How to Cut Holes and Other Openings in Tile: A Complete DIY Guide

Why You’ll Need to Cut Holes

Whether you’re installing new bathroom tile or updating a backsplash, you’ll almost always need to cut holes for plumbing fixtures, such as: – Large holes for toilet flanges or drain pipes – Medium holes for faucet valves or shower handles – Small holes for water lines or shower heads. If installing backsplash or wall tile, you’ll likely encounter outlet boxes and light switches that will need cut around as well.

Tile is tough but can also be brittle. That’s why cutting holes and other openings requires the right tools and a steady hand to avoid cracking your tiles.

We will go over a variety of ways to achieve these cuts so you can get the job done no matter what your budget is.

We have another article that explains the different tile cutting tools, if you would like to learn more about that.

If I had to choose one tool to make most of my non-straight tile cuts and holes, it would be an angle grinder with a diamond cutting wheel. Most DIYers have an angle grinder, so it’s just a matter of purchasing a diamond cutting wheel designed for tile. These can be inexpensive, especially when comparing to the cost of diamond hole saw bits. Most holes and openings, aside from very small holes, can be cut using this set up.

Tools that can be used

Safety Gear

Always wear: – Safety glasses – Hearing protection – Dust mask (especially with dry cuts) – Gloves

If using power tools, clamp or secure your tile to prevent movement. When using an angle grinder with a diamond cutting wheel, you will likely be making dry cuts. This will create quite a bit of dust, so it is important that you have some kind of respiratory protection on.

Step-by-Step: Cutting Large Holes (Toilet or Drain)

Best tool: Angle grinder with diamond wheel

Be sure to wear a dust mask when dry cutting with an angle grinder.

1. Mark the hole

Measure and mark where the pipe or drain will go. Double-check your measurements — a small mistake can waste an entire tile. If you’re able to set the tile down and mark directly onto it you can avoid any measuring mistakes. After marking each side, either use a compass or a spare toilet flange as a template to mark the circle.

2. Secure the tile

Place it on a stable surface, ideally a scrap of wood or foam board.

3. Score the top of the tile with the angle grinder

Take your angle grinder and score the top face of your tile on your line. If this cut will be covered such as a toilet flange, you can cut straight lines that form an octagon instead of a circle. This is an easier way to make the cut for some people. Just be sure that your cuts will be completely covered. It is best to not plunge the grinder wheel very deep on the first cut.

4. Make several passes to continue the cut deeper

As mentioned, it is best to make several passes around to limit the chances of the tile cracking. Make several passes until the cut is all the way through.

5. Clean the Edges

Smooth rough edges with a tile file or the angle grinder. If the hole will be hidden such as under the toilet, perfection isn’t critical — just ensure there are no chips that could spread.

Step-by-Step: Cutting Small Holes (Shower Head or Water Line)

Best tool: Diamond hole saw or carbide drill bit. Angle grinder can be used as well.

1. Mark and Tape the Spot

Use masking tape over the mark — it helps prevent the drill bit from slipping.

2. Drill at Low Speed

Set your drill to low speed and apply light pressure. High speed can cause cracks or burn the glaze.

3. Keep It Wet

A small stream of water or frequent dipping keeps the bit cool and reduces dust.

4. Go Slow and Steady

Let the bit do the work. Once through, gently remove the tape and wipe clean.

An angle grinder can also be used for smaller holes in a similar fashion as mentioned above. For circular holes that will be covered, such as a shower head, an octagon style cut or a square cut will suffice here as well.

For Very Small Holes:

Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit — these are cheaper than diamond bits and work fine for holes under ¼ inch (for things like mounting hardware). For hard porcelain tile, diamond bits may be required. For diamond bits you will want to start the bit at an angle to prevent it from walking across the tile.

Cutting square openings for electrical receptacle boxes

Cutting square openings such as those used around electrical boxes for outlets or light switches can be done with a plunge cut wet saw or an angle grinder. Obviously if you have a plunge cut wet saw, this would likely be the easiest way of achieving the cut. However most DIYers don’t have a plunge cut wet saw so an angle grinder is a great alternative.

1. Mark your cut on your tile. A black sharpie usually works decent. If you need to, use masking or painters’ tape on the tile face to allow your marks to be visible. You can either measure or just hold the tile in place and mark it.

2. Cut as deep as you can on the face of the tile without cutting past your lines.

3. Finish the cuts on the back side of the tile if needed.

4. Clean up the corners if needed. Most cuts like this are covered by an outlet cover so perfectly clean cuts are not required.

Tips for Success

• Always cut before setting the tile. Trying to drill holes in installed tile risks cracking both the tile and mortar beneath.
  
  
• Keep the surface wet to cool the bit and control dust.
  
  
• Use painter’s tape to help mark cuts and prevent chipping.
  
  
• Practice on a scrap tile before drilling the real one — especially if using an angle grinder for the first time.
  
  
• Don’t force it. Too much pressure or speed is the most common reason tiles crack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a wood or metal hole saw instead of a diamond one.
  
  
• Forgetting to cool the bit — heat is your enemy.
  
  
• Starting the drill flat on the tile surface (causes “skating”).
  
  
• Cutting installed tiles without proper support behind them.

Key Takeaway

Cutting holes and other openings in tile — whether for a toilet flange or an outlet box — isn’t as intimidating as it looks. With the right tools, patience, and steady technique, you can make clean, professional-looking cuts that fit perfectly around any electric or plumbing fixture. Always take your time, use water for cooling, and remember: slow and steady keeps your tile intact.