How to cut large porcelain tiles
Cutting porcelain tile requires careful attention to detail. You must to ensure your materials are not damaged or cracked during the process, while producing the correctly sized tile for a specific application – whether this be in a living room, kitchen or other spaces. So, how do you cut porcelain for best results, and is it a complicated process? The good news is that if you follow the correct approach, you can achieve great results.
In this article, we highlight key steps when you need to cut porcelain tile, as well as which common mistakes to avoid.
Best way to cut porcelain slabs and large tiles
Large format porcelain tiles, such as Atlas Plan’s porcelain slabs, can be cut and worked on a porcelain tile cutter suitable for natural stone, marble and quartz agglomerates. Atlas Plan suggests the use of diamond discs specifically produced for porcelain. Diamond discs for granite (soft, hard), marble, and quartz agglomerates are not suitable for cutting Atlas Plan porcelain slabs. For this type of cut, it is advisable to use sector diamond discs.
Cutting tools would typically include bridge saws and CNC bridge saws, CNC contouring machines and waterjet machines.
Before you begin, ensure your work surface is clean and perfectly level. Clear away any debris or leftover materials from previous work, as vibrations caused by an uneven base can compromise the quality of the cut.
Why is the de-tensioning of a slab important?
Before you perform any work on your slabs, you must make a detensioning cut. This important step ensures that you eliminate 1-2 cm [3/8”-3/4”] of material along all sides to release any residual tension in the slab.
Ideally, you should first cut parallel to the long sides of the slab, and then parallel to the short sides. These detensioning cuts will allow the slab to be squared for subsequent operations.
Do remember that the perimeter cuts of the finished surface should not overlap with the detensioning cuts.
Different types of tiles cutting
The best way to cut a porcelain tile is not only to use the appropriate tools for the job, but also to consider the shapes required to complete your design. Common types of cuts include straight cuts (the most frequently used), round cuts (to accommodate features such as pipes), and mitre cuts (typically used for angled edges).
How to cut a hole in porcelain tile
When making holes and internal cuts, it is best to leave no less than 5 cm [2”] between two cuts/holes, as well as between a cut/hole and the edge of the slab itself.
Do not use 90° angles in all interior corners of the plan and provide a radius greater than or equal to 5 mm [1⁄4”] at these corners. If the geometry of the hole allows it, use a wider radius (8-10 mm) [3/8”]. As a rule of thumb, remember that the bigger the radius of the curvature inside the holes and the distance between two adjacent cuts, the higher strength a finished surface would have. Surfaces with large holes are inherently more delicate, which means holes and cuts must not compromise their durability.
How to cut porcelain kitchen worktops
If the design of a kitchen counter calls for the combination of two or more flush slabs, such as for L or U-shaped kitchens, it is best to make a tiny rounded-off edge on the adjacent edges to avoid chipping during positioning.
Also, the leveling of the substrate is essential for ensuring the flatness of the top of the two slabs. Always include a minimum joint of 1 mm [1/25”] filled with silicone or epoxy filler of the same colour as the slab. Clean the two surfaces that will be joined before applying the adhesive.
Cutting porcelain tile: common mistakes to avoid
Cutting porcelain tile without chipping can easily be avoided by using the right tools to ensure you do not compromise the integrity of your materials. If you need guidance on how to fix large chipped tiles, simply visit this article for tips.
Another common mistake to avoid when installing large format tiles is using too much pressure and speed. Always work at an even steady pace, while also ensuring that your work surface is level and clean.
Use this guide to make the process of how to cut porcelain slabs easy by following the key steps highlighted in this article.
