Best Tile Saws For DIY & Professional Use | 2022 Useful Buyer’s Guide

What is the best tile saw? First of all, the tile saw you are going to buy should have enough horsepower — more than 0.5 hp. This will ensure precise and smooth cuts. The second thing to consider is the blade size, which ranges from 4-1/2 inches to 10 inches. The larger the blade is, the deeper cuts you will be able to make. Thirdly, when choosing between handheld and tabletop tile saws, keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of both options. While handheld models are easier to transport, the tabletop ones typically have higher capacity. And finally, we recommend you to pick a wet tile saw as it will reduce health risks from inhaling dust. We believe that the Porter-Cable PCE980 Wet Tile Saw meets these criteria best.

Why have we chosen it? Porter-Cable is a well-established American brand with a rich history of manufacturing power and pneumatic tools. Founded over 100 years ago in New York, the company started to produce portable electric tools as far back as 1914. At present, Porter-Cable makes high-quality and innovative saws, grinders, drills, nailers, polishers, and other tools. This product is a wet tile saw equipped with a drain plug allowing you to easily drain water. With a speed of 2850 rpm, the tool will smoothly cut thick ceramic, stone, and porcelain tiles up to 17 inches long. The device comes with a 7-inch porcelain tile blade and runs on a 1300W, 6.5 amp motor. It is a tabletop yet portable and lightweight model.

Tile saws are specifically made to cut stone, masonry, tile, granite or other hard materials. They come in a variety of sizes and may be “dry” or “wet” with water-cooled blades. Some have stands, water containment features, bevel or adjustable fences that allow you to make accurate angle or square cuts.

Different Types of Tile Saws

Tile saws can be manually- or power-operated; portable or bench top; have sliding trays or a sliding saw; use water to cool the saw blade or dry cut.

Snap-and-Cut Tile Saws

Snap-and-cut tile saws are inexpensive, manually-operated and ideal for small DIY or home repair projects. They do not require a water or power source. The tile is placed and manually scored by dragging the scoring wheel across the tile at the desired cut point. The heel assembly is used to snap the tile. Some skill and patience are needed to successfully operate this tile saw.

Dry Tile Saws

Dry tile saws are “masonry saws”. They are typically smaller, portable and best for cutting thinner tiles and materials. They more effectively cut curves and odd shapes. They require no setup. Just plug it in! A major drawback is the cutting dust it generates that requires the operator to use a dust mask. They can also overheat, which can cause the blade to bind or melt the tile’s glaze along the cut edge.

Wet Tile Saws

Wet tile saws may be basic or equipped with precision cutting lasers. Budget and handheld models typically come with a 10’ – 12’ hose that directly connects to a faucet. Mid- and higher-end models may have a water reservoir and re-circulating pump that filters, cleans and recycles the water.

Handheld Grinder Saws

Tile grinder saws (“angle grinders”) are small, inexpensive, portable plug-in tile saws used for cutting shapes, curves, angles and plunges for electrical outlets and shower drains. Cordless, rechargeable models are available.

What Are The Main Tile Saw Characteristics?

Power

The harder the material you’re cutting, the more horsepower (hp) and torque your tile saw needs to ensure cuts are smooth and precise. Thinner materials do not require as much horsepower. Small handheld tile saws typically have a torque less than 0.5 hp; larger tile saws exceed 0.5 hp. Purchase as much horsepower as you can afford.

Blade

Blade sizes range from 4-1/2 inches to 10 inches. Choose a durable 10 in. circular diamond-tipped tile saw blade that cuts deeper and adapts to a wider variety of projects. Diamond blades use the friction between the material and embedded crystals on the blade tips to produce a smooth cut. They last longer when they are kept wet and cool. Cool dry tile saw diamond blades by allowing them to spin freely without cutting.

Feed Rate

Softer materials such as slate and soft stone may be fed and cut easily. Harder materials, such as porcelain, granite and ceramic should be fed slower to reduce potential cracking or breaking. Your feed should be steady and constant to ensure a straight and clean cut. Allow the blade to pull the tile, cut and move it through and out the other side.

Water Feature

Less expensive wet tile saws are connected to a water source with a hose. Water is pulled from the attached water reservoir and streamed over the blade. The used water may be cleaned and recycled if the tile saw model has a recirculating pump. Expect significant overspray (behind the saw).

