Keeping your bathroom tiles spotless isn’t just about making your bathroom look good, it’s about protecting your home from mould, grime and long-term damage.
If you’ve ever stepped into your bathroom and noticed dull tiles or stubborn stains, you’re not alone. Many homeowners ask the same question: how to clean bathroom tiles effectively without spending hours scrubbing?
This guide gives you practical tips to make cleaning bathroom tiles quick, easy and highly effective.
- Introduction
- How to Cut Tiles Without a Tile Cutter
- How to Use a Tile Cutter Like a Pro
- How to Cut Curved Tiles or Around Pipes
- Manual vs. Electric Tile Cutters
- How to Cut Porcelain Tiles
- How to Cut Ceramic Tiles
- How to Use an Angle Grinder Safely
- Pro Tips for a Clean Finish
- Conclusion
- Ready to Get Started?
- Planning A Renovation?
- Why Choose Tile Merchant?
Introduction
Cutting tiles might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than most people think once you understand the basics. Whether you’re fitting new tiles in your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor patio, knowing how to cut tiles correctly will make all the difference between a neat, professional finish and a frustrating mess of chipped edges.
According to an Irish home improvement survey conducted in 2024, around 38% of homeowners included tiling projects in their renovations, and nearly half said they prefer to handle small tiling tasks themselves. That makes learning how to cut tiles properly one of the most in-demand DIY skills in Ireland.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to cut ceramic and porcelain tiles, with or without a tile cutter, so you can achieve precise results every time. You’ll also discover when to use a manual tile cutter, an angle grinder, or even an electric tile cutter for tougher materials.
How to Cut Tiles Without a Tile Cutter
If you don’t own a tile cutter yet, don’t worry, because you can still get a clean cut using a few simple tools.
Here’s how:
- Mark your line: Use a pencil or marker to clearly mark where you want the cut.
- Score the surface: Using a glass cutter or a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, firmly score along the line once.
- Snap the tile: Place a pencil or thin rod under the scored line and gently press down on both sides to snap it cleanly.
- Smooth the edges: Use a tile file or fine sandpaper to tidy up any roughness.
This method works well for ceramic tiles and thin indoor tiles (around 10mm). It’s not ideal for dense porcelain or 20mm outdoor tiles, but perfect if you’re making small adjustments or cutting around edges.
If you plan to do a full tiling project, investing in a proper tile cutter will save you hours and give you cleaner, more consistent results.
How to Use a Tile Cutter Like a Pro
A manual tile cutter is one of the most useful tools you can own if you plan to install tiles yourself. It’s clean, fast, and requires no electricity, just technique and a steady hand.
Here’s how to use it:
- Place your tile on the cutter base and align it with the cutting guide.
- Press the handle down gently to score the surface in one smooth motion.
- Push down firmly to snap the tile along the scored line.
- Check the edge; it should be smooth and ready for installation.
For most home projects, a manual cutter will handle everything from ceramic to porcelain tiles.
If you’re after precision and comfort, the Rubi Speed-62 Magnet Manual Tile Cutter with Case is a top choice.
It features a smart MAGNET system that locks and releases the scoring handle with one hand, giving you perfect visibility of the cutting line. The double guide and powerful separator (up to 800 kg of force) make straight and diagonal cuts effortless, even on thicker tiles.
“A clean cut always starts with a single, confident score. Press too lightly and you won’t break the glaze. Press too hard and you’ll chip it. You want to hear a smooth, consistent sound. That’s how you know the blade is doing its job.”
Patrick Doyle, Senior Tiling Specialist at Tile Merchant Ireland
How to Cut Curved Tiles or Around Pipes
Curved cuts are often needed around toilets, basins, or outdoor drain areas. The trick is in the marking.
- Trace your curve on the tile using the object (pipe or base) as a guide.
- Score the outline using a tile scribe or glass cutter.
- Nibble away the waste area gradually using tile nippers.
- For tougher materials, use an angle grinder with a diamond blade and take your time.
If you’re cutting holes for pipes or taps, use a tile drill bit and go slow. You’ll find all the tools you need in our full tile tools range.
Manual vs. Electric Tile Cutters
So, when should you use an electric tile cutter instead of a manual one?
