If you need to cut tiles – you need a tile saw. They are designed to do one thing and they do it well. Unlike other saws, which are designed to cut a range of different materials, these saws have a very specific purpose and are designed to speed up your tiling job, saving you precious time, money and effort.
Regardless of whether you are an amateur or professional, you want a saw that is going to give you the best results, cut after cut, and give your work that professional look that stands out as perfect.
Deciding on the right saw for the job isn’t always the simplest task, so I’ve tried to make it easier for you by compiling this list of the 8 best tile saws that are available on the market right now.
And if you are running short on time, here’s a quick run-through of my top three tile saw picks:
Top Pick
DeWalt D24000 Tile Saw
This heavy-duty, professional-quality tile saw is the pick of the bunch. It’s expensive compared to others on the list but as always, you get what you pay for. DeWalt – quality. Built tough and designed to keep on keeping on.
Top Value Pick
SKIL 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw
A great saw for a great price. If you want value for money, this is where you’ll find it. At just over $150, it’s an absolute bargain.
Top Budget Pick
SKIL 3540-02
The even more budget-friendly model of the top value pick. This is one of the most affordable tile saws available and for less than 100 bucks, it’s a steal.
Best Tile Saws with Reviews
Below is a list of the top tile saws available on the market today:
1. DeWalt D24000 Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 10-inch diamond blade
- 1.5-horsepower motor
- 26″ rip and 18″ diagonal cut
- Weight: 69 lbs
- Plunge-cut and bevel features
- Stainless steel rail system
- Dual water nozzles
- Optional Stand
- 3-year warranty
- 1-year free service
The Pros
- Highly regarded by professional craftsmen
- Large capacity that works great for large tiles
- Ability to perform plunge & miter cuts at up to 45 degrees
- One of the cleanest wet tile saws to use with a well-designed water containment system & drain plug that makes this wet saw one of the cleanest on the market
- Lightweight
- Optional work stand available
- Powerful motor that is perfect for large jobs
- Great DeWalt standard warranty and service included
The Cons
- Expensive
- Noisy due to powerful motor
- Small miter fence
Overview
The DeWalt D24000 is the must-have tile saw for anyone considering doing a lot of tiling – either in their next renovation project, as a home handyman, or as a professional tiler. The strong 10 inch steel blade, powered by a trust-worthy, top-of-the-line DeWalt 1.5 horsepower motor will have you ripping through cut after cut with the neatness and precision you can expect from one of the worlds most popular manufacturers.
To my mind, it’s the best commercial tile saw available on the current market. But quality comes with a price tag and the D24000 will set you back somewhere between $750 and $900. With that in mind, it’s clear that this saw is designed for users with a fairly heavy workload such as professionals or home handymen that are serious about their craft and don’t want to compromise on quality.
The DeWalt D24000 incorporates a cantilevering rail system into its design, which allows for a ripping capacity of 24 inches and a diagonal cutting capacity of 18 inches. This rail system is made from stainless steel, ensuring your tile saw lasts by protecting it from corrosion. This rail system has a fantastic design which guarantees accurate and neat cuts, giving your work a stand-out look.
Changing the 10 inch blade is made easy with the use of the blade key, and the 0.06 inch thick blade will have no problems at all cutting its way through stone, ceramic, porcelain, and pavers.
Another great thing about this saw is how compact it is. And weighing 69 pounds, it can be transported effortlessly from job to job and set up in a flash by just one person.
When it comes to the integrated miter, you’ve got two options – 45 and 22 degrees – allowing you to perform angled cuts fast and with precision to a depth of 3-1/8 inches, making it great for V-cap and pavers.
The DeWalt D24000 can hold 5 gallons of water in its water pan and you have the option of placing it in either the side or rear attachments to catch blade spray-over and water run-off. And cleaning is made easy, as the water containment tray and cutting cart are simple to remove, clean, and transport.
This saw also comes in another, almost identical model – the DeWalt D24000S. The only difference between these two saws being that the D24000S comes with an attached stand. This stand is incredibly useful and I really recommend that you consider purchasing this model, especially if you don’t already have a works stand on which to place your saw, or, if you are going to be working on a range of different sites and areas.
