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
- What Tools Do You Need to Drill Through Porcelain Tiles?
- Drill Bit Sizes Explained
- How Do You Drill Through a Porcelain Tile Without Cracking It?
- What Should You Avoid When Drilling Tiles?
- How to Drill Ceramic Tiles?
- Indoor vs Outdoor Tiles: What’s the Difference?
- Why Use Diamond Drill Bits?
- Final Tips for Success
- Ready to Get Started?
- Planning A Renovation?
- Why Choose Tile Merchant?
Introduction
Drilling into porcelain or ceramic tiles can feel intimidating. You’ve got your new bathroom wall tiled perfectly, or your outdoor patio laid with beautiful 20mm slabs, and suddenly you need to hang a shelf, install a fixture, or run cables. The thought of cracking or chipping that pristine surface is enough to make anyone hesitate.
The good news? With the right tools, a bit of know-how, and a steady hand, drilling through tiles doesn’t have to be stressful. In this guide, we’ll show you how to drill through tiles safely and effectively, whether you’re working with delicate 10mm indoor tiles or tougher 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles.
What Tools Do You Need to Drill Through Porcelain Tiles?
Before you even think about picking up a drill, preparation is key. The right tools will save you time, frustration, and broken tiles. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Drill (a regular cordless drill works fine; just avoid hammer mode)
- Diamond drill bits (essential for porcelain and ceramic)
- Masking tape (helps prevent slipping)
- Water spray bottle or sponge (keeps the drill bit cool)
- Marker pen (to mark your drilling spot)
- Protective glasses (safety first)
At Tile Merchant, we stock professional-grade bits like Alpha Tools and Rubi drill bits, along with other essential tile tools. Both brands are trusted by tilers across Ireland for tackling hard porcelain tiles without damage.
Drill Bit Sizes Explained
Depending on what you’re installing, you’ll need different hole sizes:
- 6mm–8mm: Ideal for wall plugs, screws, and small fittings.
- 10mm–12mm: Great for slightly larger fixings or anchors.
- 20mm–28mm: For pipework, taps, or shower fittings.
- 35mm–43mm: Large access holes, sockets, or waste outlets.
Think of it like this: the thicker the tile (indoor 10mm vs outdoor 20mm), the more patience you’ll need, but the process stays the same.
How Do You Drill Through a Porcelain Tile Without Cracking It?
Porcelain is tough, much tougher than ceramic, so the technique matters. Follow these steps:
- Mark the Spot: Place masking tape over the area and mark your drill point. This prevents the bit from slipping.
- Go Slow: Start with a low drill speed. Let the bit grind into the surface rather than forcing it.
- Cool the Bit: Apply water continuously to stop overheating. A spray bottle or sponge works perfectly.
- Steady Pressure: Keep firm but gentle pressure, don’t push too hard.
- Drill Through: Once the bit penetrates the glaze, you can increase speed slightly until you’re through.
The biggest mistake is impatience. Rushing can cause cracks, chips, or burnt-out drill bits. Take your time, and the result will be a neat, clean hole.
What Should You Avoid When Drilling Tiles?
Knowing what not to do is just as important:
❌ Avoid hammer drills; they’ll shatter porcelain.
❌ Don’t skip cooling; overheating ruins bits and risks cracks.
❌ Don’t push too hard; let the diamond bit do the work.
❌ Avoid cheap drill bits; porcelain is unforgiving, and only proper tools last.
By avoiding these pitfalls, your tiles stay flawless and your tools last longer.
How to Drill Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are softer and more forgiving than porcelain. The steps are nearly identical, but you can use carbide-tipped bits if you don’t have diamond bits on hand. Still, we recommend diamond drill bits. They’re versatile and handle both ceramic and porcelain with ease.
When drilling ceramic, you won’t need as much patience. The glaze is thinner, and the tile cuts faster. But don’t be fooled, applying too much pressure can still cause chips.
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!
Indoor vs Outdoor Tiles: What’s the Difference?
Indoor Tiles (10mm porcelain or ceramic): Easier to drill, perfect for shelves, mirrors, and bathroom accessories.
Outdoor Tiles (20mm porcelain): Denser and thicker, requiring more time and higher-quality drill bits. Often used for patios, steps, and driveways.
If you’re working outdoors, using premium drill bits from Rubi or Alpha Tools is essential.
Why Use Diamond Drill Bits?
Diamond drill bits are coated with industrial-grade diamond grit, making them strong enough to cut through even the hardest porcelain tiles. The benefit? Clean, chip-free holes every time.
If you’ve ever tried to drill with a standard masonry bit, you’ll know how frustrating it is; it slips, overheats, and rarely makes it through without damage. That’s why professional tilers in Ireland rely on brands like Alpha and Rubi for consistent results.
Final Tips for Success
- Always measure twice, drill once.
- Use masking tape to guide the drill.
- Keep water close by, don’t drill dry.
- Start small, then work up to larger bit sizes if needed.
Drilling tiles doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. With the right tools and patience, you can take on any DIY project, whether it’s hanging a towel rail in your bathroom or setting up outdoor lighting on your porcelain patio.
If you think drilling through tiles is a challenge, wait until you see what’s possible with a little determination. One of our customers, a 67-year-old gentleman, built his own dream patio using a sandstone paving circle. It’s a story that proves you’re never too old, or too inexperienced, to take on a project and succeed. ? Read how he built his dream patio here.
Ready to Get Started?
At Tile Merchant, we stock the drill bits and 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
