If you have ever worked with tiles or had tiling installed in your home, you know precision is essential. This is especially true when you need to cut tiles to fit, which you will probably need to do at some point.
A tile saw will help you cut tiles smoothly and accurately, without damaging them. There are numerous tile saws to choose from, including both handheld and stationary models, so you might need some advice to find the right model.
To help you find a suitable saw, we have reviewed 7 of the best tile saws that are currently available. We chose these saws for their type, speed, size, and power.
- 3-position handle adjustment
- 6-amp, 12,000 RPM motor
- Tool-free guard and spindle lock
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Water cooling
- 45-degree bevel cuts
- 9-amp motor
- Weighs just 5 pounds
- One-touch guard
- Diamond cutting wheel
- Lock-on trigger
- Water delivery system
- 13-amp, 5,300 RPM motor
- Smooth-sliding rails
- 24-inch cutting capacity
- Adjustable cutting depth
- Telescopic legs
- Included accessories
- Cast metal sliding tray
- 17-inch cutting capacity
- 3-year limited warranty
The Best Tile Saws of 2024
Tile saws and other cutters are widely used tools, so there are many different models to choose from. To help you find the right one, we have reviewed 7 of the best tile saws you can buy today, which we chose for their power, size, user-friendliness, and reliability.
Craftsman Small Angle Grinder Tool
The Handiest Tile Saw
If you are relatively new to cutting tiles, it can be difficult to find a cutter that is beginner-friendly. However, this small angle grinder from Craftsman is an excellent option for any user. Despite being easy to use, it is still an effective, powerful tile cutter.
The high-power 6-amp motor spins the blade at up to 12,000 RPM, which is very fast for any tile cutter. It will cut through tiles quickly, helping you keep up with even the most demanding jobs.
The handle can be adjusted to 3 different positions, helping you hold the tool safely and comfortably, whatever angle you need to work at.
What We Like
3-Position Handle
The 3-position handle adjustment will ensure you hold the grinder comfortably and securely while cutting tiles. In addition, the tool-free guard and spindle lock provide quick and easy adjustments.
Powerful Cutting
Simplicity doesn’t have to mean less power. The 6-amp, 12,000 RPM motor provides plenty of power to effortlessly cut through most tile materials.
Additional Accessories
This tool is well-suited for smaller, awkward cuts and is great for amateur tile cutters. Craftsman has included some very helpful accessories: a grinding guard, grinding wheel, and a 3-position handle and wrench.
What We Don't Like
Overheating
While this is an effective tile-cutting tool, some users have reported overheating issues while using it. You should use it in short bursts, so it is best suited to smaller-scale jobs.
Product Specs
Type | Angle grinder |
Weight | 4.65 pounds |
Motor | 12,000 RPM, 6 Amp |
Cutting Diameter | 4 ½ inches |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
Best Tile Saw for Glass Tiles
There are many tile saws to choose from, each designed to excel at cutting different materials. The SKIL 3540-02 is a benchtop wet saw model that is ideal for cutting glass tiles, which are among the most fragile you are likely to cut.
The saw’s table measures 12 x 12 inches, so your tiles will be safely supported while you cut them. The table is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which is particularly important because the saw uses water to cool the blade while you work
With a mid-range price and numerous positive customer reviews, this is an excellent tile saw that you can buy with confidence.
What We Like
Sturdy Build
This wet tile saw is sturdy and durable thanks to its corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction. This not only protects the tool, but it can also hold tiles measuring up to 12 x 12 inches.
Water Cooling
The blade cooling water reservoir will prevent overheating and help your blades last longer. It will also keep the release of dust and debris at a minimum.
Bevel and Capacity
You can use this saw to make 45-degree bevel cuts while the tool holds the tile in place. Its cross-cut capacity measures 7.75 inches, with a diagonal-cut capacity of 7.25 inches.
SKIL has equipped this tool with an adjustable rip fence and a miter gauge for easier alignment and greater precision.
