How to Cut Backsplash Tile Sheets

Introduction

Installing a beautiful backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can transform the space, adding a stylish and practical accent wall. Often made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone or other tile materials, backsplashes protect the walls from moisture, stains and splashes while creating an eye-catching focal point.

Cutting and shaping tile sheets to fit your backsplash area is one of the most important steps in the installation process. With the right tools and techniques, you can accurately and efficiently cut tile to size so it fits perfectly within your backsplash layout.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of how to cut backsplash tile sheets using both manual tools and power tools. With the help of this guide, you’ll have all the information needed to properly measure, mark, score, and snap even the toughest tile materials. Let’s get started!

Gather the Right Cutting Tools

Before you start measuring and cutting your tiles, you need to make sure you have the proper cutting tools for the job. The tools required will vary slightly depending on whether you are working with ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tiles.

Here are the most common tools you’ll need:

Tile cutter – A manual tile cutter has a scored cutting wheel and padded surface to snap tiles along a scored line. Look for a model with a carbide scoring wheel for smooth cuts.
Wet saw – For detailed cuts, a wet saw circulates water over the blade while cutting to prevent overheating and cracking. Go for one with an adjustable fence.
Diamond blade – A must-have accessory for most wet saws. The diamond-coated blade stays cool while slicing through tile materials.
Nippers – Perfect for removing jagged edges and small extra sections after scoring. Look for nippers with an ergonomic grip.
Gloves – Protect your hands from sharp tile edges with thick work gloves. Leather provides the best cut protection.
Safety glasses – Flying shards and debris can happen while cutting tile. Always protect your eyes.

For specialty tiles like marble, you may also need specialty blades and wet saw attachments. Having the right tools for the tile type you are cutting ensures precise, chip-free cuts.

Prepare the Tile Sheets

Before making any cuts, take time to properly prepare your tile sheets:

Carefully inspect all tiles for chips, cracks or defects. This ensures you don’t waste time cutting broken tiles.
Arrange tiles in their packaged order to confirm colors match and variations are where you want them.
Clean any dusty film or residue off the tile surface to allow for accurate marking.
For mesh-backed sheets, cut any plastic mesh holding the tiles. Individual tiles are easier to handle.
Set tiles out in your workspace in a logical sequence for cutting. This avoids confusion later.

Proper prep work upfront saves headaches down the road!

Measure Carefully

Meticulous measurement is the key to achieving a backsplash that fits perfectly within the target area. Here are some best practices for measuring tile sheets:

Account for grout lines – when calculating dimensions, remember to subtract the width of grout lines from measurements.
Measure multiple spots – Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Take measurements at the bottom, middle and top.
Use the right tools – Architects’ rulers, tape measures, and laser levels help get very precise measurements.
Mark from the focal point – Mark key measurements from a central design feature or area to ensure symmetry.
Record all measurements – Carefully log all dimensions with a tape measure. Don’t rely on memory!
Double check – Measure twice to confirm accuracy before marking or cutting any tile. Small mistakes multiply.

Precisely measuring and mapping the backsplash area prevents installation problems and creates a seamless end result. If possible, do a dry layout before attaching any tile.

Use Proper Marking Techniques

Once measurements are taken, carefully transfer them to the tile sheets using these effective marking methods:

Use a square – Accurately mark straight pencil lines by keeping one edge flush against a framing square.
Try tile marking pens – Specialized pens make thin persistent marks on tile surfaces. Look for wax-based instead of ink.
Mark the outside edges – To avoid mistakes, only mark cutting lines on the tile surface that will be removed.
Double check lines – Align each tile with measurements or a story stick to confirm line accuracy before cutting.
Mark difficult angles – For outlet cuts and irregular shapes, make paper templates to trace the shape onto the tile.
Take time with marking and use proper tools. Rushing through this step often leads to poorly fitting tiles needing redone cuts.

Score and Snap With a Tile Cutter

For straight cuts along the length of the tile, a manual tile cutter is the perfect tool for the job. Follow these steps to accurately score and snap tiles:

Secure tile – Place the tile on the cutter bed with the mark lined up under the cutting wheel. Lock it in place.
Adjust cutter – Turn the adjustment knob to raise the cutting wheel just above the tile surface.
Score tile – Use firm, even pressure as you run the cutting wheel firmly along the mark’s length.
Repeat score – For a deeper groove, score the line a second time before snapping.
Snap downward – Position hands as close to score line as possible, push down firmly to break tile along score mark.
Smooth edge – Use nippers to remove any small jagged areas along the snapped edge.

With practice, you can cleanly snap even tough porcelain or stone tiles using this method. Just make sure to replace the cutting wheel when it loses it’s sharpness.

