When it comes to cutting tiles, using the right tile installation tools is important, specifically whether to use a wet tile cutter or a dry tile cutter. How do you know which option is the best one for your specific project? Here’s what you need to know about the difference between wet tile cutting and dry tile cutting, and which projects are best suited for each tool.

What Is Wet Tile Cutting?

Wet tile cutting is simple: it employs water to assist cutting through thick tiles, metal, bricks, reinforced concrete, and other materials. Water also helps when performing long, continuous cutting tasks as it reduces heat and prevents the blade from wearing out. Wet tile cutters have a diamond blade to help cut through the tile and are designed with a small reserve for water, which helps to keep the cutting wheel cool. Wet tile cutters are best used for hard/thick/dense tiles and operate by scoring the tile with pressure and then snapping the tile across the score line. 

What Is Dry Tile Cutting?

Unlike wet cutting, dry cutting does not require the use of water to cut the tile. Dry cutting is designed for short-scale, intermittent cutting. When dry cutting, the most popular professional tiling tool to use is a manual tile cutter, however, depending on the size of the tile, you can also use tile nippers or a tile scriber. Tile nippers consist of two blades that are squeezed together with handles like pliers. They are ideal for smaller jobs and mosaic tiles because they score tiles by creating a breaking point where the tile can be snapped into two. Tile scribers have a hardened tip which makes straight cuts and scores through tiles cleanly and evenly.

Which Option Is Better?

Choosing the right tool isn’t about which one is better than the other. It depends on your preferences, tile installation tool requirements, budget, specific cutting needs, and methods. Dry cutting is ideal for indoor projects and for areas that require smaller tiles. Wet cutters, on the other hand, work best for projects that are more intense. One definite benefit of cutting tiles with a wet saw is that the water reduces the amount of dust that spreads into the air, thereby reducing respiratory risks and health hazards. Water also helps cool down the machine and the tile. Whatever method you choose to use, however, finding the right place to source your professional tiling tools is key.

Get All the Equipment and Tools You Need at Centura

If you need professional tools and equipment or simply want some expert advice about your upcoming tiling project, look no further than Centura Tools. We offer a variety of products including tile cutters, large format tile tools, in-floor heating products, Schluter products, tile leveling systems, high-end tools, professional equipment for flooring and tile installers, and more. 

We stand out from our competitors because we source our tools and products from around the world to ensure our customers are getting the best international brands. Products from Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. fill our shelves, and we pride ourselves on offering the best prices and products on the global market.

If you are looking for something you don’t see in our store, let us know and we can source the specific items you need. Contact us at (416) 785-3311 or visit our store to see our amazing products. Our professionals will be available to help you make the right decisions about your tiling project.