Premium-quality vitrified porcelain from Italy is one of the best options for gardens and driveways. Thanks to its incredible strength and durability, it’s one of the longest-lasting paving solutions, with the added advantage of being super low maintenance.
For anyone who wants all the non-slip, frost-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and algae-resistant benefits without the need for annual sealing, it’s worth the investment. But compared to natural stone, it can be trickier to cut and lay. Cutting porcelain slabs is slightly more complicated than cutting natural stone due to the fact that vitrified porcelain is extremely strong. This means absolute precision is needed and you will need to invest in the right tools.
Read on for our guide on how to cut porcelain slabs for your patio/driveway and how to cut porcelain tiles for your interior flooring. Plus tips on how to cut porcelain tile without chipping the material – which can be a problem if you don’t have the right blade.
Diamond blades
When it comes to cutting porcelain slabs, you need the right porcelain blade for the job. The best porcelain slab cutters are:
- Diamond saw blades – the larger the blade, the better, as this means you’ll have increased surface area to allow the blade to cool. You will also have more diamonds, which means the blade itself will last longer and deliver continued performance for future projects.
- Wet saw with plunge cutter – opt for a porcelain slab cutter with plunge cut capabilities. This allows you to make the cut in several passes, which can make the process easier.
Avoid abrasive or cheaper diamond blades as these can chip, spall or shatter the porcelain slab. They can also cause edges to look rough and unsightly, which could result in an unprofessional finish for your patio or driveway.
Slowly does it…
Porcelain tiles are expensive, so it can be frustrating when you accidentally chip them during the cutting process. If you want to know how to cut porcelain tile without chipping it or causing damage, a tip is to take it slow.
If you are using a wet tile cutter, there can be extreme heat caused by the friction, and this can lead to diamond filaments dislodging. If this happens over and over again, the blade could warp, which could crack your porcelain tile. So work slowly, and only use well-sharpened blades. If your porcelain proves particularly hard to cut, it helps to cut the material in two or three passes rather than one go.
Learning how to cut porcelain paving slabs starts with good preparation too. Before you start, score a line and make a shallow indent for the blade to follow. Cut each end of the line all the way through before you start to prevent breakages.
SPECIALIST DRILL BITS
If you’re looking for tips on how to cut porcelain slabs, you are probably wondering how you might drill a hole as well. If you need to drill but are worried about cracking, be sure to get the right drill bits.
You need drill bits that are designed specifically for hard and dense materials like porcelain. Some drill bits may be water-cooled, while others are wax-filled to prevent overheating – the type of drill bit required depends on whether it is a wet or dry cut.
The surface of porcelain can also be very slippery, so make sure you measure and mark the area before you begin. Some people will also find the job easier when using a drill bit guide over smooth tile surfaces.
Remember, porcelain is brittle
Although porcelain paving slabs are incredibly dense and durable, they are also brittle by nature. Being such a hard material fired at high temperatures means that porcelain can also be fragile when not handled correctly.
Not only does special care need to be taken when cutting porcelain slabs or drilling into the tile, but porcelain will have to be transported carefully. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid dropping the pavers on their corners as this could result in chipping.
There may also be a need for certain protective devices (such as metal plates or self-adhesive protection sheets) when using porcelain slabs on raised decks. The best support is having something for the entire bottom surface area of the tile, rather than just the corners or edges.
At Contemporary Paving Online, we specialise in the finest quality vitrified porcelain paving sourced from leading manufacturers in Italy. We have years of experience sourcing, supplying and fitting porcelain pavers. If you have questions about sizing, colour selection or installation, get in touch with our friendly team today. Call 01977 782240 for advice or guidance on any of the above.