Cutting a floor tile that is already fitted on the floor certainly seems like a tricky task. However, it is sometimes necessary to do so when you are making a place for some new fixtures or getting some repairs done. It’s not like cutting those loose tiles, installed tiles need careful handling to prevent them from cracking or damaging their surrounding floors. So, how to cut tile already installed on the floor without damaging the nearby floors? If you are doing a Flooring Dubai remodeling project or any fixture fitting, we offer this guide to help you cut the installed tiles.
Our Guide On Cutting Already Installed Floor Tiles
This guide on cutting the already fitted floor tiles takes care of a few different ways to do the job. The main steps of actually cutting the tiles are different, but the rest of the process is the same. Go on reading this guide, and you will know what it means.
Step 1. Gather The Tools For Cutting Floor Tile
The first thing for every flooring project is to gather your tools and the safety gear. This is what you will need:
- An angle grinder with a diamond blade to get precise cuts.
- A tile cutter to get those straight cuts on porcelain or ceramic tiles.
- Rotary tool or Dremel for small detailed cuts on tiles.
- Wet Saw to cut those large tiles without causing any dust.
- Oscillating Multi-tool – perfect for plunge cuts in tight corners and spaces.
- Safety gear such as gloves, dust masks, and goggles to protect hands and eyes.
Step 2. Prepare the Tile for Cutting
Before you cut a floor tile, know that the work needs to be precise and accurate. Before you do the cutting, mark a cutting line with a pencil, chalk, or masking tape. Lightly put a score or a cut line on the tile surface with a tile cutter to reduce the risk of chipping. If cutting along a grout line, you must cover the adjoining tiles with painter’s tape to protect them. If this tile flooring is done over an SPC Flooring, keep check of the underlayment beneath it while cutting. With the preparations done, you must now choose the right cutting method on the basis of your project.
Step 3. Cutting The Installed Tiles: 4 Methods
As we said earlier, there are quite a few different methods to cut your floor tiles. There are actually 4 of them on the basis of your tile material and the type of cut you want to achieve.
(i). Using an Angle Grinder
An angle grinder with a diamond blade is an effective tool to cut the tiles already installed on the floor. We recommend using a continuous-rim diamond blade as it gives a smooth cut. Position your grinder at a 90-degree angle to your tile. Start by making shallow cuts on the tile and slowly deepen them. Do not rush the job, work slowly to prevent the overheating of the grinder or chipping of the tile. This method is suited for curved or irregular cuts but it will cause much dust, so we recommend working in a well-ventilated area.
(ii). Using a Rotary Tool (Dremel) for Small Cuts
For your small adjustment tile cuttings like trimming to fit around a pipe, you require a rotary tool aka the Dremel. Take a rotary tool and attach the diamond cutting bit for the work. Use the masking tape or chalk to guide the cut and apply gentle pressure with the tool – do not force the tool, let it do its work. Take small pauses from time to time to prevent overheating the tool. This rotary tool is a great choice for making complex designs or minor modifications, however, not suitable for larger cuts.
(iii). Using an Oscillating Multi-Tool
If you must remove an entire section of your installed tile without disturbing its adjacent tiles, you need an oscillating multi-tool. You should use a carbide blade designed to cut through hard materials. Start by positioning the blade at a marked line and do a shallow cut. Move your tool slowly along the marked line; do not rush the process. Once the tile is completely cut, remove the section. This method works perfectly for plunge cuts and tight spaces, however, it takes much more time compared to an angle grinder.
(iv). Using a Wet Saw for Straight Cuts
The wet saw is the safest and cleanest way to cut tile already installed on the floor, given there is access to the tile. Fill the water reservoir of the wet saw to prevent it from overheating and reduce the dust. Mark a cutting line on the tile to ensure accuracy before you start cutting. Slowly move your wet saw along the marked line to prevent chipping. Wipe your tile dry periodically to check the cut accuracy. If the cutting is done for LVT Flooring, you must be extra careful not to damage its moisture-proofing underlayment.
Step 4. Finishing & Cleaning Up
Once the cutting is done, it’s time to finish the process and clean up. Use a sanding stone or a file to smoothen those cut edges. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area from dust & debris completely. If there is a need, apply a sealant to prevent moisture infiltration. If you have cut out a damaged tile, replace it with a new one and reapply the grout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting Floor Tiles
These are some common mistakes to avoid when cutting floor tiles.
- Do not use the wrong blade – use a carbide or diamond blade for tile cutting.
- Do not force a cut; instead, let your cutting tool do the work naturally to prevent cracking.
- Do not skip that scoring of the tile, as it will increase the risk of chipping.
- Not wearing your safety gear – dust from tiles is harmful and a safety hazard during cutting.
Final Thoughts
This is the easiest guide you will find on how to cut tile already installed on the floor. All it needs is for you to have some patience, know the right technique, and work with the right tools. Whether it’s for the modification of a single tile or adjustment for multiple ones, there are methods for every kind of tile cutting efficiently.
