter what type of material needs to be cut, the unit will work equally effectively on ceiling, wall and even floor tiles.

The high quality of the final result is achieved due to the design features of the water jet machine.

So, the cut is directly performed by water and abrasive particles, which, under high pressure in a mixed state, are fed to the tile surface through a thin (0.2. 0.4 mm) hole, thus cutting through the tile structure. With such a water-jet jet, you can process any building materials, the thickness of which does not exceed 200 mm.

Porcelain stoneware floor mosaic

Summing up all of the above, we can say with all confidence that giving the desired shape to porcelain stoneware is within the power of any responsible owner. Wall, floor, ceiling tiles and even small mosaics can be easily processed with the described tools!

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How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Before starting to decorate the walls, floor or ceiling with porcelain stoneware tiles, each owner should be well prepared, both theoretically and practically. A person who has come across how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home will confirm that the main pitfall of the process is cutting the material to specific sizes, especially in the case of a stronger floor. Of course, it is likely that in some cases the dimensions of the full row will correspond to the length of the wall, but even with such layouts, one should not forget about the corners, heating mains and other built-in elements. Here, you will definitely have to think about how to cut a tile with a tile cutter into a smaller surface area without splitting it at the same time.

In the arsenal of any owner, you can find a wide variety of tools that will allow you to process floor, ceiling and wall tiles, which means that success is guaranteed. But in order to achieve it, the availability of equipment alone is not enough, you need to know how to use a tile cutter or any other unit at home.

The tool is chosen taking into account the tasks and volumes

Among the tools that can cope with cutting porcelain tiles at home are the following:

  • grinder (angle grinder);
  • manual tile cutter;
  • electric tile cutter (wet cutter).

The choice of tool depends on the amount of work to be done, the thickness of the tile or stone, the required quality, the type of cut (straight or curved) and the material capabilities of the builder. Each of the tools has a number of advantages and disadvantages, knowing which, the master can decide whether to use them.

One of the most common tools used when cutting stone is a grinder. With the correct cutting technology and a high-quality diamond blade, a good result can be achieved. Carefully study the instructions on how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home angle grinder.

Cutting porcelain stoneware angle grinder

One of the main ingredients for the success of cutting porcelain stoneware with a chip-free angle grinder is the quality of the disc. Since this type of tile is considered a very durable material, which, in terms of hardness, even exceeds natural granite, it is necessary to use diamond discs to cut it.

Recommendations for the selection of a diamond blade:

  • choose a disc specifically for the material you are going to cut (hard granite, hard ceramics, porcelain stoneware can be written on the disc);
  • the disc must be with a solid cutting edge;
  • the thinner the disc, the less chance of chips appearing when cutting;
  • the higher the height of the diamond segment, the longer the disc will be in operation;
  • to buy, you need to know the parameters of an angle grinder, namely: what size (outer diameter) of the disc is suitable for the machine, the diameter of the bore, non-compliance with these parameters is unacceptable;
  • it is necessary to pay attention to the recommended revolutions during operation, compare these data with the ability of the grinder.

Example of a disc for porcelain stoneware with a solid cutting edge

Due to the appearance on the market of new varieties of porcelain stoneware tiles, it becomes more difficult for manufacturers to develop a disc that will suit all types equally well, so it often happens that in order to achieve an optimal result, the master has to try several options.

When working with a grinder, safety precautions should be followed, therefore, first of all, you need to purchase protective equipment:

  • protective glasses;
  • respirator. during work, a lot of dust is generated, which, when inhaled, settles in the lungs;
  • overalls, headwear;
  • headphones, earplugs.

Protection should not be neglected, even if you need to split one tile into pieces.

Many people ask the question, is it possible to cut porcelain stoneware with an angle grinder without chips? Unfortunately, there will always be chips, but their number and size can really be minimized by following some recommendations.

