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How to cut tiles around powerpoints?

Hello!

We are looking at ordering the Arrow Classic White Satin Tiles [pictured] to tile a kitchen splashback.

We have three PowerPoints that we would need to cut the tiles to fit around if we get them. What would you recommend that we cut these particular tiles with and how would we go about cutting them to fit around a PowerPoint without them breaking?

Thanks!

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Deeda. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about cutting tiles.

When cutting tiles to fit around power points, a tiler generally uses an angle grinder fitted with a diamond cutting blade. The key point is that you usually don’t cut a full rectangle to match the outside edges of the PowerPoint. Instead, you just cut a smaller opening in the tile that allows the rear section of the power outlet to recess through, with the front plate sitting over the top. This way, all of your cuts are hidden behind the power outlet and its cover plate.

If you try to cut a perfect rectangle for the full PowerPoint, you run into the issue that tile saws and grinders use round blades. That means every cut has to run slightly past its endpoint, which is fine when it’s hidden behind the cover plate, but would show if you tried to cut the full perimeter of the PowerPoint.

The usual method is to have an electrician temporarily remove the power outlet, make your cuts to allow only the necessary section to pass through the tile, glue the tiles in place, and then have the electrician refit the power outlet so it sits neatly on the surface of the tiles. That gives you a clean result without visible cut marks.

Trying to cut precise, sharp inside corners for a full rectangle is very difficult and would require great accuracy with an angle grinder, sometimes cutting from both sides of the tile. You can also drill holes in the four corners with a tile drill bit, which you then connect with cuts. For most DIY jobs, it’s far easier and cleaner to only cut out what’s needed for the recess and let the PowerPoint cover plate do the hiding.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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