how to cut penny tile — and why a pro should do it
by clé tile | published: May 08, 2024
a selection of forage terrazzo
there are countless reasons to opt for penny tile. to count just a few of the ways: penny rounds add fine, even texture to any space. they can easily be molded around curves and rounded surfaces. and as a mosaic tile, they add traction to areas that need it (say, shower floors) thanks to more grouting.
many people who choose penny tile for their project want to know how to cut penny tile themselves. our advice? this is a task that’s always best left to an experienced professional. that said, let’s explore what, exactly, cutting penny tile involves.
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. (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 tile nippers
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).
is penny tile hard to cut?
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).
cutting 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
- securely 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
floor: zenith cement 8x8 in white + black; wall: porcelain penny rounds in white gloss + porcelain penny rounds in black gloss. design: plan interiors / photo: dan d'agostino + gabriela rodriguez
how to avoid common penny tile cutting mistakes
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