This page is dedicated to providing you with essential information and best practices for handling, cutting, and installing these unique and elegant paving materials. Whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, our guide will walk you through the specific requirements, tools, and techniques necessary to achieve precise and clean cuts, ensuring your porcelain or ceramic paving project is executed with the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship.
As noted in other sections, the most effective method to cut porcelain, ceramic, or vitrified paving is using a diamond blade. Cutting these materials accurately with hand tools or standard abrasive blades, even those labeled for stone or hard materials, is not feasible.
Cutting precision is crucial for high-quality installations. Premium porcelain requires specialist, continuous-rim blades designed specifically for porcelain cutting.
Cutting Blades
Lower-quality diamond blades or abrasive types tend to cause chipping, spalling, or even shattering of the tile/flag during cutting. This results in poorly finished edges and excessive waste due to damaged tiles/flags being discarded.
Continuous rim blades are designed without segmented divisions but may include narrow cooling slots. This design minimizes the shock impact as the blade cuts through the material, avoiding the hammering effect common with segmented blades that create repetitive strikes at high speeds.
Essential Tools: Bench Saws
For top-tier work quality, a bench saw is recommended. Bench saws ensure the tile/flag remains secure during cutting, maintain proper blade cooling with water, and enhance cut accuracy.
While hand-held cut-off saws can provide stability due to their gyroscopic effect, this same feature can make it challenging to maintain a perfectly straight cut. Even minor hand movements can result in a slightly uneven cut line.
Ensuring Quality in Finishing
The golden rule is to measure twice and cut once. Patience, keeping the blade straight, and using water for dust suppression and blade cooling are key.
After cutting, the sawn edge and arris should be smoothed using specialised diamond polishing pads, starting coarse and finishing with fine grades. This process eliminates roughness from the cut and presents a neatly finished, slightly beveled edge, upholding a high standard of professionalism.
Are Porcelain Pavers Hard to Cut?
Yes, cutting porcelain pavers can be challenging. They are hard yet delicate, making them prone to breakage if not handled properly. Professional help is often recommended for precise and safe cutting.
How to Cut Sandstone Paving?
Sandstone paving can be cut using a diamond blade saw or an angle grinder. For precise cuts, mark the sandstone with a guideline and use a wet saw for a clean cut. It’s important to cut slowly and steadily to avoid chipping or breaking the sandstone.
Can You Cut Porcelain Paving with an Angle Grinder?
For straight cuts in porcelain paving, a powerful diamond blade table saw is recommended over angle grinders, especially for large cuts. Table saws like the Raimondi Zoe 150 Advanced Wet Saw are suitable for this purpose.
What is the Best Blade for Cutting Porcelain Paving?
A 200mm Porcelain Blade (8 inch) with synthetic diamonds is ideal for cutting porcelain paving. Diamond blades are crucial for their effectiveness in cutting through hard porcelain paving materials.
How Do You Stop Porcelain Slabs from Chipping When Cutting?
To prevent chipping in porcelain slabs, cut slowly along the marked line without forcing the blade. Pulling the blade through the tile gently, using minimal pressure, helps ensure a smooth, chip-free cut.
Are Porcelain Slabs Hard to Cut?
Porcelain slabs are hard and brittle, requiring careful handling during cutting. Using a wet blade is ideal as it keeps the blade cool and provides a cleaner cut, reducing the risk of chipping.
How Do You Cut 20mm Porcelain Paving?
To cut 20mm porcelain paving, use a wet saw with a diamond blade. Mark the tiles with a pencil before cutting, and ensure safety precautions like wearing goggles and gloves.
Can You Cut Porcelain Slabs with a Grinder?
Yes, porcelain slabs can be cut with a small electric grinder equipped with a diamond tip segmented blade. However, as water can’t be used with electric tools, a dust mask is essential for safety.