What We Don't Like
Excessive Water
Some customer reviews mention that too much water spills from the table during use. This won’t impact the tool’s performance but it could get messy if you are working indoors.
Product Specs
Type | Wet Tile Saw |
Weight | 17.69 pounds |
Motor | 3,600 RPM, 4.2 AMP |
Cutting Diameter | 7 inches at 45 degrees, 1 inch at 90 degrees |
Warranty | 30-day money-back guarantee, 1-year warranty |
Our Ratings
DeWalt Angle Grinder Tool
Best Budget Tile Saw
This is one of the most affordable yet effective tile cutters we have seen during our research. With particular care given to creating an ergonomic design, this DeWalt angle grinder is an excellent option for construction work.
If you need to cut tiles for hours at a time or occasionally work on large-scale projects, this is a great tool for your needs. Its slim shape can be held comfortably and easily maneuvered, reducing hand fatigue during use.
The 12,000 RPM motor removes debris as soon as it is released. This makes it even more suitable for extended tile-cutting jobs.
What We Like
Powerful
This angle grinder packs a punch thanks to its powerful 9-amp motor that spins the blade at up to 12,000 RPM. It also quickly removes debris and protects against overloading. You won’t need to worry about losing control of this tool.
Light and Portable
Weighing a mere 5 pounds, this angle grinder is both easy to use and very portable, so it is ideal for working on-site. The paddle switch makes this tool less strenuous to use than most tile saws. When combined with the quick-change wheel release, it will minimize fatigue when cutting numerous tiles.
Accessories
DeWalt has included a one-touch guard and a hex wrench to make your user experience as smooth as possible. It is also possible to purchase more accessories to further increase this angle grinder’s versatility.
What We Don't Like
Excessive Power
Despite its ergonomic design, this angle grinder might be too powerful for some users to handle comfortably. Make sure you can maintain full control of the tool at all times before you start using it for cutting tasks.
Product Specs
Type | Angle grinder |
Weight | 5 pounds |
Motor | 12,000 RPM, 9 AMP |
Cutting Diameter | 4 ½ inches |
Warranty | 3-year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
Our Ratings
Ryobi 4 in. Tile Saw
Best Powerful Tile Saw
This Ryobi tile saw’s 12-amp motor makes it very powerful and versatile. It generates enough power to cut through tough tile materials including ceramic, marble, granite, masonry, porcelain, and others.
It runs at 13,700 RPM, making it one of the fastest tile saws we have looked at. Thanks to a built-in water cooling system, you won’t need to worry about it overheating during use.
The four-inch diamond cutting wheel will make smooth, accurate cuts and is ideal for safely cutting delicate tiles. There is also a lock-on trigger so you won’t need to manually hold it down for the duration of each cut.
What We Like
Diamond Cutting Wheel
Equipped with a four-inch diamond cutting wheel, this tool will reliably make smooth, precise cuts. You won’t need to worry about chipping delicate materials such as ceramic and porcelain, as diamond blades are made for these jobs.
Lock-On Trigger
The user-friendly lock-on trigger will keep the blade spinning at the same speed without you having to manually apply pressure. This is great for making long cuts or when you need to cut numerous tiles on a large project.
Water Delivery System
Less dust should be released when using this saw thanks to its water delivery system. This system constantly feeds water to the blade to keep it cool and wets the cutting line to keep it cleaner. You can adjust the water flow to suit whichever task you are working on.
What We Don't Like
Confusing Water System
The water system is very effective once it is working but some users find it confusing to set up and can’t keep the tube in place. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Product Specs
Type | Wet tile saw |
Weight | 9.28 pounds |
Motor | 13,700 RPM, 12 AMP |
Cutting Diameter | 1.15 inches at 90 degrees, 0.75 inches at 45 degrees |
Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Delta 96-107 7-Inch Cruzer Wet Tile Saw
Best Wet Tile Saw
Tiling can be an intimidating job, especially if you don’t have much experience. However, having the right tools will make a significant difference, which is why this Delta wet tile saw is an excellent option.
