According to the latest research, the total amount of ceramic tiles in the world exceeds 16 billion square meters. A large part of it is used for home improvements. Ceramic tiles and ceramics are very versatile. They can be used indoors or outdoors, as floor coverings or walls. If properly maintained, tile installation can last for decades without any problems. They are very stylish and therefore can increase the value of your home. To fit the tile into the space you have, you need a tile cutter.
If you don't have the right tools to do the job, you could end up damaging the tiles or getting an unprofessional finish. Therefore, it is important to know the best types of tile cutters and how to use them before you start. Whether you need a simple or complex tile installation, you can find the must-have tile cutter for your home project! So let's get started with this guide to know what type of tile cutter you need.
Which tile cutter is right for you?
There is no shortage of tile cutters on the market. Before you can start learning about the different types of tile cutters and understand how to cut tiles, first you need to understand the tile material and thickness that will be used in the project.
According to experience, the harder the material of the tile, the higher the strength of the tile cutting machine must be. For example, if you cut ceramic or ceramic tiles, you do not need the same high strength and durability as cutting granite or stone bricks.
Different types of tile cutters
Tile cutter is an umbrella term used to describe any device that cuts tile. The two different terms you will see are tile cutters and tile saws. We have listed different types of tile cutting tools under each category to help you choose the best tool for your job.
Manual tile cutter
The tile cutter is a manually operated machine. They are easy to use and require no power supply. They work by drawing a straight line along the surface of the tile. Then apply pressure to both sides of the score line. The effect is to capture motion. Tile cutters are available in a variety of sizes and are very portable.
Tile tongs
If you need to place complex shapes of tiles (such as pipes), then you will need tile pliers. This tool is used to nibble away small tiles. Using them is similar to using pliers.
Electric tile cutter
Electric tile cutters use diamond blades to cut tiles. Tile saws are larger, heavier, and require a power source. Using these devices generates a lot of heat and dust, so they have a reservoir that acts as a cooling lubricant and moistens the dust. Electric tile cutters are more suitable for thick tile and complex cutting projects.
They are available in a variety of sizes depending on the application. If you have larger work or heavy tasks, these are the preferred methods for tile cutting. This is the most popular tile cutter choice for professionals. The blades are available in a variety of materials, and the cutting bed will have some kind of cooling reservoir. They are also the easiest way to create complex cuts and slots.
Other electric tile cutting tools
If you don't want to buy a dedicated tile cutting tool, you can use other tools to get the job done. Here are some other ways to cut and shape your tile.
Angular tile grinder
If you own an Angle grinder, you know how versatile they can be. You need to buy a blade suitable for cutting tiles. Angle grinders can be used to cut straight lines or more complex shapes. While this is not the most ideal way to cut tile, due to the friction and dust it creates, it is an option if you only need to do small tile cutting jobs.
Rotary tool
These are only suitable for very small and lightweight jobs, such as craft projects using thin or soft tiles. Use a disc blade attachment. As with the Angle grinder, there is no coolant or dust protection.
Which tile cutter is best for large size tiles?
If the tile you are cutting is a large-format tile, then you need to make sure that the bed of the tile cutter is large enough to seamlessly cut the entire tile without pausing and adjusting.
Before buying a tile cutter, make sure you have measured the tiles to be cut and checked if they can be cut from start to finish at once.
Choose your tile
The type of cutter you choose depends directly on the tile you are cutting. When you buy tiles, it is very important to check the Porcelain Institute (PEI) rating of the tiles.
The scale ranges from zero to five. Zero for more decorative tiles that cannot handle human traffic. These are usually thinner tiles that can be cut with a manual tile cutter. Tiles with a PEI rating of 5 are more robust and can handle heavy foot traffic. In general, these are difficult to cut with manual methods, so you will need to use an electric tile cutter.
Tile countertops: 3 ideas
Tile countertops are a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They are not only heat and water resistant, but also sanitary, and if properly glazed, will not stain.
Ceramics can be used for countertops in a variety of ways, from small single tiles to large tiles. Both can add style and elegance to your home redesign. Here are three interior ideas carefully selected by TILER for you!
Clean and modern
Using large format tiles is a great way to add style and elegance to your kitchen countertops. Choose light colored stone and your kitchen will not only look clean, but also brighten up the room. Tiles in sheet format work well in open and modern buildings. Pair light countertops with medium to dark gray cabinets for a stylish aesthetic.
Traditional and warm
The style of tile countertop can be suitable for traditional style home. Double traditional-looking stone tiles with large sinks, brass fixtures and fittings, and wooden cabinetry recreate a rustic and European look.
Bright and bold
If you want to create a room with character, use hand-painted colored tiles on the countertops. Bright and bold tiles in the personality room are paired with beige units to add a dynamic aesthetic to the kitchen.