how to cut floor tile for the perfect fit every time

how to cut tile like a pro

check out these best practices and pro tips that the pros use to achieve optimal results. from safety and tools to measuring, marking and cutting, learn how to take on this foundational type of tile project–and when it's best to call in the experts (hint: pretty much always).

step 1: plan the layout

before a professional even thinks about powering up that tile saw, they plan the tile layout. this is where the pros really shine. they'll tell you to start from the center of the room and work your way out. why? it ensures a balanced look and minimizes those awkward slivers of tile along the edges.

planning the tile layout also involves measuring the room while noting features like doorways and plumbing fixtures; choosing a focal point and reference lines; and dry-laying the tiles while accounting for grout lines, tile spacing, pattern, and placement.

step 2: mark the tile

“measure twice, cut once” is the tile layer's mantra. before cutting, they’ll use a pencil and a straightedge to mark the tile. for those complex, curved cuts around pipes or toilets, they’ll use a contour gauge to capture the shape, then transfer it to the tile.

a pro always accounts for grout lines when marking their cuts. a slight miscalculation here can throw off the entire pattern.

step 3: set up the right tool

a pro will then choose and set up the right tool for the task. whether they’re using a manual tile cutter, a wet saw, or an angle grinder, they’ll pay special attention to safety features and proper usage techniques, especially for power tools.

the cutting area should always be in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors or in a garage with the door open. tile dust can be harmful if inhaled, so this minimizes its presence in enclosed spaces.

step 4: secure the tile

a seasoned expert knows that before making any cuts, it’s essential to secure the tile properly. placing it on a stable, flat surface helps prevent movement during cutting, which can lead to chipping or uneven lines.

whether they’re using a wet saw or a manual tile cutter, keeping the tile steady is key to achieving clean, accurate results. clamps or a non-slip mat can help hold the tile in place without damaging its surface.

step 5: make the cut

for straight cuts, a manual tile cutter may be their go-to tool. this is like a paper cutter, but for tiles — you score the tile along your cut line and apply pressure to snap it cleanly.

when the tile setter needs to make lots of cuts or tackle tougher materials, a wet tile saw is an essential power tool. like a mini table saw with a water-cooled diamond blade, it keeps things cool and dust-free while you slice through tiles. wet saws are great for precise cuts and can handle even the toughest porcelain tiles.

for more complicated cuts, an angle grinder with a diamond blade attachment is perfect for notching out corners or making curved cuts. angle grinders can kick up a lot of dust, so the pros always wear plenty of safety gear.

for those small, detailed cuts around obstacles, tile nippers are key. these are like heavy-duty pliers that let you nibble away at tiles bit by bit. they get the job done when pros need to work around pipes or outlets.

step 6: smooth the edges

once a tile setter has made their cuts, there might still be some rough edges. that's where a rubbing stone comes in handy. this unassuming tool smooths out those jagged edges, giving the tile a clean and professional look. (think of it as magic sandpaper for tiles.)

step 7: dry-fit before installation

finally, before setting the freshly cut tiles in mortar, a pro always dry-fits them to check the fit. this step lets them see how the pieces align, make sure spacing is even, and confirm that any cuts they made are precise. it's a quick quality check that can save them from mistakes once the adhesive is down—because once it sets, there’s no easy do-over.

how to cut floor tile to fit around corners and curves

irregular shapes can be intimidating. a professional might use a contour gauge to mark the tile first, or create a template using cardboard or paper. these methods work wonders for marking tiles that will go around toilets, sinks, and other oddly shaped corners.

for curved cuts, pros will usually use a wet saw with a diamond blade, followed by tile nippers and a rubbing stone. they’ll take it slow, making multiple passes to gradually shape the tile. patience is critical here — rushing can lead to chipped or broken tiles.

why precision is crucial when cutting floor tile

since floor tiles are typically large and can be heavy, professionals need to be very careful to prevent cracks and breaks. this means investing in quality tools, like a wet saw with a longer cutting wheel for making clean, precise cuts without putting undue stress on the tile.

precision is everything when it comes to cutting floor tile. even the smallest miscalculation can throw off the layout, create unsightly gaps, or lead to wasted materials. clean, accurate cuts ensure tiles fit snugly against walls, around fixtures, and along edges, elevating the overall finish and longevity of the installation.

how material type influences cutting method

when it comes to cutting floor tiles, one size doesn't fit all. different floor materials, from porcelain tiles to cement tiles (like zellige), require specific cutting techniques to achieve precise cuts without damaging the tile.

for ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and cement tiles, a pro may use a manual tile cutter for straight cuts. for more intricate cuts or curves, they’ll likely need a wet saw.

marble, granite, and slate tile require a bit more finesse. while a wet saw is still ideal here, even the professionals need to take it slow. these materials can be brittle, so experts use a blade specifically designed for stone and make their cuts in multiple passes. for small chips or notches, a set of tile nippers can come in handy, but even the pros must gentle to avoid cracking the stone.

glass is perhaps the trickiest material to cut, as it requires a specialty glass cutter or a wet saw with a glass-cutting blade. glass tile edges can be sharp!

tips for cutting large floor tile

when moving heavyweight tiles, you must treat them like the fragile giants they are. professionals carry them vertically to distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the tile. for extra protection, they also use foam or rubber spacers between tiles when stacking. then, just before cutting, they’ll warm up the tiles. (a slightly warmer tile is less likely to crack under pressure.)

large tiles are especially tricky to cut because you need a big wet saw or a handheld angle grinder with a diamond blade. plus, with larger tiles, even small measurement errors can be magnified, requiring you to double-check everything before cutting.

why artisinal tile requires professional installation

we truly can’t emphasize this enough: when installing floor tile, experience truly matters. yes, DIY projects can be rewarding, but the expertise that professionals bring to the table is worth any extra expenditure. here’s why hiring a pro for your project is your best bet.

expertise and experience

it’s a pretty common misconception that cutting tiles is as simple as measure and slice, but there's an art to it that pros have perfected over years of practice. they've developed an eye for detail that allows them to accurately measure and mark tiles for complex cuts, anticipate potential issues before they arise and approach irregular shapes and cuts with well-earned ease. that level of precision ensures that your tiles fit perfectly, creating a seamless and professional-looking finish.

saving time and reducing waste

professionals work efficiently, saving you countless hours of trial and error. their expertise also means less waste. they know exactly how to minimize tile breakage during cutting, optimize tile layout to use only the materials needed and handle large floor tiles without damaging them.

ensuring a high-quality finish

there’s no substitute for professional experience when tying everything together beautifully in your floor tile project. that time in the trade and wealth of knowledge allow the pros to problem-solve on the fly, keeping your installation on track and looking fantastic when finished. from planning and layout to material selection, setting, grouting and polishing, there’s a lot that goes into making the end result look amazing.

you’ve got a lot of materials and styles to choose from for floor tiles, from porcelain tiles to natural stone like marble, slate and limestone to terracotta variations. our take: consult with a pro to see what styles and types will best suit your vision, and you’ll appreciate the final result that much more.