How to Cut Stone Slate Tile

Slate tiles offer a smooth, attractive surface for landscaping, interior floors and roofs. While slate tiles are simple to install, it is often necessary to cut them to fit a curved edge or narrow space. There are multiple tools that cut slate tile. A tile saw that has a moving cutting table is both effective and less labor-intensive, as there's little resistance involved. If you don't own this tool, consider renting one if you have a significant number of tiles to cut.

Tile saw or circular saw
Masonry blade
Chalk
Slate tiles
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Ear plugs

Instructions

- 1
  Clear a flat, level surface for a tile saw or a circular saw with a masonry blade, and place it on the surface. Plug the electric cord into a socket and turn it on to check that the saw works and the cutting table moves.
- 2
  Draw a cut line with chalk on a piece of scrap slate, and line it up with the blade. Turn on the saw, and push the table to the blade with even pressure until it cuts the tile in two pieces.
- 3
  Hold the tiles over the location where you want to install them, and snap chalk lines across the excess.
- 4
  Place the tile on the saw with the chalk lined up with the blade.Turn on the saw and push the cutting table to the blade. Move the slate stone slowly through the blade. Do not try to force the tile into the blade faster than it can cut. Tiles vary in thickness, so plan to cut more slowly through the thicker tiles.
- 5
  Continue cutting the tiles one by one until you are finished.
- 6
  Turn off the tile saw and wait until the blade stops spinning. Unplug the saw and coil up the cord to prevent someone from turning it on unintentionally.

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