Front side cutting of porcelain stoneware

Technology and rules for cutting porcelain stoneware:

  • Lay the tiles on a flat surface, under it (to prevent damage to the surface) put foam, foam or other material;
  • Pre-apply the line on which the cut will be made.
  • To reduce the likelihood of chips at the cutting site, it is recommended to stick masking tape and draw the line over it.
  • To reduce dust in the workplace, it makes sense to use a vacuum cleaner that will immediately suck it in.
  • The cutting of porcelain stoneware is carried out from the front side, since at the exit the disc gives the greatest number of chips.
  • For accurate cutting of thick porcelain stoneware, you can use a metal corner, which is fixed along the cutting line of the cut with clamps, an angle grinder is cut along it.
  • The cut should not be made clearly along the previously applied mowing line, but slightly to the right so that the line remains visible, possible irregularities are then sanded to the marked mowing line, thereby, obtaining the desired tile size.
  • The grinder should be moved away from you.
  • If there is no need for a perfectly even cut, or it is a thin tile, you can not cut it to the end, but make a cut, then break the cut along the mowing line.
  • To reduce chipping, it is important to cut the cut in one pass.
  • Chipped ends can be sanded after cutting.

Stone cutting angle grinder at home

When cutting porcelain stoneware with an angle grinder at home, small chips may form on the cut. By sanding, you can achieve an almost factory cut effect. Diamond flexible grinding wheels, called “turtles”, are ideal for this task. The turtles differ in the size of the particles of the applied diamond powder.

For polishing, as a rule, it is enough to take a disc with a grain size of 0-100, but since the quality of porcelain stoneware tiles is different, you can try turtles with different grain sizes.

To use the turtle, you need an angle grinder with speed control, the average recommended speed is up to 3000 rpm, at a higher speed the disc can fly off the tool.

It also makes sense to try using sandpaper for grinding small chips, and a diamond sponge for final polishing. You can also use a bug for final sawing the tiles at a 45 degree angle.

Diamond grinding wheels “turtles”

Among the advantages of using an angle grinder for cutting porcelain stoneware, the following can be distinguished:

  • availability: almost every home has an angle grinder, and if laying and cutting porcelain stoneware is not a professional activity, there is no need to purchase an additional tool;
  • the ability to perform both straight and curved lines, cuts at an angle of 45 degrees;
  • the ability to work with already glued porcelain stoneware.
  • a lot of dust;
  • noise, which may become the reason for the impossibility of using in apartment buildings;
  • injury risk.

Among the popular tools for quickly cutting porcelain stoneware with your own hands, you can single out a manual tile cutter. The quality of both the tile and the tool varies, but following the recommendations, you can choose a tool that will cope with the job.

The principle of operation of all mechanical tile cutters is practically the same, but you should pay attention to the elements that affect the quality:

  • thickness of the cutting element: the thicker the tile, the more powerful and thicker the diameter of the cutting roller should be;
  • bed: the thickness of the metal of the bed must be such that the base is rigid and during operation does not bend and vibration does not occur when the tiles are split;
  • guides and their supports must be strong;
  • handle. the stronger, the more powerful the lever;
  • the carriage should not play, if there is a play in the carriage, the cut may not turn out smooth, an arc will appear;
  • the smooth running of the carriage is ensured by special bearings that are not present in every model, but for cutting hard stone, their presence is desirable.

The length of the tool does not affect the quality of work; each master considers this parameter depending on personal needs. You should not buy a short tile cutter, thereby limiting yourself in possibilities, it is always better to have a universal tool that will allow you to cut material of different sizes, not forgetting the frequent need to cut diagonally. It is also worth considering that on long tile cutters the likelihood of an arc is greater.

Many models have additional features that do not affect the cut quality, but are very functional in operation:

  • side limiter, which allows you to make a series of lines in a straight line and diagonally without marking on each tile, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the process;
  • left-handed approach.

How to choose and use a manual tile cutter

The cutting technology with a manual tile cutter is the same for any material:

  • Place the tool on a flat surface;
  • Make markup on tiles.
  • Lay the tiles on the bed so that the roller blade aligns with the marked line.
  • Make an incision with a simple movement of the carriage “away from you” with light pressure.
  • Lower the handle and break the tile along the resulting cut.
  • If the cut comes out with small chips, grind it with emery paper or a diamond sponge.

There is nothing complicated in the technology with a manual tile cutter, but if you have little experience, then do some training before finishing work.

Watch a video on how easy a hand-held tile cutting tool can do with porcelain stoneware.