? Manual cutters like the Rubi or Montolit Masterpiuma Power 5 Professional Tile Cutter 63cm are ideal for straight cuts on most ceramic and porcelain tiles. They’re quiet, dust-free, and lightweight.
⚡ Electric cutters or wet saws are best for thick, full-body porcelain and 20mm outdoor tiles. They use a water-cooled diamond blade to reduce friction and prevent chipping.
The Montolit Masterpiuma Power 5 is a pro-level manual cutter that handles anything from thin glass mosaics to 22mm thick porcelain. Its adjustable incision handle gives you full control over cutting depth and pressure, perfect for when you want clean cuts without cracks. If you’re cutting large-format tiles, its strong aluminium frame and lateral supports keep everything stable and accurate.
How to Cut Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are beautiful but dense. They’re harder than ceramic tiles, which means you’ll need a bit more patience and the right tools.
Porcelain tiles are fired at temperatures above 1200°C, which makes them around 30% denser and significantly harder than standard ceramic tiles (source: Tile Association of Ireland, 2023).
Here’s how to cut them:
- Use a manual tile cutter with a tungsten carbide scoring wheel.
- Apply firm, even pressure while scoring, once only.
- Snap the tile cleanly using the cutter’s handle.
- For edges or corners, use an angle grinder or wet saw.
Remember to check out our selection of porcelain tiles for more information about their characteristics and recommended tools.
Do you live in Ireland? Visit a Tile Merchant store today and explore our stunning range of wall and floor tiles. Whether you're looking for porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles or wall panels, we have it all!
How to Cut Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are slightly softer and easier to work with, making them ideal for beginners. You can use either a manual tile cutter or a glass cutter method for simple cuts.
After snapping the tile, use fine sandpaper, a tile file, or a rubbing stone to smooth the edges. For a full range of ceramic tiles, visit our collection and match the right style to your project
How to Use an Angle Grinder Safely
An angle grinder is your go-to tool for curved cuts, trimming edges, or shaping around obstacles. Always use a diamond-tipped blade and wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
To cut safely:
- Secure the tile on a stable surface.
- Mark your line clearly.
- Hold the grinder with both hands and guide it slowly along the line.
- Let the blade do the work — don’t force it.
- Smooth the cut edge with a rubbing stone.
This method is perfect for tough cuts or when you’re working with thicker outdoor tiles that a manual cutter might struggle with.
Pro Tips for a Clean Finish
For better results:
- Mark tiles carefully before cutting and double-check your measurements.
- Keep the cutter wheel clean and sharp for smooth scoring.
- Support large-format tiles fully to avoid cracking.
- For porcelain and outdoor tiles, go slow and steady.
- Always wear eye protection and gloves when cutting or drilling tiles.
If you’re still deciding what material to use, explore all types of tiles to see which ones best suit your space and your tools.
Conclusion
Cutting tiles isn’t just a job for professionals. With the right approach and the right tools, anyone can achieve clean, accurate results. Whether you’re trimming ceramic, shaping porcelain, or tackling outdoor 20mm tiles, a quality cutter like the Rubi Speed-62 Magnet or Montolit Masterpiuma Power 5 can make all the difference.
Ready to start your project? Explore Tile Merchant’s full range of tile tools and accessories and make your next tiling job your best one yet.
Ready to Get Started?
At Tile Merchant, we stock a huge range of tile accessories you need for the job. From Alpha Tools to Rubi, we’ve got professional solutions trusted by tilers across Ireland.
Don’t let the fear of cracking a tile stop your project. Get the right tools, follow our guide, and drill with confidence.
Planning A Renovation?
If you’re planning a bathroom, kitchen or outdoor renovation (no matter the project size), visit a local tile showroom to see options in person and talk with experts who can guide you based on your layout and lifestyle.
Have more questions about SPC Flooring? Send us an email to info@tilemerchant.ie or ? WHATSAPP us, we’re always happy to help you build your dream bathroom, one tile at a time.
Why Choose Tile Merchant?
We offer extremely competitive pricing on our entire range of tiles and likewise. We stock a huge range of wall and floor tiles, and our prices are competitive for retail and trade. Our stock is widely available in our tile stores in Ireland, which are open 7 days a week.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to shop our tiles online, we can supply you with free samples delivered for free.
Article written by Tile Merchant
