The Best Tile Cutters for Your Retiling Project

Retiling is one of those home projects that can make a significant impact relatively quickly. Whether laying a new ceramic tile bathroom floor or installing a glass backsplash in your kitchen, good tile work has the power to transform the room.

However, installing tile does require some specialty tools, especially when it comes to cutting the tile. Tile is a strong, durable material, but it’s easy to cut to size if you have the right tile cutter. If you’re unsure how to choose the best tile cutter for your retiling project, this guide is here to help. 

Below is a list of our top picks for the best tile cutters on the market chosen through extensive research, hands-on testing, and customer feedback. We kept several considerations in mind (detailed below) when selecting the best model for a given project. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Sigma 2G 37cm Pulling Incision Tile Cutter
2. RUNNER-UP: QEP 10630 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: QEP 10214Q 14-Inch Pro Tile Cutter
4. BEST WET TILE CUTTER: DeWalt D24000S 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw With Stand
5. BEST FOR VINYL: Roberts 10-63 13-Inch Multi-Floor Cutter
6. BEST FOR CERAMIC: Skil 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
7. BEST GLASS: Skil 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
8. BEST FOR PORCELAIN: QEP 10220Q 20-Inch Pro Tile Cutter
9. BEST SAW: DeWalt DWC860W 4⅜-Inch Wet/Dry Tile Cutter

How We Chose the Best Tile Cutters 

We researched and tested the most sought-after tile cutters in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, versatility, ease of use, and other special features included by top brands.

We included viable options in our list of top picks that were thoroughly vetted and/or tested. These tile cutters were either manual or electric and were capable of cutting porcelain, glass, ceramic, marble, granite, brick, and travertine stone tiles. While most of our top picks were made with push functionality, some of them also operate via pull to satisfy all user preferences. 

Each of these picks accommodates a variety of cutting types including rip, plunge, or diagonal, with some models achieving cuts as long as 28 inches long. We also wanted to make sure that all of these tile cutters came with plenty of useful features like leverageable handles, diamond or tungsten scoring wheels or blades, water reservoirs and pumps for reduced heat and dust, adjustable stops, rubber padding, and even ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switches on the electric models for added safety. 

Our Top Picks

With the need-to-know information about tile cutters complete, it’s time to start shopping. Below is a list of some of the most popular reviewed and tested tile cutters on the market to review and compare. Each of these tested or selected products also comes with a list of important specs and a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons.

BEST OVERALL

Sigma 2G 37cm Pulling Incision Tile Cutter

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Porcelain, glass, ceramic, marble, and granite 
• Type: Manual 
• Pull vs. push: Pulling 
• Cutting size: 14.5 inches (rip cuts), 10.2 inches (diagonal cuts) 

Pros

• The rapid positioning button allows the user to adjust the cutting angle between 0 and 45 degrees 
• Lightweight and portable construction allows for portability on jobsites or during DIY tiling
• The durable tungsten steel scoring wheel is capable of cutting tiles up to 15 millimeters thick 

Cons

• All of the measurements are metric; this may not be ideal for some users 

Looking for a manual tile cutter that can handle almost any tile? Check out the Sigma 2G 37cm pulling incision tile cutter. This pull-type manual tile cutter can make straight lines and cuts on tiles up to 14.5 inches and diagonal cuts of up to 10.2 inches. It can also handle several tile thicknesses without making adjustments, with a maximum capacity of tiles ½-inch thick. 

The adjustable measuring guide of this less than 5-pound tile cutter swivels up to 45 degrees in either direction with its rapid positioning button, allowing the user to make the angled cuts required for the job. It uses a tungsten steel scoring wheel that can handle a variety of materials, including glass, porcelain, and ceramic, while also snapping stones that are harder to cut, such as marble and granite. 

The only possible downside to this model is that all of the measurements are listed in metric, which may not be the preferred option for some users. 

Get the Sigma tile cutter at Amazon.

