Adding tile is an important part of the final touches to many projects. But if your tiles aren’t the correct size, you’ll need to use something to cut them. Many people have a circular saw in their workshop and consider cutting their tiles with it.
You can cut most tiles with a circular saw. However, cutting ceramic tiles with a circular saw is not recommended. There are many alternatives to a circular saw for tile cutting, like a specialized tile cutter.
Can a Circular Saw Cut Tile?
There are many different types of material that can be cut with a circular saw, including most types of tile.
However, whether you’ll be able to cut your tiles with a circular saw depends on the material the tile is made of.
You also need to consider several things, like when you do and don’t need to use water while cutting.
What Tile Materials Can Be Cut with a Circular Saw?
One of the determining factors in whether a circular saw can cut tile is the material the tile is made of.
A circular saw cuts very fast and is a powerful tool. If the tiles are too soft or brittle to be cut in this way, you won’t be able to achieve a clear cut.
There are many tile materials you can cut with a circular saw. These include:
- Natural stone
- Porcelain
- Concrete
- Glass
- Slate
- Granite
If your tiles are made of any of these materials, you should have no problem achieving a clean cut with your circular saw.
What Tile Materials Can’t Be Cut with a Circular Saw?
One type of tile is harder to cut with a circular saw than any other: ceramic tiles. While you can technically cut ceramic tiles with a circular saw, it is very hard to do.
Cutting ceramic tiles with a circular saw takes a lot of time and concentration to ensure it’s not a complete disaster.
It is very easy to destroy ceramic tiles with a circular saw, so cutting them with one is not recommended.
If you have no other option than to cut ceramic tiles with a circular saw, cutting wet is easier than cutting dry.
Should I Cut Wet or Dry Tiles with a Circular Saw?
Cutting your tiles with a circular saw while they’re wet will allow you to work slightly faster, as it keeps the cutting-edge cooler and allows for a smoother cut.
However, some are nervous about working with water while using an electric machine. If you prefer cutting dry, it is better to work slowly.
What Other Saws Can I Use to Cut Tile?
If you don’t have a circular saw, or if you’re looking for a better alternative, there are many other tools you can use to cut tile.
Some of these include:
- Tile Cutter
- Tile Nipper
- Angle Grinders
- Jigsaws
- Hole Saws
Most of these tools are less expensive and easier to use for cutting tiles than a circular saw.
Tile Cutter
A tile cutter is one of the best tools to cut porcelain, ceramic, or glass tiles. Tile cutters are also much cheaper and easier to use than circular saws.
You don’t have to set anything up with a tile cutter, which reduces the time it takes to get your tool ready for use.
Tile Nipper
Tile nippers are great tools for smaller jobs where you need to make sure your tile fits perfectly into the space you need it to.
You “nip” pieces of tile out, which allows you to shape them easily.
Angle Grinders
An angle grinder is smaller than a circular saw, which means you can do more delicate work than with a circular saw.
However, using an angle grinder can be tough. They also create a lot of dust, meaning you’ll need to protect yourself with safety goggles.
Jigsaw
Jigsaws are great tools for precision work. The best part is, you don’t need a lot of experience working with a jigsaw to get good results.
Some of the best types of tiles to cut with a jigsaw include:
- Travertine
- Marble
- Slate
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Granite
- Glass
This is a simple tool to use, and it is versatile enough to work with many different types of tiles.
Hole Saw
If you need to cut pieces from tiles that are already installed, a hole saw is ideal. Hole saws give you the precise cut you need to make space for a new faucet or plumbing fixture.