How to cut a ceramic stone

Among the advantages are the following:

simplicity and safety in handling;

  • compared to an angle grinder. no noise and dust;
  • no electricity is needed to work;
  • high speed of work execution;
  • the possibility of replacing the roller (cutter);
  • a good tile cutter gives a clear cut.
  • if the surface of the porcelain stoneware is ribbed or the cut falls on the edge for the glue, then a chip may result when breaking;
  • the inability to cut off a strip of less than 0.6 cm from the edge;
  • cutting porcelain stoneware with a manual tile cutter is often possible only in a straight line; for curved lines or chamfering, you have to use an additional tool;
  • price. a quality tool that is suitable for cutting stone will not be cheap.

In addition to the angle grinder and manual tile cutter, electric tile cutters can be used to cut porcelain floor tiles. As in the case of an angle grinder, the cutting element of this tool is a diamond disc, the quality of which determines the smoothness and evenness of the cut. When working the angle grinder on dry, the electric cutter uses water, which is supplied to the disc during operation and cools it.

  • no dust, practically no noise;
  • lack of the human factor of a “trembling hand”;
  • the possibility of curly lines;
  • the ability to cut from the edge of the tile less than 0.6 cm.
  • a good electric tool costs several times more than even the most expensive hand tool;
  • if the work is carried out outdoors in the cold season, then from the ingress of water on the hands, they freeze strongly;
  • the constant need to replace the water in the tank;
  • some machines have a strong spray of water during operation.
Electric tile cutter for cutting small porcelain stoneware at home

For porcelain stoneware, it is better to use wet cutters with an upper disc feed, but among electric cutters there are also budget options with a lower feed, which many use at home when cutting porcelain stoneware.

In this case, lay the tiles with their front surface on the countertop.

To cut a stone with a small wet cutter, it will take much more time compared to using a manual device, but, despite this, performers with little experience prefer a wet cutter, since it turns out to be done with this tool, although it is more difficult, but better.

It happens that it is necessary to cut out elements of such a shape from a stone that all of the above tools cannot cope with. In this case, in the city you can look for the possibility of waterjet cutting. cutting stone with a jet of water with abrasive impurities under pressure.

Using this technology, porcelain stoneware can be cut not only along a straight mowing line, but also cut any artistic elements for decoration. This technology provides a high quality edge, which usually does not require further processing.

Waterjet technology

The quality of artificial granite is different, without seeing the material, it is hard for even the most professional master to say what is better to cut porcelain stoneware floor tiles without chipping. If it becomes necessary to cut porcelain stoneware, but it is impossible to do this at home, contact the organization that carries out waterjet cutting.

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How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

How and how to cut porcelain stoneware floor tiles. choosing and working with tools

In connection with the high strength characteristics of artificial finishing ceramic stone during laying, a number of questions often arise: how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles for floors and walls, is it possible to cut it at home, how to avoid chips? Depending on the quality of the tile and its parameters, recommendations for work differ, but a number of tools and technologies for working with them can be distinguished to achieve an optimal result when cutting porcelain stoneware.

Glass cutter

It is possible to cut porcelain stoneware tiles with it, but it is effective only with a small amount of work. When carrying out a cut, it is necessary to resort to using exclusively a diamond glass cutter, since devices of other varieties are far from always able to cope with this task properly.

Tile cutters

The most common type of fixtures used when cutting tiles, including porcelain stoneware. The reason for their high popularity is their ease of use and the minimum amount of dust generated. There is no special tool designed exclusively for cutting porcelain stoneware tiles. Electric and quality manual tile cutters are the right option for him.

The first models are more preferable, since they cope with this task much easier. The latter, which are too cheap, with an extremely low probability will be able to properly cut the material and will damage it much more, which should be taken into account in advance.

If, nevertheless, preference is given to a tile cutter, then the main criterion of the tool used is the presence of a reliable bed with a powerful stiffener. Otherwise, when the porcelain stoneware breaks, its sagging will occur and the products will be cut not along the intended mowing line.