RUNNER-UP

QEP 10630 24-Inch Manual Tile Cutter 

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Most common tile types
• Type: Manual 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 24 inches wide (rip cuts), 21 inches wide (diagonal cuts)

Pros

• Easy-to-use construction; comes with 2 legs that swing out from the body for stability 
• Adjustable stop integrated for accuracy when making repeated or uniform cuts 
• The durable tungsten carbide scoring wheel can take on most tiles up to ½-inch thick 

Cons

• Some users have reported some chipping or rough edges
• May take a learning curve for first-time users or beginners 

For tile projects that require a bit of extra capability and capacity from a tile cutter, QEP’s 10630 24-inch manual tile cutter is a viable option. This push manual tile cutter can handle straight cuts on tiles up to 24 inches and diagonal cuts on tiles of 21 inches. It also boasts two legs that swing out from the body, providing extra stability. 

This tile cutter features an adjustable stop for tweaking and registering tile to ensure perfectly sized or repetitive cuts. It offers a titanium-coated tungsten carbide scoring wheel, making it an optimal choice for projects involving most tile varieties up to ½-inch thick, including ceramic and porcelain.

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Tile Saws that “one of the standout features of the QEP model is its dual chrome-plated steel rails with linear ball-bearing slides, which contribute to smooth and precise scoring on large tiles. We tested the QEP on several types of tiles, and it performed best with ceramic and porcelain. The broad aluminum-alloy base, heavy-duty rubber pads, and cutting table extensions added stability, especially when working with larger tiles.”

Get the QEP 10630 tile cutter at The Home Depot or Amazon.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

QEP 10214Q 14-Inch Pro Tile Cutter

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Ceramic and porcelain
• Type: Manual
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 14 inches (rip cuts), 10 inches (diagonal cuts) 

Pros

• Made with a ½-inch tungsten carbide scoring wheel for effective cutting 
• Ergonomic rubber-padded handle and snapping foot allow for ease of use and reduced fatigue
• Heavy-duty rubber pads on the base keep the unit in place while cutting 
• Affordable compared to other options on the market 

Cons

• Some users have reported that this model is not always accurate 

QEP’s 14-inch tile cutter is an affordable tile cutter appropriate for a small flooring or backsplash tiling project. This manual push-style tile cutter has a rip cut capacity of up to 14 inches and a diagonal cut capacity of up to 10 inches with a highly leverageable handle. It can handle tiles up to ½-inch thickness as well.

While it won’t break the bank, the QEP still boasts plenty of nice-to-have features to get the job done. It provides heavy-duty rubber pads to keep it from slipping or marking the surface on which you’re working. The tile cutter also offers a rubber-padded handle for comfort and a padded snapping foot for snapping tile without scratching it. It includes a ½-inch titanium-coated tungsten carbide scoring wheel as well as dual chrome-plated steel rails with bumpers for easy scoring. 

Get the QEP 10214Q tile cutter at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

BEST WET TILE CUTTER

DeWalt D24000S 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw With Stand

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Porcelain, granite, ceramic, marble, and glass 
• Type: Electric 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 25 inches (rip cuts), 28 inches (plunge cuts), 18 inches (diagonal cuts)

Pros

• Comes with a 1.5-horsepower saw and a height-adjustable saw stand; the stand can be mounted to the floor if desired 
• Excellent versatility; makes a wide variety of cuts including plunge, rip, and diagonal 
• Made with many useful features; GFCI switch, onboard storage, and submersible pump 

Cons

• Some assembly is required before use; users must attach the saw frame to the base
• The blade included is not as durable as other viable options offered by the manufacturer
• Limited portability compared to some of the manual or handheld options available

DeWalt’s wet tile saw is worth checking into for achieving accurate, smooth cuts on a retiling project. This 10-inch wet saw has a straight cut capacity of up to 25 inches, a plunge capacity of up to 28 inches, creates 45-degree cuts on tiles up to 18 inches, and has a maximum cut depth of 3⅛ inches. It tilts up to 45 degrees, good for crafting perfectly beveled corners. It also features a 1½-horsepower electric motor and a submersible pump to keep the blade cool.

The wet tile saw includes an easy-to-transport stand, which means there is no need to bend over to make cuts. The wide tray of the height-adjustable saw stand underneath the saw helps contain any messes or splashes, removing some of the concerns of working with a wet saw. This model comes with a porcelain blade, which can be upgraded to a diamond-embedded blade for tougher stone tiles. 

