Tools for Cutting Ceramic Tiles

Introduction

Precise tile cutting isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s one of the key factors that determine the overall quality of any tiling job. Using the wrong tool can slow you down, increase waste, or even damage expensive materials. That’s why it’s crucial to understand both the capabilities and limitations of the tools available. On UK job sites, two main solutions dominate: manual tile cutters and electric wet saws. Which one is better? It depends on the tiles you're working with – and the job at hand.

Manual Tile Cutter – Fast, Lightweight, and Budget-Friendly

The manual tile cutter is a staple in every tiler’s toolkit – simple, effective, and reliable in everyday use. It works by scoring the tile glaze with a cutting wheel and then snapping the tile cleanly using a built-in breaking mechanism. While it may look modest compared to electric wet saws, in the hands of an experienced tradesperson, it can deliver impressive results.

Advantages of manual cutters:

• Light and portable – Easy to carry around site, take upstairs, or use in confined spaces. Ideal for working in flats, on scaffolding, or during renovations where speed and flexibility are essential.

• No power needed – Making it invaluable on sites without mains electricity or where cable access is limited.

• Quick to operate – With a sharp wheel and a solid mechanism, you can cut a tile in seconds. For straight cuts on wall tiles or thin floor tiles, this can speed up installation significantly.

• Cost-effective – Low purchase price and minimal running costs (mostly just wheel replacement and guide lubrication). A great choice for small teams, apprentices, or sole traders starting out.
  

Limitations and drawbacks:

• Only for straight cuts – Manual cutters are limited to straight-line scoring. For shaped cuts, notches, or corners (e.g. around pipes or sockets), you’ll need an angle grinder or a wet saw.

• Struggles with hard materials – Dense porcelain, textured tiles, or sintered slabs may resist the scoring wheel, leading to jagged breaks or chipping.

• Cutting length is limited – Most cutters handle up to 600–900 mm, which isn’t sufficient for large-format tiles like 1200x600 mm or 1000x1000 mm slabs.

• Risk of chipped edges – Especially on glazed or stone-effect tiles, where snapping can damage the visible edge – making them unsuitable for exposed wall lines.
  

When is it the right tool?

A good manual cutter is perfect for wall tiles, standard ceramics, and thin porcelain floors. It really shines when making lots of repeat cuts – for example in bathrooms, kitchens, or stairwells – allowing fast progress without noise or dust. The key is using a sharp scoring wheel, keeping the guide rails clean, and applying proper breaking technique. In skilled hands, it delivers clean, accurate cuts without electricity – and with zero hassle.

Wet Tile Saw – Precision and Versatility

The wet tile saw – also known as an electric tile cutter – is a tool for professionals who refuse to compromise. Using a diamond blade cooled by water, it ensures clean cuts, extends tool life, and minimises dust and overheating. The result? Smooth, flawless edges even with the most demanding materials.

Advantages of a wet tile saw:

• Joinery-level accuracy – Delivers straight, smooth edges without chips, even on thick porcelain. Essential for high-end projects where the finish must be perfect at first glance.

• Non-standard cuts made easy – Including angled cuts (e.g. 45° mitres), L-shapes (for sockets), and even U-cuts (for pipes, corner profiles, or box-outs). None of these are achievable with a manual cutter.

• Handles a wide range of materials – From standard ceramic and porcelain to vitrified tiles, rectified edges, natural stone (like marble and granite), and even fragile wood-effect tiles.

• Perfect finish – Especially when tiles are laid without trims or with ultra-thin grout lines (1–2 mm). A precise edge greatly enhances the visual appeal of the final result.
  

Limitations and drawbacks:

• Size and weight – Even compact saws can weigh over 15 kg, while industrial models are significantly heavier. Moving them up stairs or through tight spaces can be challenging.

• Cost and maintenance – A quality saw can set you back several hundred or even thousands of pounds. You'll also need to replace blades, service the water pump, and keep the worktable clean. For new tilers, this can be a significant upfront investment.

• Power and water access required – Which can be an issue in early-stage builds or outdoor sites. You’ll need your own generator and a water supply/drain setup.

• Not ideal for confined areas – Like under stairs, inside kitchen units, or around attic angles. In tight spaces, bringing the tile to the saw may simply not be feasible.
  

When is it worth the investment?

A wet saw is a must-have for tilers specialising in large formats or hard materials – 600x1200 mm, 800x800 mm, thin porcelain slabs, or rectified tiles laid with minimal grout. It’s also essential in premium finishes – kitchens, luxury bathrooms, hotel fit-outs, reception areas, and office corridors – where perfect edges are non-negotiable.

While it’s a larger investment than a manual cutter, it pays off quickly – both in reduced waste and in the ability to charge higher rates for precision work.

Which one should you choose? Or… both?

There’s no single cutting tool that suits every tile or every situation. That’s why experienced tradespeople combine both tools – the manual cutter and the wet saw – using them as complementary, not competing, solutions. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but knowing when to use each for maximum efficiency.

A hybrid working example:

Use a manual cutter for fast straight cuts on wall tiles in bathrooms or kitchens – ideal for base tiles, borders, or quick sizing around corners where speed and repeatability matter.

Bring in the wet saw for complex or exposed cuts – angles under windowsills, sockets, mitres around bathtubs or shower trays, or detailed trimming of porcelain. Also perfect for visible final cuts that need to look immaculate.

This hybrid approach blends speed and precision, cuts down on waste, and reduces rework. A tiler with both tools can work smarter – avoiding wasted time sanding down rough edges or hauling heavy kit into places it’s not needed.

Why every pro tiler should have both:

Each tool has strengths and weaknesses. Where one falls short, the other excels.

Relying on just one often means making compromises – like forcing a long tile onto a saw in a tight bathroom or snapping dense porcelain manually and risking breakage.

Owning both gives you full control – both in finish quality and technical performance.

Clients notice when a contractor shows up prepared. For many, a tiler with two types of cutters isn’t just better equipped – they’re more professional, more trustworthy, and clearly respect both the project and the materials.

That’s what separates a true tradesperson from a general handyman. A professional doesn’t guess or make do. They plan, choose the right tool for the job, and deliver outstanding results – which is why clients are happy to pay more and recommend them to others.

🎯📌Discover more construction and finishing tips

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Is a manual tile cutter enough for porcelain tiles?
For thin porcelain – yes. But with hard, technical porcelain or sintered slabs, a wet saw is a better choice. Manual cutters can cause chipping or uneven breaks.

What’s the difference between a wet and a dry tile cutter?
A wet cutter uses water to cool the diamond blade, reduce dust, improve cut quality, and extend tool life. Dry models are less common and mostly used for light, occasional jobs.

Is it worth buying a wet saw for just one renovation?
No. It's a tool for professionals and tiling businesses. For a single project, it's better to rent a saw or use a tile-cutting service at a supplier.

Which tiles can be cut with a manual cutter?
Wall tiles, ceramic, and some types of thin porcelain. It’s not suitable for thick, textured, or very hard tiles.

Why does an electric tile saw need water?
Water cools the diamond blade and reduces dust. Dry cutting can overheat the tool and cause tiles to crack.

Can a manual cutter handle large-format tiles like 120x60 cm?
Not all can. You’ll need a cutter with a long guide rail (at least 125 cm) and a sturdy frame. In practice, most tilers use a wet saw for such sizes.

When is it worth having both tools – manual and wet cutter?
Whenever you're doing mixed work – from simple flats to premium bathrooms. Manual cutters offer speed, wet saws offer precision. Together, they help you work faster and more professionally.