How to Cut Marble Tiles

Marble is undisputedly one of the finest members of the natural stone family. The stones have distinctive veining that adds a classy touch to any room, from an entryway to a dining room.

Marble is one of many natural stones that is harvested as a slab material, so it needs to be cut to fit your specific installation. Or, if you  If you are installing marble yourself, you can easily learn to cut your own tiles. That way, you only have to pay to rent the wet saw, rather than paying a professional to cut your marble tiles.

What You’ll Need:

• Wet saw (Can be rented)
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Marble tiles
• Masking tape
• 80, 120 and 400-grit sandpaper

Basic Guidelines for Cutting Marble Tiles

1. Make sure you are comfortable using a wet saw. Read the manufacturer instructions carefully before cutting a single tile.

2. Prepare a flat work surface by placing a piece of plywood across two sawhorses.

3. Check the water pressure of the wet saw before cutting, and make sure the stream hits the blade straight. Practice cutting using a scrap piece of marble.

4. Measure your marble tiles carefully to make sure you are cutting properly. Score the tiles or slab beforehand by using masking tape or a pencil as a cutting guide.

5. Set the depth of the saw according to the thickness of your marble slab.

6. Place the tile on the saw, making sure it is straight. Bring the blade down slowly with firm pressure. Always cut from the outside edge in and hold the material with both hands.

7. Remove any tile snippets that may remain after the cut with tile scissors. You can also use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth the area, followed by 120- or 400-grit sandpaper.

Safety First

When cutting tiles, safety should come first. Here are some safety quick tips for cutting tiles:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear safety gloves and goggles.
• Use the wet saw according to the manufacturer instructions.
• Never use a wet saw that is not working properly.

Cutting your own marble tiles will allow you to customize your floor while saving money.