Need more? This DeWalt tile cutter also comes with a GFCI switch on the power cord for safety when in use and onboard storage for blade-change wrenches. The stand can be mounted to the floor to be a permanent addition to a professional or household workshop. 

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “it came equipped with a sturdy stand and steel legs that reduced unwanted wobbling during cuts, and the sliding table allowed us to feed the tiles through the blade smoothly. The blade’s high-efficiency water-flow system eliminated airborne dust and kept the blade cool while cutting. As a result, we didn’t experience any tile breakage, which can happen if a blade gets too hot. Another notable plus: The D24000S features a built-in GFCI switch on its cord, an added safety feature that reduces the risk of electrical shocks.” 

Read our full review:DeWalt D24000S 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw With Stand

Get the DeWalt D24000S tile saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or MSC.

BEST FOR VINYL

Roberts 10-63 13-Inch Multi-Floor Cutter

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Vinyl 
• Type: Manual 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 13 inches (rip and diagonal cuts)

Pros

• Versatile construction is suitable for vinyl tiles as well as engineered wood and vinyl flooring 
• Comes with a resharpenable tungsten blade for reliability and long-term use 
• The long handle provides leverage; reduces fatigue on the user 

Cons

• May take a learning curve for beginners or first-time users 
• Can be difficult to get materials aligned properly for cutting 

When tackling a vinyl tile project, consider a high-quality flooring cutter that can get the job done both quickly and accurately. The Roberts 10-63 13-inch flooring cutter is a guillotine-style cutter that can handle materials like vinyl tile, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and engineered flooring up to 13 inches wide and ½-inch thick. It can chop excess material off those vinyl tiles in no time.

This manual cutter from Roberts features a long handle, which can apply plenty of leverage for quick cutting without straining. It also boasts a built-in angle gauge, good for making repeated cuts at a consistent angle. 

Get the Roberts tile cutter at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

BEST FOR CERAMIC

Skil 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Ceramic and glass 
• Type: Electric 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 7.75 inches (rip cuts), 7.25 inches (diagonal cuts)

Pros

• Delivers 3,600 revolutions per minute (rpm) of power for reliable cutting; comes with a 7-inch diamond blade 
• Plenty of useful features and accessories included; a stainless steel worktop, a sliding table, a rip fence, and a miter gauge 
• Comes with a blade-cooling water reservoir with a splash guard to minimize heat, dust, and debris 
• Lightweight construction can be transported to or around jobsites with ease 

Cons

• Not suitable for cutting porcelain or other hard or large tile materials 
• Does not have a GFCI switch and is not designed to make plunge cuts 
• Users will want to keep an eye on the water level when in use; some runoff can occur 

Ceramic is a beloved material for bathroom and kitchen backsplash, shower walls, flooring, and more. However, cutting them can be a little tough without the right tools, like this model from Skil. This 3,600 rpm electric saw is excellent at cutting through ceramic and glass with the help of its 7-inch diamond blade that can achieve 7.75-inch rip cuts and 7.25-inch diagonal cuts of 0 to 45 degrees. 

This Skil tile cutter also has an adjustable, corrosive-resistant stainless steel worktop; a sliding table; and an adjustable rip fence with a miter gauge for accuracy when cutting. Plus, as this is a wet saw, there is an integrated blade-cooling water reservoir and splash guard to keep any overspray out of the eyes and face while cutting at up to 3,600 rpm. 

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “we found this affordable wet saw practical and precise when cutting ceramic and glass tiles. It’s portable, lightweight, and does a good job cutting softer tiles up to 12 inches long. This compact wet saw can handle up to 12-inch rip cuts and has a miter gauge for accurate diagonal cuts. The worktable is also adjustable, so you can create bevels from 0 to 45 degrees. Another plus: The splash guard sits high enough that we could clearly see our cutlines while cutting. A cord winder on the side also makes for easy cord storage.”

Get the Skil 3540-02 tile cutter at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Menards.

