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How to cut tiles: tile cutter, tile saw or angle grinder?
Short answer: for straight cuts in ordinary wall and floor tiles, a tile cutter is fastest and cleanest. For thick tiles, hard tiles, small corners and cut-outs, use an angle grinder with a diamond disc. If large or valuable tiles are involved, practise on an offcut first. That directly answers which tool you need.
👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. For large-format tiles, natural stone or a complete bathroom floor, a tiler remains the safest choice. A professional works faster and already has the right equipment.
Which tool fits your cut?
- Straight cut, ordinary tile: choose a Raimondi Kompass tile cutter. You score the glaze and break the tile along that line. That gives little dust and a clean edge.
- Thick or hard tile, corner or curve: choose a 125 mm angle grinder with a diamond disc for tiles. Work in several shallow passes and do not force the disc.
- Many identical cuts: measure everything first, set the stop and check the first tile carefully before you continue. Also read our blog on Raimondi tile tools for more on tile tools.
What do you need?
- A Raimondi notched trowel, a tile levelling system and adjustable 4 mm tile spacers for laying after cutting.
- A Raimondi floor sponge and a grout spreader for finishing the joints.
- A 60 cm spirit level, a tape measure with auto-lock and a carpenter pencil to mark the cut accurately.
Step-by-step plan
- Measure the place where the tile must go and subtract the joint width.
- Mark the cutting line on the finished face of the tile. Keep the cut edge towards the corner.
- Cut with the tile cutter: place the tile against the stop, score the glaze in one calm movement and break it with the breaking foot.
- Grind only where needed: clamp the tile, grind outdoors or with extraction and make several light passes up to the line.
- Check the fit dry on the floor or wall and carefully ease a sharp edge.
- Then lay and grout as described in our blog on tiling a wall.
Working safely
Always wear safety goggles against splinters, FFP2 dust mask against dust and cut-resistant gloves against sharp tile edges. For general handling work gloves with nitrile coating are comfortable and for floor work Raimondi knee pads with gel protect your knees. Never grind without the guard and wait until the disc has stopped before putting the tool down.
Can I cut every tile with a tile cutter?
No. Thin and medium-hard tiles usually work well. Very hard, thick or large tiles can break off line; grinding or sawing is then calmer. Practise on an offcut.
Why does my tile break beside the line?
Often the score is too light, uneven or not made in one movement. Score calmly and firmly, support the tile flat and only break once the whole line is visible.
Want to tackle the whole wall or floor next? Design the layout first in our blog on the bathroom configurator and then read on in our blog on tiling a wall.
Read also: How to tile a wall, Raimondi tile tools and Diamond drilling in tile and concrete
Where can you find everything for this job?
At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.
- Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
- Create a customer account and order easily.
- Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
- Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
- Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.
In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.
Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.
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