Updating the floor or wall tiles in your home can give it a new look, but making your space look exactly the way you imagine it will take time and the right tools. It's best to be as prepared as possible to prevent your project from really looking like a DIY project rather than a professional job. Of course, you need a plan from start to finish, starting with buying the right tile cutter. This tile cutter buying guide can help you understand your options and which professional tile tool is right for your project.

When starting your tile project, the first thing you need to consider is the type of tile cutter you should use. There are two options: manual and electric.

If you're working on smaller tile projects, a manual tile cutter is probably the best piece of equipment. These tools tend to be more affordable than power tools, and they don't have the strength and reinforcement stress that larger projects require. Smaller jobs are more focused on precision cutting, and a hand cutter can do this well. Smaller projects may also require more delicate tile, which requires the gentle touch of hand tools. Manual tile cutters are usually made of steel and tungsten carbide cutting wheels. Manual tile cutters are great for home DIY projects, but may not be ideal for larger projects that use heavy, large tiles.

For larger jobs, a power cutter may be the more appropriate tool. Electric cutters are more powerful and can cut through heavy tiles made of sturdy materials like stone and granite. Electric cutters sand tile easily and can cut into shapes like manual cutters, rather than simple straight lines or diagonals. Electric cutters are great for larger projects and are most often used on commercial projects or large residential projects.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a tile cutter is size. There are two ways to define the size of a tile cutter. First, it has to be powerful enough to get the job done. If you're in an area with heavy tile, your cutter needs to be fast enough and strong enough to cut easily and smoothly. Second, the tile cutter itself needs to be able to deliver the correct length for the size of tile you're using from one end to the other. You can use a large tile cutter to cut small tiles, but not the other way around. The tiles need to fit the tile cutter for possible cutting. The tile cutter's size, or length, tells you how large tiles it can handle and should say so on the packaging.

The tougher the material you need to cut, the stronger your tile cutter must be. Ceramic or tile cutters don't require as much durability and strength, but granite and stone are very hard materials that require a wet power saw or hand grinder. Hard tiles can also be cut with a hand grinder or wet saw, but the quality of the cut will depend on the type of diamond blade used. Projects involving 12" tile will require a small tile cutter that can be fairly inexpensive. However, as you get larger and thicker tiles, larger and stronger tile cutters will be required, usually increasing in price with increased length and strength.

The hardness and durability of tiles are rated according to the Enamel Institute (PEI) scale. The scale runs from zero to five, with zero being a tile that cannot handle foot traffic at all (wall tiles), and a maximum of five being tiles that can handle excess foot traffic (shops, entrance halls, hotel floors, etc.). Tiles come in a variety of materials, including:

- Ceramics

- Porcelain

- Terracotta

- Slate

- Marble

- Granite

- Mosaic

- Glass

Large-format tile cutting is a special case. It requires a tile cutter capable of seamlessly cutting an entire tile from start to finish, without pausing and adjusting. Because large tiles are becoming more popular in residential and commercial installations, manufacturers have designed special cutters that can cut large tiles correctly and accurately.

Some tile cutter models work well with certain accessories, such as alternating carbide cutting wheels, carrying cases, pliers, tile markers, rubber pads, tile cutter maintenance kits, and more. Some models may even have these accessories as standard equipment. To get the most out of your project, it's a smart idea to use some tile cutter accessories. Our professional tile accessories can help you improve your tile project, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.

If you're planning and stocking the right tools and equipment for your tile project, be sure to do your research and get expert advice from other installation professionals. Our guide to tile cutters is a great place to start, but our expert advice doesn't stop there

If you need tools and equipment, TILER is your best choice. TILER is a professional tile-laying tools manufacturer. Since the invention of our first tile cutter, we have been committed to providing installers with quality, efficient tile-cutting, and laying tools. With over 28 years of experience, patented technology, and unparalleled production capabilities, TILER has become an industry leader, serving customers in more than 130 countries. We advocate the spirit of craftsmanship and are committed to manufacturing perfect, precise, and safe products. Through advanced design, high-quality products and customer service, TILER makes laying easy and provides an enjoyable experience for installers. If you want to buy bricklaying tools, welcome to contact us.