BEST FOR GLASS

Skil 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Glass
• Type: Electric 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 18 inches (rip and diagonal) 

Pros

• Comes with a Hydro Lock Water Containment System and spray guard to reduce any risk of stray glass shards 
• Made with a built-in aluminum table top with a sliding extension and adjustable fence 
• Comes with a 7-inch diamond blade for making clean cuts in glass 

Cons

• The manufacturer does not list the maximum tile thickness 

When working with glass tiles, beware of stray shards. While manual tile cutters can cut glass tiles, the Skil 3550-02 7-inch wet tile saw will reduce the chances of injury from a chipped piece of glass. It features a Hydro Lock Water Containment System underneath the saw and a spray-catching clear blade guard to keep messes under control. It also uses a 7-inch diamond blade that can be switched out with other blades suitable for different tile materials.

This 3,600 rpm wet saw can handle tiles up to 18 inches wide on straight cuts. It boasts an adjustable tilting deck for making 22.5-degree and 45-degree bevels for miters. It also offers an adjustable fence that provides a consistent guide for straight and even cuts, plus an aluminum tabletop and sliding side extension for supporting larger tiles while cutting.

Get the Skil 3550-02 tile cutter at Amazon.

BEST FOR PORCELAIN

QEP 10220Q 20-Inch Pro Tile Cutter

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Ceramic and porcelain
• Type: Manual 
• Pull vs. push: Push 
• Cutting size: 20 inches (rip cut), 14 inches (diagonal cuts) 

Pros

• The cutting area is equipped with foam and rubber pads to keep tiles in place when cutting 
• Dual chrome-plated steel rails and a leverageable rubber-coated handle provide clean cuts and ease of use 
• Built-in reinforced steel base provides durability for long-term use 

Cons

• No weight is listed on the manufacturer’s site; may be heavier than other options available 
• Some users have reported difficulty making accurate and clean cuts 

For a manual tile cutter that will snap porcelain tiles, give the 10220Q 20-inch Pro tile cutter from QEP a look. This tile cutter can handle porcelain or ceramic floor tiles up to 20 inches long, with a 14-inch diagonal-cut capacity on tiles up to ½-inch thickness. 

This tile cutter boasts several features to make finishing the job easier. It can make accurate and repeatable cuts with the built-in rip guide. It also includes two foam side pads, heavy-duty rubber pads, and dual chrome-plated steel rails with bumpers for holding the tile in place during scoring while also compressing a bit when the tile snaps. This tile cutter also comes with a reinforced steel base; an extra-long, leverageable, and rubber-coated handle; and a ½-inch titanium-coated tungsten carbide cutting wheel.

Get the QEP 10220Q tile cutter at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

BEST SAW

DeWalt DWC860W 4⅜-Inch Wet/Dry Tile Cutter

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Product Specs 

• Compatible tile materials: Glass, ceramic, brick, porcelain, and travertine
• Type: Electric
• Pull vs. push: Push
• Cutting size: Unlimited 

Pros

• 10.8-amp motor and 4⅜-inch blade allow for wet or dry cuts of 1⅜ inches deep 
• 12-foot water hose attaches to a water supply for debris- and dust-free cutting 
• Handheld, mobile construction can be used to cut any tile size

Cons

• May not provide the accuracy of some comparable models with fences or guides 

Lightweight maneuverability meets electric convenience in this tile cutter from DeWalt. This 4⅜-inch tile saw can be hooked up to a water supply with its 12-foot water hose for cool dust- and debris-free cutting but can also be used for dry cutting if needed. This compact DeWalt saw comes with a 10.8-amp motor and 4⅜-inch blade that is suitable for cutting through glass, ceramic, and travertine stone as thick as 1 ⅜ inches deep. In hands-on testing, it also worked on brick and porcelain. 

The 6.6-pound saw is capable of making straight and plunge cuts and it can bevel from 0 to 45 degrees if needed. Plus, the rubber over-mold grip and GFCI switch provide added safety while cutting.

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide: “Equipped with a robust 10.8-amp motor, this compact saw delivers exceptional cutting power—it is a DeWalt, after all. In our tests, it cut through ceramic, glass, and travertine stone. We cut through a brick paver on a whim, and it sliced right through. Its premium blade even cuts through porcelain tile, though at a slower rate. The DeWalt handheld saw also cuts bevels up to 45 degrees, making it convenient for cutting mitered corners from tile.

Get the DeWalt DWC860W tile cutter at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or MSC.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Tile Cutter

Reviewing and testing these items provided better insight into how a tile cutter works and which style will be best for which project. However, there are a few points to understand about the best tile cutters before shopping. Below is a list of the main considerations to keep in mind while choosing the right tile cutter for a particular retiling project in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, sauna, and more. 

