How to cut tiles?

Hello dear Founts of All Wisdom,
I need to tile an indoors step under the back sliding doors and realised I have never done any tiling.

What's the best way to cut tiles?

I only need a couple to be cut and am not planning to do any other tiling jobs ever so don't want to invest in expensive tools Google suggests.

"Tile cutting for dummies" would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Ceramic tiles?

 

I haven't decided yet.

I have ordered some samples, most seem to be ceramic. I also like proper slate very much but that might be a bit more challenging. Then again, I might get it for free after the next storm re-arranges my roof

The step will just have to hold flowerpots, no footfall so wall tiles would be fine.

 

If its just a few straight cuts you can get by with one of those cheap scribing tools, I did a fair amount of tiles with one a couple of years ago, they take a fair bit of force to use and you need a straight edge of some kind that doesn't slide around on the shiney surface.
https://www.screwfix.com/search?search=tile+scribing+tool

 

Thanks @pete ! I'l give a scribing tool a try with the samples, I have a good straight edge and The Child for any job needing strenght.

I gather I'll just make a deep cut on the right side and then snap the tile?

 

Yes you have to score through the glaze, its a bit like cutting glass, get a few extra tiles because its not fool proof and you can get them break where you dont want to.

I think you are supposed to be able to do it with one stroke but I found two or three are often needed, the problem is you have to score on exactly the same line if you do it more than once.

 

If using a scribing tool make sure you all the way past/over the edge and don’t stop short as this can cause a jagged edge at the end rather than a clean end. Ask me how I know……..

 

One of these

Or you can use a angle ginder with a stone cuting disc but can be harder to get a straight cut

 

Scribe the line as deeply as you can then place the tile over a thin piece of wood, with the scribed line on the edge of the support. Press down on both sides of the cut. It should snap. The wooden support (or another tile) does not need to be much thicker than the tile itself. I have done dozens like that. A file is useful to clean up the edge of the cut afterwards.

 

Thank you all I'll practise when my samples and scribe arrive and report back.

 

Just a question regarding tiling do you tile a bathroom before fitting the bath or after

 

I'm doing wall and floor tiles but I've never done any before. I hire cutting tools from the tool library