How do you cut tiles that are already fixed to the wall?

Question

We are installing new kitchen units but want to keep our old tiles. However, we need to cut the bottoms off some of the tiles as they got damaged when we took the old units out.

Answer 1

A diamond blade on a circular saw will work well on long straight cuts. Set up a stringer below the cut to rest the saw on for a good straight line. Move the saw slowly to keep from causing the tile to chip at the cut. For your corners you will need a carbide blade on a reciprocating saw (sawzall or jig saw). This will be more difficult but you might be able to rest the shoe or blade of the saw on stringer for support and be able to cut it relatively straight. Finishing with caulk on top of your backsplash can hide any imperfections.

Alternately you may find it easier to remove the bottom row of tiles if they are badly damaged and replace them with new tiles. This could actually add an accent to your finished product and can look quite nice if you are unable to match the old tiles. Use your imagination.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

After reading the first 4 answers, and after removing and installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, I offer this.

First of all a "Skil" Saw no matter the blade, is cumbersome, heavy, and has limits that may cause you to go farther than you need, in my suggestion. It also suggest having to hold up a 12 pound tool, running at high RPMS and work it across what better be a straight horizontal line.

I'm redoing a floor at the moment, 11,000 sq. ft, installed initially by shoddy labor and materials, but I'll equate it to your issue of the tiles being VERTICAL.

I use many tools for tile and in your case another answer suggested a DI-Grinder and appropriate blade. It need not be DIAMOND however. I use a Steel cut blade that works very well.

Another answer suggests removing the tile completely, which I assume then means having to negotiate a waste cut, perhaps on a piece only 4 or 6 inches square. For that I'd RENT a WET saw, table model.

The issue also involves the substrate, I'll assume drywall. Leaving the tiles mortared to the wall and cutting with the best tool suggest you may also cut into the substrate, possibly weakening it.

Whatever your choice, removal or trim, it can be accomplished by EYE or using a straight edge template. If you choose to remove individual pieces CUT the GROUT lines, then carefully nudge the tiles away from the substrate. I'd even make an effort to repair the substrate before re-install.

Certainly wear safety goggles at least, and prepare for DUST. You can help eliminate some if you have a shop vac...Just let it run as you cut. You can also mask off areas adjacent to the cutting to confine the dust.

One final note: If you choose to remove tiles, CUT grout beyond the edges of the damaged pieces. Grout after will fill in the cut lines.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

First you need to remove the tiles that you want cut. This is risky because you can break the whole tile. The other answer you got could work well if your careful, but you still have the problem of breaking the tiles. However, I would still try his answer he's got a good idea. But, if you break more than you want I would consider a new bull nose tile or a different color of tile to compliment what you already have. To remove the tiles take a wide chisel and gently tap it under the tiles you want to remove. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

An abrasive cutting wheel of some type will be your best bet, using a rotary tool. It will likely be slow, and messy. You'll want to have a helper with a spray bottle to keep the tile and cutting wheel spayed down to prevent overheating. And you'll want to be very careful not to run off of your desired cutting mark. Good luck with the project.

Answer 5

a four-inch grinder with a diamond wheel is your best bet.it'll be quite dusty, though. you'll want to cover up the surrounding area and get yourself a spray bottle.having a shop vac on standby also never hurts.

Answer 6

you need and angel grinder with a 4" diamond blade on it