With a powerful 13-amp motor that spins its blade at 5,300 RPM, you can be confident that this tool is up to whichever tiling job you need it for.
This is a large, ergonomically-designed, high-performance tool that is ideal for heavy-duty tile-cutting work, whether you are an amateur or a professional. Its 7-inch diamond-cutting blade will make short work of tiles and the unit’s large table means it can accommodate tiles up to 24 inches wide and 2.375 inches thick.
What We Like
Powerful Cutting
Like any electrical construction tool, power is critical for tile cutters to perform properly. This saw has a 13-amp, 5,300 RPM motor. Delivering 2 horsepower, it will be more than enough to cut through tiles.
User-Friendly Design
If you are working on a large project, you may need to spend hours at a time cutting tiles. In these situations, it is important to minimize fatigue.
Delta Cruzer has equipped this machine with a diamond cutting wheel, as well as smooth-sliding rails with 12 bearings. It also has two water nozzles for effective cooling and cleaning. This tool will provide an easier cutting experience, which will help you work for longer.
Durable
This Delta wet tile saw is built to last. It can comfortably cut granite, porcelain, concrete, and other stone materials without being damaged. Its diamond cutting blade is also top quality, which will make the machine’s task easier.
What We Don't Like
Heavy Tool
This wet tile saw weighs 63 pounds, so it is quite heavy if you need to frequently carry it from place to place.
Product Specs
Type | Wet tile saw |
Weight | 63 pounds |
Motor | 5300 RPM, 13 AMP |
Cutting Diameter | 24 inches |
Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Raimondi Gladiator 130 51
Best Bridge Tile Saw
If you need a tile-cutting tool that will be up to the challenge of large-scale tiling projects, this Raimondi bridge tile saw could be your ideal option. With a high-end 110-volt motor, the Gladiator lives up to its name and will be able to slice through every tile material you are likely to encounter.
This tool is ideal for working on job sites as it has telescopic legs, so you won’t need a separate table to use it at a comfortable height. These legs are easy to set up and they are sturdy and won’t collapse easily.
It is both powerful and precise, with an ergonomic design that will ensure it is comfortable to use for cutting numerous tiles.
What We Like
Versatile
This tile saw’s unique design allows it to cut through ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, and glass. Its adjustable cutting depth provides greater control. This makes it ideal for large-scale projects where you might need to cut various materials.
Great Design
To ensure the tool is comfortable to use, it has an aluminum housing sliding motor assembly and re-adjustable pulleys. The aluminum framework provides greater strength and durability.
Accessories
If you are cutting tiles for the first time, this product contains all the tools you will need. It includes a dressing stone, 10-inch blade, square, and wrench kit, so you won’t need to spend extra money buying them separately.
What We Don't Like
Carry Weight
This wet tile bridge saw weighs a hefty 172 pounds. If you need a tool for small-scale projects or one that can be moved easily, this one will probably be unsuitable for your needs.
Product Specs
Type | Wet tile bridge saw |
Weight | 172 pounds |
Motor | 3360 RPM |
Cutting Diameter | Adjustable |
Warranty | N/A |
Our Ratings
Porter-Cable PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
Most User-Friendly Tile Saw
This 120-volt Porter-Cable tile saw is ideal for large-scale, specialist work, but it is user-friendly enough that anyone will be able to get to grips with it quickly. The designers at Porter-Cable pride themselves on the performance, reliability, and overall quality of their products.
This wet tile saw has a 17-inch cutting capacity, so it is suitable for cutting 12 x 12-inch tiles. Its cutting is accurate to 1/16 of an inch, so you will be able to use it to achieve a professional finish.
It also has a built-in water cooling system that will prevent overheating while minimizing the amount of dust that is released during use. This tool is wireless, so you will be able to use it anywhere, which is great for construction work where you might not have a power supply.
What We Like
Convenient Design
This product is a great choice if you want a user-friendly tile saw. Its cast metal sliding tray with water channels allows smooth maneuvering, while the water minimizes dust clouds.
