How To Drill Ceramic Tile (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Drill Ceramic Tile PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Art Fricke

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

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  • Drilling Ceramic Tile
    • |
  • Repairing Cracked Tiles
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Art Fricke. Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 424,787 times.

Ceramic tile is both hard and brittle, making it easy to damage both tile and drill bit. Adopt a patient approach with the correct tools, and you have a high chance of success. Hopefully, you will not have to read the included instructions for repairing cracked tile.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Drilling Ceramic Tile

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 1 Clean the tile's surface. Wipe the tile with a rag soaked in mild soap and water. Examine the cleaned surface for damage. If the tile is cracked, you'll need to replace it before you continue.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 2 Choose a drill bit. An ordinary steel drill bit may fail to penetrate the tile, or cause it to shatter. Instead, use an abrasive bit, like a diamond drill bit.[1] Search for an appropriate bit using the following guidelines:
    • Glass or tile bits are shaped to reduce the risk of shattering brittle materials. These should be carbide-tipped.
    • Diamond bits are more expensive, but can drill through extra-hard tiles. You may need these for modern porcelain tiles (made since the late 1990s), because they’re much harder than ceramic tiles.[2]
    • Masonry bits are made from carbide-tipped steel. These are strong enough to drill through, but their shape increases the risk of shattering porcelain and other brittle tiles.
    • As a last resort, use high speed steel (HSS) bits. Expect these to wear down after one or two holes.[3]
    • If drilling a large hole for plumbing installation, use a hole saw bit made from one of the above materials. Make sure its central pilot bit is also made from a suitable material.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 3 Wear safety glasses. Ideally, the tile should not chip or break. In the event that it does, your eyes should be protected.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 4 Cover the area with masking tape. Tape over the area in an X shape, marking the site of the hole. This will help give the drill bit some traction, reducing the chance of it slipping. The tape also makes chipping less likely on the outer rim of the hole.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 5 Tap the drill bit in lightly with a hammer. A drill bit may skip and jump around on the tile's smooth surface, unless you make a small pilot hole to steady it. Hold the drill bit over the center of the X and tap it in with a hammer. Tap gently to avoid damage, repeating until you've made a small dent through the surface of the glaze.[4]
    • If you're using a solid drill bit larger than 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm), consider drilling a pilot hole with a smaller bit first.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 6 Drill through the tile slowly. Set your drill to the lowest speed and apply modest pressure to the surface. Work slowly, as this will help prevent the tile from cracking.[5] This may take three or four minutes.
    • Applying too much pressure can cause the tile to blow out and crack on the backside, creating a weak spot in the tile and often a much larger hole than originally intended.
    • Diamond bits are especially vulnerable to damage from fast drilling. Drill no faster than 600 rpm for diamond bits below ½ inch (1.25 cm), or 450 rpm for bits from ½ to 1 inch (1.25—2.5 cm).[6]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 7 Lubricate with water as you drill. Friction from drilling hard materials creates a great deal of heat, which can scorch the drill bit or even break the tile. Protect your project and extend the lifespan of the drill with a constant trickle of water. You may use a small hose, or an assistant with a squirt bottle or glass of water.
    • "Pump" the drill every 15 to 20 seconds with a tiny up-and-down motion. This draws water to the tip of the bit, where friction is greatest.[7]
    • The drill bit should never feel more than slightly warm. If it gets hot, stop and wet it until it cools down.
    • You can also dip the drill bit into a little water periodically to keep it wet.[8]
    • As an alternative, lubricate the drill with drilling oil.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 8 Penetrate the backing board. You can switch back to a regular drill bit for this process if you prefer. Continue to drill slowly and patiently, as it is just as important to maintain the wood or drywall behind the tile. Damaging the backing board can make it difficult to anchor your screw or whatever you plan to insert.[9]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Repairing Cracked Tiles