Tile Material

After choosing the right tile for a retiling project, the second consideration should be how to cut it. The right tile cutter or saw is based on the material with which the tile is made:

• Manual tile cutters are ideal for porcelain and ceramic tiles. These tiles score and snap easily, and the cleanup is a breeze, making the installation process much more enjoyable. 
• Cut materials like slate, marble, and other stone tiles on a wet tile saw to produce the desired results. These materials can be harder to snap cleanly, so a wet saw is an ideal option for the job.
• Score and snap vinyl tiles by hand, but vinyl tile cutters make the job faster and more precise. They work like tile guillotines, slicing through the tile quickly and accurately.
• Use a manual tile cutter for glass tiles, as they snap quite easily. Just beware, there will be small shards of glass left behind. To avoid those sharp slivers, a wet saw will do the trick as well.

Manual vs. Electric

Picking the best tile cutter for a retiling project may come down to a choice between a manual cutter or an electric saw. Deciding on aviable option takes some consideration since, for example, porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles can be cut with either an electric saw or a manual tile cutter. 

• Manual tile cutters are fast, quiet, and relatively neat. They don’t use water or electricity. The snapped edges of the tiles will be rougher when using a manual tile cutter, and glass tiles can leave behind shards, so keep those points in mind.
• Electric cutters—also referred to as wet saws—have spinning blades that cut tile. They also use water to lubricate the blade, which can be a bit messy. (Some saws do a better job of containing the mess than others.) They can also be loud, but they make smoother cuts than manual tile cutters and can handle all tile material with just the swap of a blade.

Push vs. Pull

Some manual tile cutters work by pushing the scoring wheel across the surface, while others require pulling the wheel instead. Choosing between the two options is largely a matter of preference.

• Push tile cutters are the most commonly available option. To cut the tile, simply lower the cutting wheel to the closest edge of the tile and push the handle across to the other side. Then, lower the snapping foot onto the surface at the far edge and push down until the tile snaps.
• Logically, pull tile cutters work the opposite way. Instead of pushing the wheel outward, pull it back. The change in leverage can make a pull tile cutter a bit less stable when lowering the snapping foot, but they work much the same way as a push tile cutter.

Power

It’s important to choose an electric-saw model that provides enough power for the job at hand. Plenty of inferior options are available, but they can do more frustrating than cutting. For a saw that will tackle most jobs, look for a model with at least 1 horsepower. These saws will work quickly and consistently, slicing through stone, glass, porcelain, and ceramic with ease.

To save on costs—or if a big, burly wet saw just won’t fit—there are other options. Just be sure to work slowly if the saw doesn’t have a ton of power. Jamming a tile into the blade of a less powerful wet saw can lead to chips and inconsistent cuts.

Cutter Size & Thickness

When working with larger tiles (more than 14 inches), be sure to size up to a tile cutter that can handle these bigger pieces. Even with smaller tiles, cutting them at a 45-degree angle requires more cutting capacity. Be sure to size the saw or cutter to the length of tile the project calls for.

Porcelain and ceramic floor tiles tend to be thicker than wall tiles, so they’re slightly more difficult to cut with a manual tile cutter. A wet saw will work much better on thicker tiles, as its diamond-grit blade and lubrication can easily cut through these tiles, though there will be a bit more mess and noise.

Extra Features & Accessories

When choosing the best tile cutter, keep an eye out for some extra features that will make the job that much easier. Many models feature legs that swing out from the cutter and provide extra stability for both the tile and the cutter. These legs can be particularly helpful when cutting wide tiles off-center.

Purchasing a few extra accessories to make the task at hand more manageable is also worth considering. A fine-point permanent marker or wax crayon can help make an easily visible cut line on a tile, especially on darker tiles on which pencil marks can disappear. A large speed square can also make marking tiles squarely easier. Also, be sure to wear safety glasses, as both electric wet saws and manual tile cutters can send small particles flying. 

FAQs 

Do you still have some questions about cutting floor or wall tile with your new tile cutter? This next section will help. It’s a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about tile cutters. Be sure to check this section to see if there’s an answer to your question here.