Can You Cut Tile With A Circular Saw? (Find Out Now!)

Tile is used in many places and offers many benefits. In addition to being an excellent water barrier in places like bathrooms and showers, it can also add decorative touches to areas like the kitchen. The problem with using tile, however, is making it fit. Tile doesn’t come in custom sizes and must be cut to the specifications of the area where it is being used. Although tile is fairly easy to work with, cutting tile may lead to questions such as can tile be cut with a circular saw?

With the proper blade, tile can be cut using a circular saw. One of the blades required and commonly used for cutting tile with a circular saw is a diamond blade (one of the few blades strong enough to cut tile). Using a circular saw with a diamond blade will also require using a water pump to keep the blade cool.

Additionally, a tile cutter can also be used to cut tile, but for many professionals and homeowners, using a circular saw to cut tile is the preferred choice. Tile cutter blades are typically either titanium or tungsten carbide, a couple more materials that can stand up to the hardness of ceramic tile. Diamond-coated blades, however, provide deeper and cleaner cutting potential than tile cutter blades.

For cutting tile, regardless of the job, a circular saw with the proper blade is a good option. Being able to use a circular saw to cut tile though, requires more than a diamond-coated blade and measuring the tile. Here is what you need to know and the simple steps used to cut tile with a circular saw.

Bench tile cutting saws are the first choice in cutting tile. In many cases, however, these options are neither practical, feasible, or readily available. And a bathroom in disrepair is like a headache that just won’t subside until it is dealt with.

This is why cutting tile with a circular saw is a popular option and why people should understand the fundamentals of working with a wet saw. Some people may also choose to use the dry cut method, although it is a more precarious and time-consuming process.

The premise and the goal of the wet saw method is to keep the blade cool or from becoming too hot during cutting. To do this, a water pump or substitute is used while cutting the tile.

As with any cutting process, it is important to accurately measure and mark the cut line. This can be done using any easily visible writing utensil. Don’t worry, you won’t hurt the tile and it can be easily cleaned after cutting.
Step 2: Prepare water cooling method

If you don’t have a water pump, then have someone assist in the process by using a bucket of cool water to keep the blade from getting too hot. A water hose can also be used as a substitute.

It is important to cut while water is being applied and to go slowly, allowing the saw to lead the cutting progress. This means applying very little pressure when applying the blade to the tile.

This method of using a circular saw to cut tile allows for quicker cutting and helps to minimize the risk of damaging the tile of the blade. The major concern with cutting tile using a circular saw in addition to the inherent cut risk is electrocution. The other option for cutting tile using a circular saw is the dry cut method.

There is one phrase that should be remembered when using the dry cut method to cut tile, “slow and steady.” Be sure to verify with the hardware store or blade supplier that the blade you choose is designed for dry cutting. Much like wet saws are specially designed for cutting tile, dry cutting will also require certain blade specifications.

The first step of the dry cut method is no different than any other cutting job, so be careful to mark the tile clearly and accurately.

Protective gear should be used during either method but when using the dry cut method for tile, it is necessary to wear a respirator mask that is construction-grade quality. A standard mask will not suffice when cutting porcelain products like tile as a result of the crystalline silica dust created.

The biggest difference when using the dry cut method is the rate of cutting speed. When using the dry cut method it is important to cut in short sections and to go very slowly. The dangers of the blade overheating is the main concern, and it can pose some serious risks for both the tile and the individual doing the cutting.

The only other option aside from using a circular saw is using the aforementioned wet tile saw. These saws are designed for cutting hard materials such as porcelain. Resembling a standard table saw, these stationary saws are typically smaller and have water cooling action built-in.

For anyone who may find themselves in a situation where cutting tile becomes a more frequent task, wet tile saws may be a worthwhile investment. In addition to allowing for quicker cutting of tile, these saws also minimize the risk of getting cut and or damaging tiles.

Wet tile saws also offer the benefit of having more uniform cuts, which can be a big advantage for jobs requiring more tiles. These specially designed wet saws also provide smooth edges when cutting versus other methods or using snap tile cutters.

The key words when cutting any type of product, and in particular, those as hard as tile, is safety and patience. Even with wet tile saws or when using the wet saw method with a circular saw, it is important to never rush.

The final thing to remember when working with any type of saws, and even more so with powered saws, is safety. Be sure to use any necessary personal protective equipment, which can include safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, and masks when and where necessary.

If you aren’t comfortable with cutting tile or are concerned about damaging the tiles, then you should contact a contractor for assistance. The important thing is to remedy that unfinished tile job and that headache.