When using a tile cutter, pay attention to the following points:

  • Diameter of the cutting roller The greater the thickness of the tiles, the more impressive dimensions the cutting element should have.
  • No backlash at the carriage. Basically, this is directly affected by the thickness of the guides. During operation, sooner or later, a similar defect begins to be observed in any mechanical type tile cutter, which is why it is highly desirable to avoid using untested and too old tools.
  • Smooth movement of the carriage. It is provided by special bearings. Carriages with their absence are also capable of smooth running, but often they do not differ in stability and long service life.

In addition, the tool used must have a sturdy handle and sturdy guides. From the length of the tile cutter, the quality of work does not become higher or lower, therefore, in the event of a purchase, you should choose a model in accordance with your own needs. However, purchasing a device that is too short is best avoided as its options will be more limited.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles with an electric tile cutter

Its structure is very similar to the circular saw used for processing and sawing wood. To cut porcelain stoneware tiles with this tool, you only need to set the size of the extra strip, and then you can start working. It is optimal to use it in cases where a high-quality cut of a huge amount of material is to be performed. An electric tile cutter must have a diamond disc as a cutting element, the rotation of which is provided by an electric motor.

There are several types of such a tool. In the first case, the models have a movable cutting element, which cuts the porcelain stoneware tiles fixed on the table. Other devices have a disc fixed in a certain position, and in the process of cutting it is necessary to independently move the facing material onto it.

When using them, it is possible to achieve an almost perfect cut without any difficulties. The process of cutting porcelain stoneware tiles itself is not much different from what happens when using a manual tile cutter. You should also mark the line for the cut and then lay the veneer material on the tool table so that it matches the cutting blade.

If necessary, the product must be fixed, after which you can turn on the engine of the equipment by moving its cutting element or porcelain stoneware tile along the drawn strip. In the process of performing work, it is necessary to remember and adhere to the safety rules and constantly replace the water used to cool the tool disc and trap the resulting dust.

Where to cut porcelain stoneware tiles

One of the main problems that arises in the process of work is fine dust generated when using an electric tool when cutting a material. At home, it is most comfortable to cut where the laying is carried out, but if possible, it is better to do this on the street, especially when living in a private house. Living in an apartment, as a last resort, the process can be performed at the entrance to the staircase. If the last option is preferred, then it is advisable to first coordinate this with a number of neighbors living.

If you plan to cut porcelain stoneware tiles using a tile cutter, then you can cut it in any place convenient for you. The reason is that when using this tool, significantly less dust and chips are generated, but it must be borne in mind that the speed of work with it also becomes significantly lower.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home with a manual tile cutter

When using this tool, the sequence of actions should be as follows:

  • Initially, using a pencil or marker, you need to draw a line on the surface of the porcelain stoneware.
  • Then the product must be laid flat on the tile cutter in accordance with the intended strip so that the cutting element is located at one of its edges.
  • Then you can start cutting, holding the material and gently moving the line with the roller in the direction away from you with a light and equal effort applied along its entire length.
  • At the end, it is necessary to install the foot on the tile and, when pressing, achieve its break along the done mowing line. The action must be performed with a slight force, but with a sharp movement.

If necessary, after dividing the material into two parts, the required piece or each of them should be sanded.

The disadvantage is that there is not always a tool with the optimal cutting length, because, for example, to cut porcelain stoneware tiles with dimensions of 60×60 cm, you need a tile cutter whose length reaches 90 cm.

In addition, with their help, it is not possible to cut a strip with a width of less than 6 mm, as well as to carry out high-quality cutting of material with increased thickness or significant relief, when the roller of the device will not be able to reach the surface of the product in all recesses.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home angle grinder

The cutting process with its help is required to be performed according to the following principle:

  • Marking. It is necessary to draw from the front side of the porcelain tile using a square and a simple pencil or construction marker. To reduce the number of chips on the sides of the intended mowing line, you can additionally glue masking tape.
  • Next, you need to lay the material on a flat and stable surface. A great option for this purpose is to use a thick piece of foam or something similar. In some situations, it is more convenient to fix porcelain stoneware tiles to the surface with clamps or to fix it in a workbench.
  • After placing the product in the optimal way for yourself, you can start cutting from among the indicated options. At first, with a rotating diamond disc installed in an angle grinder with light pressure, you need to go once along the marked strip from the beginning to its end.
  • After completing the first surface cut, use a circle to cut the full thickness of the tile at both ends of the line. The length of such cuts should be about 1-2 cm. They are necessary in order to avoid the tiles bursting in the corners.
  • Next, you can proceed to the final cut of porcelain stoneware according to the previously made cut with a rotating diamond disc, passing along it until the process is completed and the material becomes divided into two parts in accordance with the previously made markings.

