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DIY made easy! How to cut bathroom tiles
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It’s almost inevitable that some of your tiles will have to be cut to fit your wall or floor, and there will probably be some that have to be cut into a different shape as well as size. Cutting tiles is not difficult with access to decent equipment and with a little practice. If you’re cutting your own tiles (and especially if you’re doing this for the very first time), it’s a good idea to allow a couple of extra tiles for practice or in case of any slight mishaps that may happen. In this fact sheet we show you how to make a straight cut, cut a shape, cut small shapes, and to cut away small pieces of tile.
When it comes to cutting tiles, there are a few options. If you are likely to do a few tiling projects around your home, or are likely to lend specialist tools to friends, neighbours, or relatives; a tradesman’s tile cutter is an excellent investment (and will make you popular with anyone else starting their own tiling projects!) If this is a once-only tiling project, then the best option will be to hire a tile cutter from your local Beaumont Tiles store. You might also consider buying a cheaper ‘handyman’ tile cutter. While these can be a good option, they are not built to last a long time. They will, however, do a great job for one or two jobs around the home.
TO MAKE A STRAIGHT CUT Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Place the tile in the tile cutter and run the scorer across the tile (once only!). This creates a break point in the tile. Step 3 Push down the breaker. This will deliver a nice clean and evenly cut tile.
TO CUT A SHAPE Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Use the tile cutter to score each of the lines that will be cut. This creates a break point in the tile. Step 3 Cut to the scored lines using an electric grinder. Sides first and then the middle.
TO CUT A SMALL SHAPE OR TO CUT AWAY A SMALL PIECE Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Use the tile cutter to score each of the lines that will be cut. This creates a break point in the tile. Step 3 Break off little pieces (‘nibbles’) of the tile using a pair of tile nibblers until the mark shape has been achieved. Always break of small amounts at a time: never try to break off the whole shape at once.
Pro tip:
Always wear safety glasses and a respirator when cutting tiles with an electric grinder.
Don’t just
DO IT YOURSELF
DO IT WITH BEAUMONTS!