Choosing the right tile cutter is crucial for any tiling project. With the wide variety of tile cutters available, it can be confusing to know which type is best for your needs. The tile cutter you choose should match the type of tile you are installing, the complexity of the cuts, and your skill level. In this article, we will go over the main types of tile cutters, their key features, and provide recommendations on what tile cutter is ideal for different situations. Read on to learn how to select the perfect tile cutter for your next tiling job.
Page Contents
Manual Tile Cutters
Manual tile cutters, also known as tile snappers or scorers, are a basic and affordable option for simple straight cuts. Here are the key things to know about manual tile cutters:
- Best for cutting ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles
- Typically uses a carbide scoring wheel to score the tile surface
- A handle lever then snaps the tile cleanly along the scored line
- Only able to cut straight lines; not suitable for curved cuts
- Perfect for quick straight cuts like trimming tile edges
- Very portable and lightweight
- Models range from small DIY versions to larger professional models
- Typically the most affordable type of tile cutter
Manual tile cutters are the best choice for DIYers or pros looking to make quick straight cuts. They are extremely handy for simple jobs like:
- Cutting tiles to fit around pipes or fixtures
- Trimming tiles to size along the edges
- Cutting accent tiles to fit
- Making straight cuts for backsplashes or wall tiles
However, a manual cutter would not be suitable for jobs requiring curved cuts, intricate patterns, or cutting thick natural stone tiles.
Recommend Manual Tile Cutter
| Tile Cutter | Key Features |
|---|---|
| QEP 10630Q 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter | – 24″ cutting capacity – Tungsten carbide cutting wheel – Rubber pads prevent slipping |
This best selling manual model from QEP can handle typical tile sizes up to 24″. It’s our top pick for home DIYers wanting an affordable and reliable manual tile cutter.
Electric Tile Cutters
Electric tile cutters use a diamond encrusted cutting wheel and water to make smooth curved or straight cuts in tile. Here are the key characteristics of electric tile cutters:
- Makes clean and accurate cuts for most tile materials
- Cutting head guided on rails or bars
- Electric motor powers the diamond cutting wheel
- Water reservoir to cool and lubricate the cutting wheel
- Capable of both straight and curved cuts
- Models range from small portable sizes to large workshop cutters
- More expensive than manual cutters
Electric tile cutters are versatile tools that can handle a wide variety of tiling jobs. They are a smart choice for:
- Making curved cuts for outlets, pipes, or accent tiles
- Cutting hard stone tiles like granite, marble, or travertine
- Cutting large format tiles
- Making repetitive straight cuts more efficiently
- Professionals installing many tiles
However, electric cutters are overkill for very simple jobs. Plus the cost may be hard to justify for one-time DIY projects.
Recommend Electric Tile Cutter
| Tile Cutter | Key Features |
|---|---|
| DEWALT Wet Tile Saw | – 24″ cutting capacity – Integrated water reservoir – Accessory rail for stops |
This popular electric tile saw from DEWALT can make precise curved or straight cuts in tile up to 24″ x 24″. It’s our top recommendation for tile pros or avid DIYers.
How to Choose the Right Tile Cutter
Selecting the appropriate tile cutter for your tiling project depends on several factors:
Type of Tile
- Ceramic, porcelain, mosaic – Can be cut with manual or electric cutters
- Natural stone – Electric cutter often recommended for granite, marble, etc.
- Glass – Use special glass tile cutter or wet saw
Cuts Needed
- Straight cuts – Manual cutter is fine
- Curved cuts – Requires electric tile cutter
- Intricate cuts – Electric wet saw highly recommended
Skill Level
- DIYers/Beginners – Start with simple manual cutter
- Frequent tilers – Electric cutter will provide convenience
- Tile pros – Need electric saw for speed and precision
Budget
- Manual tile cutters – As low as $25
- Electric tile cutters – $150 on up for home models
- Professional electric – $400+ for contractors
Carefully evaluate your tile, cutting needs, skills, and budget. This will help narrow down your best option.
Using Proper Tile Cutting Techniques
Whichever tile cutter you choose, using proper cutting techniques is also key to achieving clean, accurate cuts:
- Use a sharp new cutting wheel for optimal results
- Score the tile evenly before snapping
- Cut several practice tiles first
- Cut tile face up for electric cutters
- Follow all safety procedures
- Keep cutter properly lubricated and cooled
Rushing the job or using dull cutting wheels is a common cause of messy tile edges. Be patient and methodical for best cutting success.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal tile cutter doesn’t have to be confusing. First, consider your tile type, cutting needs, skills, and budget to narrow down the basic style needed – either a manual tile scorer/snapper or an electric wet tile saw. Within those categories, select a quality model that fits the size of your job. Carefully following operating directions and tile cutting best practices will then ensure you achieve clean, accurate cuts. Investing in the right tile cutter for the job will save time, frustration, and lead to beautiful results.