If necessary, it is necessary to polish the cut edge of the tile also by means of an angle grinder with a flexible diamond grinding wheel, called a shell. When carrying out the procedure, the tool should work at low speeds. In addition, the cutting site can be polished with emery paper or a diamond-coated sponge.

Angle Grinder

This tool is versatile, since it is used to carry out many different tasks and processing a huge amount of materials, one of which is porcelain stoneware. Almost any angle grinder can cope with its cutting, because it does not have to have high power.

Its turnover has a more significant impact. With a powerful tool, the cut is an order of magnitude faster, but high speed can adversely affect the final result, since in this case the cut location is not always perfectly accurate. Compact angle grinder with low weight to perform work is much more convenient and easier than heavy with huge dimensions.

One of the main advantages of the tool is the ability to make not only straight, but also figured cutting of the material. The second advantage of using an angle grinder is its ability to process porcelain stoneware tiles of any thickness and texture, but this task requires a special disc. Thirdly, it allows the processing of products intended for installation on ceilings, walls, floors, as well as mosaics. In addition, you can cut the tile with an angle grinder at an angle of 45 °, make holes in the material and exclude the presence of chips from the front side.

There are also disadvantages of carrying out work through it. When cutting porcelain stoneware, an angle grinder generates a significant amount of dust and there is a possibility of deviation from the intended cutting line. In some cases, after the cut, the cut site needs additional processing. In addition, work must be performed with extreme caution in compliance with safety regulations, since the process is quite dangerous and can lead to serious injuries.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home: choosing a tool

Before cutting the material, you need to prepare or, if necessary, purchase or rent a device suitable for this task. Each tool that allows you to cope with this task has its own characteristics and in the course of work with it it is required to observe certain nuances, which must also be familiarized with in advance in order to exclude possible shortcomings that can lead to damage to the tiles.

Complex shaped cutting of porcelain stoneware

Very often it is necessary to cut curly sections in porcelain stoneware tiles. For example, for curved steps, holes in tiles for columns or pipes. How to do it?

What way to choose to cut the porcelain stoneware tiles figuratively:

  • Hole saw;
  • Ballerina;
  • Angle Grinder.

What is the advice of a specialist in these cases? Hole saw. perfectly copes with the task when it is necessary to make round holes in porcelain stoneware. But alas, it works slowly but neatly. The ballerina also copes with the task of sawing round holes in the tiles, but she does it very carelessly, the edges remain uneven and often have to be refined by hand, and trimming is inevitable. an angle grinder is the best option for curved cuts.

When cutting tiles, the cutter should go a little further than the mowing line of the cut by 2-3 mm towards the chips.

Thus, it is possible to correct the unevenness of the cut with a grinder. It is necessary to work with a grinder “from oneself”. All tile ends must be sanded with a grinder or sandpaper. Next comes the final processing of the tile cuts. it is necessary to finish with a grinder, using flexible grinding wheels with a grain size of 0-100.

Cutting porcelain stoneware: 8 kinds of material

The better to cut porcelain stoneware

Sizes of ceramic granite tiles (cm):

  • 30×30;
  • 45×45;
  • 60×60
  • 120×360.

The last size of the porcelain stoneware tile belongs to the so-called thin porcelain stoneware, which is most often used in the renovation of residential premises. It is especially beautiful when decorating the walls and plinths of the facades of private houses. There is another way to cut porcelain stoneware tiles, but with small amounts of work, it is working with a glass cutter.

How to properly cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home

Porcelain stoneware is an excellent finishing material that combines the best qualities of ceramics and natural stone. The material is stronger than granite, wear-resistant and resistant to aggressive environments. The tiles are produced by the industry, various.

porcelain, stoneware, tiles, home

Types of porcelain stoneware:

  • Technical porcelain stoneware;
  • Glazed;
  • Matte;
  • Polished;
  • Structured or patterned porcelain stoneware;
  • Lapped;
  • Aged;
  • Slim. Slim.