Make Precise Wet Saw Cuts

A wet saw is the best option for detailed cuts like L-shapes, outlets cutouts, curves and notches where breaking a score line won’t suffice. Here are tips for flawless wet saw cuts:

Stabilize – Secure tile surface against the saw fence to prevent shifting during cuts.
Mind corners – When cutting an edge, rotate the tile to keep one factory corner aligned against the fence.
Cut slowly – Move the tile through the blade at an even, gradual pace for smooth edges. Rushing causes chips.
Make relief cuts – For L-shaped cuts, make the straight cuts first before slicing the curve.
Dry blade – Pause periodically to turn off water and dry the blade. This prevents buildup and overspray.
Clean up edges – Use a sharpening stone to remove any rough spots or minor chips on cut edges.

Don’t rush through wet saw cuts. Safely executing detailed shapes takes great care and patience for pro-quality results.

Cut Holes for Outlets and Fixtures

Tile around electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures and other obstructions also requires precise cutting. Here are some recommendations:

Use the obstacle – Resting the tile directly against the object, trace the shape onto the tile with a template or marker.
Cut relief holes – First cut small notches just inside the corners of the hole outline.
Proceed cautiously – Starting from the relief cuts, carefully work your way inward until the piece pops free.
Smooth edges – Use a sharpening stone and wet saw to refine and round the cut edges for a custom fit.
Make supplemental cuts – Slice small slits where needed around the hole for a tight fit against outlets or fixtures.

Cutting tile openings requires patience and trial and error. Having the actual obstacle on site helps immensely when test fitting.

Finish Edges Smoothly

Once cutting is complete, it’s important to finish the cut edges properly for an attractive final product. Here are some finishing tips:

Soften sharp corners – Use a wet saw, nippers or sharpening stone to blunt any sharp corners.
Sand cut edges – For a smooth finish, use 120-150 grit sandpaper to refine rough edges on porcelain or stone.
Steam stone – Passing a steamer over cut marble and granite edges closes pores and improves appearance.
Clean thoroughly – Remove all cutting debris and wipe down tiles prior to installation. Bevel wider grout lines.
Inspect carefully – Look for any missed chips and fill as needed with colored epoxy before installing.

Properly finishing the tile edges helps create a clean, cohesive look and allows the grout lines to be as narrow as possible.

Safety Tips

Cutting tile involves handling sharp blades and stone or porcelain edges. Keep safety foremost with these precautions:

Use eye protection – Always wear safety goggles to protect eyes from debris.
Wear thick gloves – Leather gloves help grip slippery tiles and protect hands.
Ear protection – Use ear plugs or muffs during prolonged power tool use.
Check for defects – Don’t cut cracked, broken or warped tiles that can shatter.
Keep hands clear – Fingers can slide into the blade path during cuts. Remove hands fully once blade is moving.
Ventilate dust – Use a dust mask and open windows to prevent breathing tile dust.
Avoid water – Take care to avoid electric shock with wet saws and other power tools.

Staying safe should be the number one priority throughout the cutting process. When in doubt, double up on precautions.

FAQs About Cutting Backsplash Tiles

Can I use a glass cutter instead of a tile cutter?

Glass cutters are not strong enough for ceramic or porcelain tiles. Use a manual tile cutter or wet saw with a diamond blade. A glass cutter can be used for glass tiles.

How do I cut a circle out of a tile for a fixture?

Use a tile bit on a rotary tool, keeping the bit lubricated. Move slowly into the tile in a circular motion until the hole is opened. Finish edges with a sharpening stone.

What blade should I use with a wet saw?

Always match the blade to the tile material. Use a continuous diamond rim blade for ceramic and porcelain or a serrated diamond blade for stone.

How do I cut edge pieces the right width?

Place the tile to be cut right next to the last full installed tile. Mark where the existing tile edge falls onto the new tile and cut along the line.

What should I use to cut marble tile?

For marble, use a wet saw with a carbon steel serrated blade specifically made for cutting stone. Take care to work slowly and minimize heat buildup.

How do I cut a notch out of a tile edge?

Mark the notch size and location. Make relief cuts first with the wet saw, cutting inward from the side edges. Then tap out the notch section carefully with a chisel and nippers.

Conclusion

Learning how to accurately and cleanly cut backsplash tile sheets takes the right tools, careful measurement, patience, and practice. While the process may seem daunting for a DIYer at first, take your time, follow proper technique, and comfort will come.

With this guide’s detailed cutting, measuring, marking and finishing tips, you now have all the information needed to cut tile sheets like a pro. Just remember to focus on safety and proper preparation first. By investing a bit more time on the front end, you’ll avoid mistakes and be rewarded with a stunning backsplash design that fits your space perfectly. Happy cutting!