There are three basic tecniques and tools for cutting tile. Ceramic, quarry, and most porcelain tiles can be cut using the methods described below. Stone, terra-cotta, cement, and certain porcelain tiles should only be cut using a wet saw . If you are cutting porcelain tiles, as your dealer which techniques and tools you can use.

Snap cutter
Mark the line to be cut on the tile. Place the tile firmly against the front guide of the snap cutter. Lift the handle and depress it to score a single, continuous line across the entire tile. Depress the handle again and the tile will snap into two pieces.

If you are cutting several tiles to the same dimension, simply clamp the cutting fence into position for the first cut and then position the succeeding tiles against it. Be sure to brush away the debris after each cut.

Nibbling tool
Though cuts made with a nibbling tool are not as clean as those made with a snap cutter or wet saw, they are close enough for most applications.

To make a cut that runs both across and down a tile, first use a snap cutter to score the lines. Then nibble away slowly from the area to be removed. A large bite risks shattering the entire tile. When you work your way to the scored lines, you can make your cuts more precise.

To make a cut that a snap cutter can’t make—usually 1/2 inch or less from a tile’s edge—use a nibbling tool after scoring the line with the snap cutter.

Wet saw
The most precise cuts come from using a wet saw. The best wet saws have a pump that continuously squirts water onto a diamond blade to keep the blade sharp. Inexpensive wet saws have no pump but rather keep the blade partially submerged at all times. If the saw has a splash guard, it can be used indoors, though there will still be scattered spray.

Set the saw on a level, stable surface. If the saw has a pump, set it in the pan, fill the pan with water, and test the pump before making any cuts. For a saw without a pump, fill the pan to the recommended level and maintain it.

Wet saws are readily available for rent at most major home improvement stores.