Bevel cuts are made on the edge of a tile. They are typically 45-degree cuts but may be larger or smaller depending on the job. Bevels can be cut into the edge of a tile for decorative purposes, as a transition to another floor or to be used in place of a tile bullnose. Regardless of what the purpose of the bevel cut is for, it can be made on any solid, through-body material such as a porcelain or stone tile. To make the cut, use a tile wet saw that has a table or blade that will tilt to a 45-degree angle.
Measure and mark the tile with a grease pencil where you want the cuts to be made. The bevel cut does not change the overall size of the tile; it only shaves off the top edge. Mark the tile where it will need to be cut to fit the installation first.
Cut the tile to the correct size on a tile wet saw. Make sure the blade or table is set to make straight cuts. Line up the pencil mark on the tile with the blade and turn on the saw. Push the tile gently into the blade, exerting a small amount of pressure until the tile is cut through. Turn off the saw and remove the tile.
Tilt the saw to a 45-degree angle. Some tables will remain locked in place while the blade swivels downward to the side at a 45-degree angle and locks there. Others will tilt the table while the blade remains stationary. Fix the saw at 45-degrees and lock it securely into place.
Line up the inner edge of the tile with the blade. The blade will carve away the top portion of the tile without changing its size or basic shape; it will only change the edge. Push the tile into the blade in the same way you pushed for the straight cut. Let the blade cut through the tile with only light pressure. Go very slowly at the end to avoid chipping the tile at the end of the edge.
Things You Will Need
- Grease pencil
- Tile wet saw with tilting blade or table