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.

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.

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.