You can cut any shapes and configurations from porcelain stoneware tiles at home. Porcelain stoneware tiles are often used in the design of the floor, steps of stairs, porches, walls and plinths of the house. Although the material is very hard, it often leaves unclean chips in place of the cut. Types of cutting porcelain stoneware tiles at home. using an angle grinder with a diamond disc (diamond), tile cutter, glass cutter, jigsaw, waterjet cutting (only industrial cutting on professional equipment).

An angle grinder with a diamond wheel is often the only option for cutting porcelain tiles. But when working with this famous tool, there are some nuances. The fact is that when tiles are cut, this work is associated with the release of a huge amount of harmful dust, an unpleasant burning smell and wild noise. Therefore, when working with an angle grinder, you must protect your eyes with protective goggles, and also wear a respirator.

When cutting tiles, you need to know that the diamond wheel must be kept straight without moving and clearly follow the mowing line, which is held on the back of the tile.

It is necessary to work with the disc carefully, drive the disc along the mowing line, retreating behind the cut line 2-3 mm from the mowing line towards the chips. It is also necessary to press the tool firmly and guide it along the mowing line calmly, with great pressure. If you make a cut in this way, then the cut will be neat, without chips. There is also one more piece of advice when working with porcelain stoneware. The ceramic granite tile must be rigidly fixed, clamped with clamps and screwed to a fixed surface, for example, to a table. The fact is that this must be done according to safety precautions. after all, when cutting, you must press hard on the tool.

How and how to cut porcelain stoneware floor tiles

It is best to cut your porcelain stoneware floor tiles using an angle grinder with a diamond wheel. But at the same time it is necessary to use personal protective equipment against dust and noise.

Personal protective equipment when working with an angle grinder:

  • Protective gloves;
  • Glasses;
  • Headphones;
  • Respirator.

Experts give a few tips for beginners when working with an angle grinder, if you need to cut porcelain stoneware floor tiles, because these tiles are thick. Place foam plastic under the tiles on a firm, flat surface. To reduce the number of chips, in the place of the cut on the tile on the front side, it is necessary to stick masking tape and apply the cut thread with a pencil on top of the tape.

Tiles need to be cut only on the front side.

With a large tile thickness, to control the accuracy of the cut, it is necessary to use a metal building angle, it is attached with clamps to the tile, on the front side, and thus it is possible to correctly cut the tile.

Simple cutting of porcelain stoneware with a tile cutter

It is necessary to find out what kind of tile cutters are. The types of tile cutters are manual and electric (this is a stationary machine). Basically, the principle of operation of an electric and manual tile cutter is almost the same. But they differ in price.

An electric tile cutter has more convenience and quality in cutting tiles, compared to a manual tile cutter, but an electric tile cutter has a rather high price, no one leases it, and it has a high energy consumption. But the quality is of course excellent. During work, there is practically no dust from the tile, since when cutting, water is supplied to the wheel and cools it.

Granite processing at home

It is clear that cutting porcelain stoneware tiles is quite difficult. And more often than not, beginners should seek professional advice. They have special tools and experience.

Mechanical tile cutter

This tool is effective in cases where you just need to cut the product to size without any artistic delights. If you need to get different cuts and corners, then this option will not work.

But at the same time, a mechanical tile cutter allows you to get fairly accurate dimensions. Another plus is the ease of use. But when dealing with porcelain stoneware, some factors must be taken into account. The material has a different structure than ceramics. There is a high risk of chipping during the breaking process. There are some rules for how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home with this tool.

The diamond wheel should be carried out on the working surface no more than once. In this case, the movement should be as smooth as possible, and the effort. the same along the entire length of the cut. Always hold the tile with your hands. To crack the porcelain stoneware, the lever is pressed gently, but firmly enough. A mechanical tile cutter allows you to cut tiles quickly and accurately. And if you need to correct the chips, you can always do this with a grinding wheel.

Working with an angle grinder

With this tool, you can cut anything you want. And our material is no exception. If we cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home, then a special diamond-coated wheel should be purchased.

