how to cut penny tile like a pro

how to cut penny round tile step by step

cutting wall and floor tile requires patience, precision, and the right approach. below is a general breakdown of how a professional might tackle the task — and why it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

1. plan your layout

before making a single cut, a professional will always start with a well-considered and creative layout. this step ensures your design looks intentional and cohesive. for penny tile, that means dry-fitting sheets ahead of time, identifying areas where cuts are needed, and ensuring patterns or borders stay aligned. taking time here prevents wasted materials and layout surprises later on.

2. choose the right tool

tile cutting isn’t one-size-fits-all — especially with penny rounds. the tool you use depends on the type of cut you need. a wet saw with a diamond blade is ideal for clean, straight cuts, while tile nippers work better for curved edges or small, precise adjustments. for more advanced shaping (around plumbing fixtures, for example), a rotary tool or spiral saw may come into play.

3. make the cuts

once the tile is marked and the right tool is in hand, it’s time to make the cut. a pro will secure the tile to prevent slipping, guide it slowly and evenly through the saw, or “nip” away at small curves gradually. it’s a slow, methodical process — the opposite of a quick weekend diy.

4. smooth and test the fit

after cutting, the tile’s edges are often smoothed with sandpaper, a tile file, or even a rubbing stone to ensure a clean fit. once that’s done, the tile is placed to check alignment and spacing. adjusting the fit before installation helps the final design feel polished and seamless.

what’s the best way to cut penny tile?

penny tiles are especially tricky to cut because of their small size — they are called penny tiles for a reason.

proper technique involves using a wet saw with a diamond-encrusted blade that’s designed to cut through hard materials such as porcelain bathroom tiles. (that’s what many penny tiles, including ours, are made of.) this type of saw uses water to cool and lubricate the blade for a nice, clean cut. it also minimizes dust.

as you can imagine, this is very intricate work that requires a high amount of precision and consideration for safety. again: in our book, the best way to cut penny tile is to have an experienced tile installer do it.

how to cut penny tile with a wet saw

let’s take a deeper look at the process of cutting penny tile. these are some key guidelines an experienced installer keeps in mind when cutting penny tile with a wet saw.

• setting up the wet saw in an open space or well covered indoor area
• making sure the wet saw’s water reservoir is full before starting
• taking all proper measurements for accurate tile cuts
• always wearing safety glasses, work gloves, and a dust mask
• keeping hands as far away from the blade as possible at all times
• pushing slowly and letting the saw do the work
• using sandpaper to smooth edges as needed

how to cut penny tile with a tile nipper

note that a wet saw is best used for cutting straight lines in tiles. many installations, whether you’re planning a fireplace surround or tiled pool, will require cutting curves into your tile. tile nippers are generally best for cutting curves in penny tile.

tile nippers have hardened jaws that can grip small tiles tightly. cutting tile with nippers involves placing the tile between the jaws and squeezing tightly, essentially “biting through” the tile to remove small pieces at a time.

this process is even more intricate — especially with small penny tiles — as it has you taking small bites with the nippers and checking your progress often. tile can crack if too much pressure is applied at once.

when a contractor gets a tile’s curve close to the desired cut, they will usually follow up with a second tool to perfect the cut. sandpaper may work for smaller finishing touches, while other jobs might require a spiral cutting saw (again, very intricate work when dealing with small penny rounds).

how to cut penny tile around drains and curves

cutting penny tile around rounded fixtures — like drains, pipes, or arches in a timeless bathroom — is one of the trickiest parts of installation. because each tile is round to begin with, creating smooth transitions takes a skilled hand and a patient eye.

tile nippers are the go-to tool here, as they allow you to carefully “bite” away at the tile in small increments. the installer will trim slowly, constantly checking the shape against the curve they’re matching. for tight spaces or complex curves, a rotary tool or spiral cutting saw may be used for extra precision.

to ensure a professional finish, edges are smoothed and test-fitted, just like with straight cuts. the goal is a snug, intentional-looking fit — not a patchwork of guesswork.

how to cut penny tile edges cleanly

cutting penny tile cleanly takes a great deal of practice, and many diy homeowners waste precious tile trying to get those edges just right. here are just a few best practices a contractor relies on for consistent clean cuts.

• measuring and marking every tile accurately (and then measuring again)
• using a wet saw with a diamond blade designed for small tiles
• securing the tile firmly in place for the duration of the cut
• moving the tile through the blade slowly and steadily
• using tile nippers to make small adjustments
• finishing with a tile file or sandpaper to create a smooth edge
• working in a well-ventilated area with proper safety gear

avoiding common mistakes when cutting penny tile

we’ve waxed poetic about the importance of hiring an experienced contractor for your tile project, and for good reason. your tile installation really is only as good as your installer. and considering how much your tile installation will pay in dividends over the course of its lifespan, it’s worth getting right the first time.

before you head to your local hardware store to buy a wet saw, let’s review some of the key reasons it pays to partner with a seasoned expert here.

• a tile expert has the skills and experience necessary to cut tile safely
• contractors have access to the right tools and equipment for the job
• an experienced professional will complete the project much more quickly
• tile installers have a trained eye for detail that diyers don’t have
• the right contractor will back their work with a guarantee
• you’re less likely to have to make repairs down the road
• the tile itself is an investment, one that’s too precious to waste
• you’ll end up with much better results — and enjoy them for years to come

getting the job done right the first time

cutting penny tile is especially challenging due to the tile’s small size and rounded shape. traditional tile cutters are not always suitable for penny tiles because they are often designed for larger, straight-edged tiles.

this is why, especially for penny tile, we recommend having an experienced contractor handle this part of the process (along with every other aspect of the installation, of course).

not only do professionals have access to the right tools, but they also know how to make every cut count — without damaging your tile investment. they’ll plan your layout, make precise cuts, and ensure your space looks as good as it possibly can, right from the start. and with a material as distinctive as penny tile, that level of care makes all the difference.