How to Cut Glass Tiles
Whether installing flooring for a patio, bathroom, kitchen, or foyer, glass tiles allow you to create unique adornments. Create a single colored floor, random patterns, and even planned designs: essentially you can tailor your floor to fit your decor flawlessly.
When you are ready to install a glass tile floor, you should be prepared to have some of the tiles cut. Depending on the size of the tiles and the shape of the room you are remodeling or building, several tiles will need to be cut to make sure they fit snug against the outside walls of the room. Make sure to pay attention: glass is a fragile, brittle product that splinters easily when force is applied in the wrong way.
Option 1:
Lay the tiles out on the floor as you would when you are ready to install them. Mark the tiles that need to be cut and mark where they need to be cut. Bring your tiles to a professional and have them cut the tiles for you. For many home or business owners, this is the easiest way to make sure your tiles are cut correctly.
Option 2:
Option two is the DIY route. Follow the same process as you would above by marking the tiles that need to be cut. Then, there are several tools you can use for cutting the glass tiles. Because of glass' density, different types of tools are needed than your standard natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic tiles.
Nippers
Nippers are small, handheld tools that are used to cut small, thin tiles. You can use nippers for small tiles - 4mm or smaller. If you need to cut tiles for a glass mosaic tiles, than nippers are good tools to use.
Glass Scoring
Glass scoring tools can be used to make straight edge cuts on standard thickness tiles. Score the glass on one side, place a wire on the underside and apply even pressure to both sides of the tile to snap the tiles where it has been scored. If you don’t have many tiles to cut, and only need to make straight cuts then glass scoring is a worthy option.
Wet Saw
Using a wet saw is best for large projects where thick tiles need to be cut. Scoring usually will not work on thick tiles and can make quick work of a large tile installation. Wet saws use a diamond-encrusted blade on a power saw that is built on a table. The wet saw uses a water sprayer to ensure the blade stays cool as it cuts. Wet saws are available to rent or buy, so if you only have one tile cutting project you can simply rent one for your remodel.
Here are some additional quick tips for cutting your own glass tiles:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area
- Only use tile cutters that are sharp
- Always wear safety goggles
- Always wear gloves
If you are installing a glass tile floor and need to cut your own tiles there are several tools available to you. Cutting your own glass tiles will ensure your tiles are cut evenly and will also save you money on installation.
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