How to Cut Tile Around a Vent

 I thought I’d show you a little trick for notching tile when you have to install around a vent or outlet.  This particular technique only works if the obstacle is on the outside edge of your tile.

You need a wet saw to make these cuts. A dry tile scoring saw/tool will not work here. (You can also make these cuts with a tile cutting disk on a grinder.)

  • 1.  Mark the area of tile you want to remove with a wax pencil.
    • Lead pencil marks will wash away too quickly.
  • Cut slits about 1/2″ apart in the area you want to remove.
  • Take a hammer and knock out what you want removed.
    • Be very careful on the outer edges of your removal area – not to chip or remove the tile you are keeping.
cutting tile around vent 2
cut tile slits

Install like any other with the addition of making sure to back butter this tile, and be really careful when seating the tile into place that you don’t put more pressure on any tiny pieces jetting out. Using a large surface grout float works well for applying even pressure.

cut tile around vent

Since these tiles will be covered with a floor vent, the edges don’t need to look clean and polished. If your cut edges will be visible – you can clean it up with a diamond grit sanding block made for tile.

cutting tile

You Might ALso Like

9 Comments

  1. I feel so good about myself, because for once, I actually already know how to do what you demonstrated! What about cutting faucet/toilet drain holes out of the MIDDLE of a big piece of tile, though. I always make Ty do it, cause I haven't figured it out…yet. Got any tips?Thank you for reminding me how much I dislike remodeling. The nerve endings in my fingers will never be the same after using a wet saw (and WHY do we only need to tile in the winter time?!) so many times. Yuck.p.s. we tiled backsplashes in our bathrooms almost two years ago, and I was just thinking I would suggest that Ty finally grout them (my job – but I hate it) this Christmas break. p.p.s. Wow. That was a comment of novel proportions. Sorry.

  2. sssheeesh Sandrayou are amazing!I LOOOOOVE you library….well, I love it all!

  3. Life in Rehab says:

    Ooooooooooo, cool trick! Thanks, Sandra, and I hope you feel better soon!

  4. When you finish your bathroom, I have two that could stand remodeling! I will even help you! LOL! I love your blog..you are such an inspiration for other housewives or women in general to learn how to do these things themselves. Your work is very professional looking. Think of the money you saved by doing it yourself, not to mention the self satisfaction. What's the next project you will be working on? Can't wait to see!

  5. CarliAlice says:

    I hope you feel better soon! I'm going to take a crack at redoing my kitchen table this spring — wouldn't be up to the task without your blog!

Comments are closed.