The roll cage and carry handle enhance this tool’s portability and durability, making it ideal for taking to work on jobs.
Cutting Power
This tool will get you through the toughest, most strenuous projects. Its impressive 1-horsepower motor spins the 7-inch blade at up to 2,850 RPM. It is capable of cutting through materials such as stone, porcelain, and ceramic gently but efficiently.
Customer Service
Porter-Cable show consideration for their customers with a 3-year limited warranty. They also offer a 1-year free service contract and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
What We Don't Like
Wireless Tool
A wireless tool is convenient in that it can be used anywhere, but we have seen complaints that this saw’s batteries run out quite quickly.
Product Specs
Type | Wet tile saw |
Weight | 32 pounds |
Motor | 2850 RPM, 6.5 AMP |
Cutting Diameter | 17 inches |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Type | Weight | Motor | Cutting Diameter | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Craftsman Small Angle Grinder Tool | Handiest | Angle grinder | 4.65 lbs | 12,000 RPM, 6 Amp | 4 ½” | 3 year limited |
SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw | Glass Tiles | Wet Tile Saw | 17.69 lbs | 3,600 RPM, 4.2 AMP | 7″ (45°), 1″ (90°) | 1-year |
DeWalt Angle Grinder Tool | Budget Saw | Angle grinder | 5 lbs | 12,000 RPM, 9 AMP | 4 ½” | 3-year limited |
Ryobi 4 In. Tile Saw | Powerful | Wet tile saw | 9.28 lbs | 13,700 RPM, 12 AMP | 1.15″(90°), 0.75″(45°) | 3 year |
Delta Cruzer Wet Tile Saw | Wet Tile Saw | Wet tile saw | 63 lbs | 5300 RPM, 13 AMP | 24″ | 1-year |
Raimondi Gladiator 130 51 | Bridge Tile Saw | Wet tile bridge saw | 172 lbs | 3360 RPM | Adjustable | N/A |
Porter-Cable PCE980 Wet Tile Saw | User-Friendly | Wet tile saw | 32 lbs | 2850 RPM, 6.5 AMP | 17″ | 3 year limited |
What Is a Tile Saw Used For?
Tile saws are used to cut tiles, usually thicker tiles that require a high degree of precision. They have proven themselves invaluable for large-scale projects, especially when renovating bathrooms or kitchens.
Due to the precision required, these tools usually have extra features designed to help you make smooth, accurate cuts. These include water cooling systems, stationary table designs, and gradual angle rulers.
The right tile saw will provide sleeker cuts, release minimal dust, and protect your blade as much as possible. Unlike masonry saws, which can only make cross cuts, tile saws are also capable of miter cuts.
Traditionally, construction workers had to cut ceramic tiles by hand, using tools such as hammers and chisels to shape them. In 1951, the Boada brothers created the tile cutter for hydraulic mosaic after watching their father struggle to install tiles.
What Type of Tile Saw Do I Need?
Three are three broad types of tile cutters to choose from. Each of these three types can be effective but the best one to choose will depend on the specific job you need it for.
Manual Snap Cutter
Manual snap cutters provide a basic way to cut tiles without the need for a power supply. The scoring wheel and foot components are designed to make straight, smooth cuts on most tile types, including mosaic or ceramic. They also result in minimal chipping, so they can help you achieve a neat finish.
The tile should be marked using a ruler before being placed inside the cutter and lined up with the mark. You then need to roll the cutting wheel across the surface of the tile several times, applying light pressure. The tile will eventually snap along the line you have scored.
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly
- Relatively inexpensive
- Can be used for most tile types
- Makes straight, smooth cuts
Cons
- Only suitable for straight, simple cuts
Motorized Wet Tile Saw
Motorized wet tile saws are large power tools for heavy-duty sawing, so you will probably want to hire one instead of buying one unless you are a professional. For cutting thick tiles or working on large-scale projects, one of these tools will be your best option. A basic tabletop saw won’t provide the same quality of finish.