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 1 Fill hairline cracks with epoxy or tile filler. You can repair hairline cracks without having to replace the tile, as long as the tile is still firmly set. You can use specialized ceramic tile repair kits, but a two-part ceramic epoxy will work fine. Mix the two components together using a piece of scrap wood, then spread over the crack using a clean rag. Wipe up the excess using a second rag.[10]
    • Take care not to get the epoxy in the grout lines between tiles.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 2 Add color to hide the repair. There are two ways to make the repair invisible:
    • Before filling, mix the epoxy with epoxy tint the same color as the tile.
    • Or, after filling, paint over the repair using an oil-based enamel paint marker.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 3 Select a replacement tile for more severe damage. Purchase a replacement tile for any damage wider than a hairline crack. Bring the tile to a home repair store to find a match for size, shape, and pattern.
    • Note the thickness of the tile as well. A thinner replacement will need a layer of mastic to raise it.[11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 4 Remove surrounding grout. Carefully cut away the grout around the broken tile. A grout saw will make this task go faster, but you can use a hammer and chisel instead. Work slowly all the way around the tile, to allow for safe removal without damaging the surroundings.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 5 Break away the rest of the tile. Use a hammer and large chisel to break the tile apart. Angle it away from you and start from the center to reduce damage to backing.[12]
    • Wear gloves and safety glasses. Lay down cloth to protect surrounding surfaces from ceramic shards.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 6 Replace tile adhesive. Scrape off the existing adhesive using a putty knife. Spread a new layer of thin-set mortar onto the wall or floor.
    • Follow label instructions for mixing the mortar. You may need to wear a dust mask.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 7 Press in the new tile. Make sure the tile is flush by tapping it in place with a rubber mallet, or a piece of wood wrapped in cloth.[13] Scrape out any excess mortar from the grout lines with a screwdriver.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Drill Ceramic Tile 8 Replace the grout. Let the tile dry overnight, or as specified in your mortar instructions. Mix the grout, then add a thin line around the tile using a plastic putty knife. After a week, apply grout sealer over the grout to protect from moisture.[14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question Where can I find a diamond drill bit? Mark Spelman Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Mark Spelman Mark Spelman Construction Professional Expert Answer If you're looking to buy a diamond drill bit, I recommend checking out most major hardware stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
  • Question How do you drill through ceramic tile without breaking it? Art Fricke Art Fricke Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. Art Fricke Art Fricke Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Answer Ceramic tile tends to be very brittle because it's mostly clay with a thin layer of porcelain backed on top of that. If you're trying to drill a hole, use an abrasive bit and work very slowly. Also, keep the drill bit dampened with water so it doesn't get too hot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Diamond bit or carbide-tipped glass or tile bit
  • Drill
  • Masking tape
  • Safety glasses
  • Glass of water or small hose

Tips

  • With practice, you can skip the tape and starting hole. Instead, angle your drill bit steeply as you begin the hole. As soon as you've penetrated the glaze, move to a vertical position.[15] This is only recommended if you have many holes to drill and need to save time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you need to replace a tile, drill the holes into the replacement tile before you install it. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Take care not to get water into the motor or battery areas of the drill. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
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References

  1. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ http://www.diamondsure.com/Techniques.shtml
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VEbcfziT2A
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-1g5wTSE34
  5. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ http://www.diamondsure.com/Techniques.shtml
  7. ↑ http://www.diamondsure.com/Techniques.shtml
  8. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.doityourself.com/stry/drillingintotilewall
More References (6)
  1. ↑ http://homerepairgeek.com/home-flooring/repair-cracked-tile.html
  2. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-broken-ceramic-tile
  3. ↑ http://homerepairgeek.com/home-flooring/repair-cracked-tile.html
  4. ↑ http://homerepairgeek.com/home-flooring/repair-cracked-tile.html
  5. ↑ https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-broken-ceramic-tile
  6. ↑ http://www.eternaltools.com/blog/how-to-drill-glazed-pottery

About This Article

Art Fricke Co-authored by: Art Fricke Home Renovation & Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Art Fricke. Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. This article has been viewed 424,787 times. 22 votes - 91% Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 424,787 Categories: Cutting Tiles Article SummaryX

Before you drill ceramic tile, clean the surface with soap and water and put masking tape in the shape of an “X” over the area you’re drilling. Then, hold the drill bit over the center of the “X” and use a hammer to tap it lightly until you’ve made a small dent in the tile’s glaze. Next, set your drill on low speed and apply just a little pressure to the surface. As you drill, lubricate the bit with a constant trickle of water to protect both the bit and the tile from overheating. Continue drilling until you’re through the tile’s backing board. For more tips from our General Contractor reviewer on using the right drill bit to drill ceramic tile, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Jim Osburn

    Jim Osburn

    Sep 22, 2016

    "I was facing mounting brackets on ceramic tile in the bathroom, and knew that there had to be tricks and techniques..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Art Fricke Co-authored by: Art Fricke Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 424,787 91% of readers found this article helpful. 22 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote 91% of people told us that this article helped them. Jim Osburn

Jim Osburn

Sep 22, 2016

"I was facing mounting brackets on ceramic tile in the bathroom, and knew that there had to be tricks and techniques..." more Bill Scott

Bill Scott

Jan 4, 2017

"Having no experience with this type of drilling, your tips on using tape, tapping the bit to make a starting point..." more Sherry Tan

Sherry Tan

Feb 26, 2017

"The explanation & illustrations are very clear. Good tips given to prevent the tile from cracking. I'm..." more Ken Malherbe

Ken Malherbe

Feb 28, 2017

"Good instructions for a first-timer! Thank you! I installed an emergency grab-rail in my shower cubicle and drilled..." more Sherry Tan

Sherry Tan

Feb 26, 2017

"The explanation and illustrations are very clear. Good tips are also given to prevent tiles from cracking. I'm..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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