What Is The Best Tile Saw For Your Project?

Before purchasing a tile saw, research and choose the one that “fits” your project as well as your budget. An affordable, sturdy quality DIY tile saw is a good choice if it may take awhile to complete your project, or have several projects to finish. However, renting a quality wet tile saw might suit your budget better if your project is small and only take a day or two to complete.

Small Projects

Snap-and-cut tile cutters or carbide-tipped tile nippers might be sufficient for trimming, piecing individual tiles or repair jobs. It is necessary to have some degree of skill and patience to score the tile and snap it along the scored edge without cracking or breaking the tile, however. Power-operated dry or wet tile saws are more efficient, generally easy to use and more accurate. They come in a variety of sizes and options for most DIY budgets.

Medium to Large Projects

Larger projects and harder materials demand a higher horsepower dry or wet tile saw. Larger tile saws come in a variety of sizes with features to accommodate the type and size of your material. A diamond blade minimizes broken or uneven edges and stands and sliding tables make cutting larger pieces easier. Dry tile saws require no water but produce cutting dust. A wet tile saw requires water to reduce friction that fractures tile, cools the cutting blade and contains cutting dust. Wet tile saws effectively and accurately cut with or without water.

Technically “The Best”

The best-selling SKIL 3540-02 tile saw is a basic, inexpensive DIY tool. The Porter-Cable PCE980 is a mid-market model that offers options and great value for the money. The DEWALT 24000 (with or without a stand) is an affordably-expensive, professional-grade, best wet tile saw for those that routinely use this type of tool.

Choosing the Best Tile Saw

The type and size of your project, frequency of use and tile cutting skill determine if a manual, professional or simple DIY type and size tile saw is best. Professionals typically choose a larger blade and a heavier, more powerful and more expansive wet tile saw and options.

These larger saws may need a designated or fixed space with available water and power access. Professionals may supplement their large tile cutting operations with a small handheld, power, manual or re-chargeable angle saw for detail and odd-shape tile work.

A smaller tile saw that is easy-to-set up, easy-to-use, convenient, portable and less expensive is a good choice for DIYers. Ideally it can be taken directly to the (indoor or outdoor) project location. Investing in a larger saw blade makes the tile saw adaptable to a variety of materials and projects.

Best Tile Saw Reviews

Below, you will find a review of the six best tile saws on the market at a price ranging from $70 to $850. Depending on the kind of project you are going to work on, you may choose a wet, dry or versatile wet\dry tile saws. These models operate at a different number of revolutions per minute and have a different size of blades. There are more portable handheld models and larger professional-grade ones with a folding stand.

1. SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw | Best Budget Option

The durable, 7-inch SKIL 3540-02 is an affordable wet tile saw that is ideal for DIY projects. It has an oversized steel frame and precision linear bar system for smooth operation. Its corrosive-resistant stainless steel table top allows you to cut (max.) 3-1/8 in. thick stone and masonry tiles up to 18 in. long (12 in. diagonally).

You can make 0 deg. to 45 deg. bevel cuts with this tile cutting tool. Its cross cut capacity is 7-3/4 inches. Its diagonal cut capacity is 7-1/4 inches. The SKIL 3540-02 runs on a 4.2 amp, 120V motor and has a 7 in. diamond blade. Its heavy-duty cast alloy cutting head and column base are designed to reduce vibration.

The SKIL 3540-02 wet tile saw also features a blade cooling water reservoir to keep the blade cool as well as minimize dust. The adjustable rip fence and miter gauge make straight and miter cuts more accurate.

Skil: Check the current price

2. Porter-Cable PCE980 Wet Tile Saw | Best Water-Resistant

The lightweight Porter-Cable PCE980 7 in. wet tile saw is an affordable, portable wet tile saw that is ideal for DIY projects. Its water-resistant, cast metal cutting top is a sliding try with water channels that allows you to cut (max.) 1-1/4 in. thick ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles up to 17 in. long. Its diagonal cut capacity is 12 in. x 12 in. with an accuracy of 1/16 in. on cuts up to 12 inches long. This model runs on a 1300W, 6.5 amp, 120V, 2850 rpm 1hp motor and has a 7 in. porcelain tile blade.

