Understanding how to cut a circle in tile is essential for achieving a professional finish on your DIY tiling projects.
Time Varies
ComplexityBeginner
CostAround $75
Introduction
Learn to cut perfect circles, holes and other cutouts in stone and ceramic tile. It's quick and easy using an angle grinder and diamond blade.
Watch How To Cut Tile With a Grinder
Tools Required
- Angle grinder
- Diamond blade
- Gloves
- Shop vac
- Speed square
Materials Required
- Tile
Stone, porcelain and glass tiles offer beautiful options for bath and kitchen tiling projects. However, cutting these hard materials presents a unique challenge. Straight cuts are easy to make with a diamond wet saw. But cutting curves and holes requires special techniques. I was tiling a shower on a recent bathroom project and I needed to cut an opening for the shower valve hardware. An inexpensive angle grinder with a diamond blade can cut perfect circles and squares in the toughest tile.
You can buy a 4- or 4-1/2-in. grinder and a dry-cut diamond blade for as little as $75. In general, more expensive blades will last longer. When choosing a diamond blade, look for one with a continuous, rather than segmented rim for the smoothest cut. Be aware, though, that cutting with a dry-cut diamond blade creates a lot of dust and noise. So make sure you cut in a well-ventilated area (or better yet, outside!) and wear hearing protection, a good-quality two-strap dust mask and safety glasses.
The method I used for cutting a circle with a grinder requires you to cut around the circle a number of times, making a deeper cut with each revolution. The key is to maintain the same angle and shave off progressive layers, moving the cut closer to the center of the circle.
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Mark tile for cutting
With a pencil, mark the tile where you will be cutting out the circle by using the plastic shower faucet valve cover as a template. Trace template on both sides and use a speed square or tape measure to make sure the template location matches perfectly with the front side.
Step 2
Gradually cut face of tile
Carefully score the tile by tracing the marked template with the grinder. When using the grinder, apply light pressure and let the blade do the work. Cut about halfway through the tile then stop.
Step 3
Cut back of tile
Flip the tile over and begin scoring the tile with the grinder as you follow the marked template. Continue cutting the tile until the hole is complete.
Step 4
Dry fit
Before installing the tile, make sure it fits perfectly. It is a mess trying to remove thin set off of tile if you need to make adjustments.
Step 5
FAQ
Can you cut tile with a dry blade?
Yes, you can cut tiles with a dry blade such as a diamond blade because it’s designed to cut materials without water. Wear protective safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from flying debris and inhaling dust particles.
How do you cut ceramic tile without chipping it?
By applying masking tape along the cutting line, you can reduce the chances of the tile surface chipping during cutting.
Can you use a grinder on porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is a hard material but can be cut with an angle grinder that has a diamond blade on it.
Originally Published: October 03, 2018