In comparison to manual snap cutters, where the cutting wheel is moved across the tile, here the blade is fixed in place. Tiles are placed on the sliding table and pushed toward the blade. A pump supplies water, which coats the blade to cool it and acts as a lubricant.
These saws are similar to miter saws but they are far more accurate and effective for cutting tiles. If you need to cut tiles, a motorized wet tile saw is the ideal choice.
Pros
- The best tool for large tiles
- Well-suited to large-scale projects
- Easy to use
Cons
- Tile size will be limited by the saw’s capacity
Angle Grinder
Angle grinders typically measure 4 inches and are attached to stone blades. Each blade type is more suitable for cutting specific tile materials:
- Diamond blade: Best for ceramic tiles
- Serrated blade: Best for natural stone tiles
- Notch blade: Best for cutting porcelain tiles
Unlike a wet tile saw, an angle grinder can make angled cuts, hence its name. It is ideal for making rougher, more awkward cuts.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can cut different tile types with the right blade
- Best for angled cuts
Cons
- Ceramic tiles will crack if the blade is not tightly fitted
Do You Need a Wet Saw to Cut Tile?
Whether or not you need a wet saw depends on the type of tile, cut, and overall scale of the project.
Wet saws can make curved cuts in tiles, whereas traditional tile cutters only cut straight. In the hands of a skilled user, a wet tile saw will cut intricate shapes and patterns into tiles. They can also cut harder materials than more basic tile cutters.
If you are working on a large-scale project that requires many tiles to be cut, a wet tile saw will help you manage the workload far better than other cutters.
How to Choose the Best Tile Saw
When trying to find the best tile saw for your needs, you should consider whether or not it will be suitable for the specific job you are working on. Here are some of the most important points to consider:
How to Use a Tile Saw
Before you do anything else, you should always read your product’s manual. This will be written specifically for the tool you are using, so you should trust it over any generic guides.
You should also take some time to familiarize yourself with the machine. This means learning which buttons and levers do what and locating any safety buttons to ensure you can reach for them instinctively if any accidents occur.
The following steps can be used alongside the advice given in the product manual, but you should always defer to the manual as every tool is different.
1. Safety First
Make sure you have the necessary safety equipment before you start working, as cutting tiles can be hazardous.
A dust mask is essential as tiles will usually release a lot of dust when they are cut, which can be harmful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that construction workers are vulnerable to respiratory diseases, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis, and lung cancer (3).
You should also wear work gloves, earplugs, and safety glasses to protect you against debris and hearing damage, especially if you are working on an extended tile-cutting job.
It is also essential that you focus when using any tool, particularly power tools such as a tile saw. Try to remove any distractions and keep your eyes on the machine throughout the cutting process. This will reduce the risk of injury.
2. Tools for Saws
A motorized wet tile cutter requires some specific equipment. This often includes:
- The wet tile saw itself
- A faucet
- A garden hose with a minimum length of 15 feet
- A short hose, several feet in length
- A five-gallon bucket to collect wastewater
3. Connect the Equipment
Once you have all the necessary equipment, you will need to start connecting everything. Connect the long hose to a water faucet. Clean water will help lubricate the tile saw, while the wastewater flows into the bucket.
4. Electrical Outlet
Connect the motorized wet saw to a power outlet. The product manual should provide specific instructions regarding the required voltage.
5. Wastewater Management
Place the five-gallon bucket below the motorized wet tile saw to collect excess water. If you need to work for extended periods without stopping, consider using a bigger bucket.
6. Tile Placement
Your tiles should be placed on the sliding work tray. Ensure everything is stable, then manually push the tray through the blade to cut the tiles.
Tips for Using a Tile Saw
- Finishing: Some saws won’t provide a smooth cut — you may need to file the edges after cutting if they seem too rough.
- Light touch: Apply light pressure when pushing the tile through the blade. Don’t rush; you are far likelier to achieve positive results if you take your time.
- Pay attention at all times: Wet tile saws necessitate water and electricity in close proximity, so it is very important to pay close attention. Always keep an eye on whatever is happening around the equipment.