The Porter-Cable PCE980 wet tile saw also features a splash guard, drain plug for quick draining, and adjustable rear fence. It has a roll cage with handle for cutting cart protection and easy carry. It also includes a miter square to make miter cuts and repeatable rip cuts more accurate and blade wrench.

PORTER-CABLE: Check the current price

3. DEWALT Wet Tile Saw with Stand | Best Professional-Grade

The easy-set-up, easy-transport DEWALT D24000S (w/folding stand) is an affordable DIY wet tile saw. Its stainless steel cantilevered rail and cart system provides a (max.) 25-28 in. ripping capacity and 18 in. x 18 in. diagonal cut capacity. The 10 in. blade has a 22.5 deg. and 45 deg. blade tilt/lock that ensures more accurate corner and miter cuts. It also offers a bevel range from 0 deg. to 45 deg.

The cut line indicator and stainless steel rollers provide accuracy within 1/32 in. The DEWALT D24000S runs on a high-torque 15 amp, 4200 rpm 1.5 hp motor that cuts (max.) 3-1/8 in. thick pavers, V-caps, porcelain and masonry.

This professional-grade wet tile saw features dual water nozzles and rear/side water attachments for water containment. Its plunge feature quickly makes plunge cuts for electrical outlets. Its components detach from the cart and compact to 34 in. x 26 in. for easy transport and storage.

DEWALT D24000S: Check the current price

4. DEWALT DWC860W 4-3/8-Inch Wet/Dry Masonry Saw | Best Adjustable

The 4-3/8 inch DEWALT DWC860W wet / dry tile saw is a lightweight handheld, portable tool with the power to cut through hard granite, porcelain, stone and masonry materials. The adjustable- flow water connection cools the blade and material. It cuts to a (max.) wet or dry depth of 1-3/8 in. It also bevels up to 45 deg.

The DEWALT DWC860W wet / dry tile saw runs on a 1300W, 10.8 amp, 13,000 rpm no-load speed motor. This DWC860W wet / dry tile saw model also features a lock-on button and ergonomic rubber overmold grip to reduce fatigue during repetitive cutting. A dust-sealed switch protects the unit from dust contamination. It also includes a 13 in. water line and regulator, a 4-3/8-inch diamond blade and two blade-change wrenches.

DEWALT DWC860W: Check the current price

5. Makita 4100KB 5" Dry Masonry Saw | Best for Dust Control

The lightweight Makita 4100KB is a 5 in. dry tile masonry saw with a built-in 1-3/8 in. (360 deg.) swivel dust extraction port for dust control. It easily cuts through granite, porcelain, stucco, marble and other hard materials. It is a versatile tool that accepts contour blades that allow you to perform a variety of radius cutting applications. It can also be attached to a guide rail (not included) that improves cutting accuracy. The Makita 4100KB runs on a powerful 13 amp, 12,200 rpm motor that cuts a max. 90 deg. depth of 1-9/16 in.

The Makita 4100KB dry tile saw features a lock-on button, oversized ergonomic top handle and transparent upper guard dust cover, a dust-sealed trigger and adjustable rubberized depth gauge. It also includes a double-insulated 8.2 ft. power cord.

Makita: Check the current price

6. 2.5 Horsepower 10" Industrial Tile/Brick Saw | Best Heavy-Duty

The Chicago Pneumatic industrial-grade wet tile masonry saw. It has an oversized steel frame and precision linear bar system for smooth operation. The 10 in. blade allows you to cut (max.) 3-1/2 in. thick stone and masonry up to 24 in. long (18 in. diagonally). The head pivots to bevel from 0 deg. to 45 deg. This model wet tile saw runs on a powerful 15 amp, 3800 rpm 2.5 hp dual capacitor motor with thermal overload protection and sealed bearings.

This professional-grade wet tile saw features a cast alloy column and heavy-duty dual-position cutting head which minimizes vibration and allows blade adjustment that accommodates a variety of materials. It also includes a removable, high-impact ABS water tub, built-in 3 gal./min. water pump and miter gauge.

Chicago Pneumatics: Check the current price

Best-Selling Tile Saws | Comparison Table