How to Cut a Cove Base Tile

Cove base is a special type of tile that has a rounded edge that flares out along the bottom of the tile so that it forms a sort of toe that fits against the floor. This type of base is only used on the bottom row of a wall where it meets the floor, and it is generally installed before the floor tile so that the floor tile height can match up with the height of the toe kick that is on the flared section of cove base. While there are several methods to cut cove base, using a tile wet saw is the most efficient.

Tape measure
Pencil
Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Tile wet saw

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on your wall installation, as there are two ways you can install the cove base. The first method is to stack the field tile on top of the base row so that your only cuts are into the corner of the wall. The other method is to install from the top down and cut the tops of the cove base tiles off to fit.
- 2
  Measure for your corner cuts. Place the tape measure against the corner of the wall where the tile needs to terminate and measure over to the edge of the last piece of cove base you installed. Also include at least 1/8 inch of extra space because you do not want the tile to be tight to the wall. Mark the tile accordingly.
- 3
  Measure for cut-in cove pieces. Place the tape measure on the floor and measure the distance from the floor to the bottom side of the last row of tile you installed. This measurement is where you will cut the top of the base piece to fit underneath the last row of tile. Mark the piece of tile with the pencil.
- 4
  Cut your pieces on the tile wet saw. Place a piece of tile on the tray. Put on your safety gear. Ensure the saw reservoir is filled with water and the saw is plugged in. Turn on the saw and push the piece of tile into the blade so that you cut along the marked line. Install your tile after the pieces have dried.

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