The cutting process will be dry. In order not to spoil the cutting line, as well as not to damage the tile surface, the outline of the future cut is preliminarily outlined with chalk, a marker or a pencil. Next, the tile must be fixed to a stable surface. The disc is installed in the direction of travel and a lot of effort is required in the process. Before starting to cut, it is recommended to step back a little from the mowing line of the markings. Move the tool smoothly and slow down at the edges. Among the disadvantages of using an angle grinder for these purposes, there is a high level of risk of chips. And this is marriage. This is true when working with glazed tiles.

Benefits of electric tile cutters

The main advantage is the ease and speed of work. Quite large volumes of tiles can be processed in a short time. Also, there is no need for additional processing of the edges. The cut is as smooth and clean as possible. The disc is equipped with a special turning mechanism. You can fix the position at any angle to the table. This allows you to get cuts at different angles.

An experienced specialist is able to make even curved cutouts of any shape using electric tile cutters. There are special porcelain stoneware floor tiles for sale. What and how to cut it? Answer. only with electric tile cutters. In other ways, you can only spoil expensive material.

Also, the advantages of this equipment and the method of cutting porcelain stoneware include the ability to adjust the feed of the cutting element in different areas. So, at the beginning and at the end, the feed should be done slowly, while in the middle it can be accelerated. With the help of this equipment, effective cutting of porcelain stoneware is performed. Flawless cutting technologies don’t even need to be used here.

Even with a little experience, the cut will turn out perfectly smooth without any chips.

What is it?

Classic porcelain stoneware is a beautiful rectangular tile with or without a pattern.

How and how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home: description, technologies, methods and recommendations

If specialists in architecture in their work were guided only by the standards of manufacturers of building and finishing materials, then cities and houses would be approximately the same. These are standard cubic buildings, somewhat reminiscent of anthills. Fortunately, architects have a good sense of style and keep up with the times. Artistic taste is based on rational calculation. Of course, this gives builders and interior decorators some difficulties. This is work with porcelain stoneware, wood, fitting plastic and metal elements, as well as other work.

Specifically, porcelain stoneware is a fairly modern material and there are questions about working with it. For example, not every master knows how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home. But laying tiles necessarily involves cutting. Below we will consider the most effective methods that are available at home without a special tool.

Waterjet cutting of porcelain stoneware

This technology is used only at production sites. In addition, specialized equipment is involved here. Tiles of simple shapes can be cut as you like. But to get a complex profile, elements of various panels, complex shapes and compositions is possible only in this way. Waterjet technology involves water and a special powder. The mixture is fed into the nozzle of the system under high pressure. Cutting is done with a fine jet. This guarantees the highest accuracy. This method is used for the production of artistic compositions based on porcelain stoneware. The cutting process itself is done quickly enough.

Electric tile cutter

Owners of electric machines can tell you how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home. With this equipment, you can get higher accuracy and speed than with a mechanical counterpart or an angle grinder. The design of the device is simple. The tool consists of two parts. This is a work table and an electric drive. For all its simplicity, there are a huge number of modifications of this equipment. So, porcelain stoneware was chosen as the finish. What makes cutting faster, easier? Of course, with an electric tile cutter.

On sale you can find mechanisms with a fixed type of drive, as well as with a movable cutting tool. The first group of devices requires manual feeding of material under the cutting edge. This will require maximum concentration and some experience. The second group is safer and more accurate cutting of porcelain stoneware. The better to cut at home, everyone decides for himself. But it must be borne in mind that the process is very dusty. In the case of electric tile cutters, it settles in a container of water.

Material characteristics

It combines the characteristics of ceramics and the properties of natural stone. This finishing material is obtained by powder pressing. It is a mixture of sand, clay, kaolin. The resulting powder is pre-fired in ovens. Modern technologies allow to produce tiles of any color. Special coloring oxides are added to the powder. You can also get any texture. Today, glazed, matte, polished, structured and other types are sold.

Among the properties of the material, high strength can be distinguished. It is much stronger than its counterparts. Also, the tile has high wear and frost resistance. Porcelain stoneware is fireproof and has an aesthetic appearance. The tile is durable, environmentally friendly. High strength is due to the almost complete absence of pores in the structure. Also, the material cannot be scratched, it cannot be painted. That is why many are wondering how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home.