Overall, this is a great product that is easy to use, easy to set up, easy to clean and easy to transport. It all sounds too easy, doesn’t it! Well luckily, with DeWalt, it usually is. That’s what I really love about this brand.
If you are in the market for a strong, durable and high-quality tile saw, the DeWalt D24000 (and D24000S) is the saw for you.
It comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty and 1 year free servicing.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
2. SKIL 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch diamond blade
- 5 amp, 3,600 RPM motor
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Hydro lock water containment system
- Sliding side extension for tiles up to 18 x 18″
- Light-weight aluminum table top
- Adjustable rip fence with miter gauge
- 22.5 and 45 degree bevel cuts
- 3-year warranty
The Pros
- Great for home DIY work and handymen
- Excellent value
- Good water containment system
- Light-weight and portable
The Cons
- Some users reported that the splash guard requires frequent cleaning during use.
- Water collection pan isn’t removable, making emptying more difficult than it needs to be
- Rip fence isn’t as precise and can be more difficult to move & set than on the DeWalt.
Overview
The Skil 3350-02 7-inch wet tile saw with HydroLock water containment system is my top pick in terms of value for money. At around $150 this tool is slightly more expensive than the 3540-02 version but provides the extra benefits to justify that slight price increase.
And the main extra benefits are found in the HydroLock System. This innovative upper and lower guard helps to keep wastewater around the blade contained and helps keep your work area clean and tidy. This excellent feature allows for precision cutting and minimizes your clean-up once the job is done. For those reasons, I think it is well worth the extra outlay.
The integrated rail cart system works great and the miter gauge can be set for 45 and 22.5 degrees. It has an 18 inch maximum rip capacity and 12 inch diagonal cut capacity.
It also features a sliding side extension that will support tiles up to 18 x 18 inches and it is possible to use on both the right or the left-hand side of the table.
Weighing in at 24 pounds, this is a really easy saw to transport and carry and the simple set up means you can be cutting away in no time at all. And despite its light build-weight, you’ll have no problems cutting through stone, porcelain, ceramic and pavers.
The 7 inch diamond blade has a thickness of 0.05 inches and can be changed via the use of a key. The ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic water pan holds up to 3 gallons of water.
Another great feature of this tool is the removable cutting cart and water containment tray which makes cleaning much easier.
This easy to set up and use tile saw is real value for money, making it a perfect option for DIY work and home renovations. It is sturdy, stable, and easy to control and users with little to no experience with tile saws should be comfortable operating this saw in no time at all.
And although it might be aimed at the DIY or home handyman market, I don’t see why this wouldn’t make a great professional tile saw, especially for young guys just getting their foot in the industry.
It comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
3. SKIL 3540-02 Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch diamond blade
- 4.2 amp, 3,600 RPM motor
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Supports tiles up to 12 x 12″
- Adjustable rip fence with miter gauge
- Blade cooling water reservoir
- 0 to 45 degrees bevel cuts
- 3-year warranty
The Pros
- Excellent value
- Great for DIY work and small home renovations
- Simple to use
The Cons
- Small water reservoir that is hard to fill and isn’t removable
- Some users reported a lot of splashback
- Not as powerful as other saws
Overview
The SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch wet tile saw is the perfect saw for those who don’t have a heavy workload or those who are new to tile renovations and don’t want to break the bank with their first saw purchase. At less than 100 bucks, it is unbelievable value and therefore makes our list as the top budget tile saw on the current market.
This saw features an integrated rail cart system, a 2 gallon water pan and a 2 horsepower motor which will get the blade spinning at 3600 RPM. This value for money wet tile saw has a 7.75 diagonal cut capacity and a maximum rip capacity of 14 inches.
Weighing in at 24 pounds, it’s a little lighter than the 3550 model and this extra-light weight makes it even easier to transport and carry. It is easy and straight-forward to set up and the 7 inch diamond blade won’t have any problems cutting through stone, porcelain, ceramic and pavers – providing a smooth, quick and precise cut.
It features an adjustable rip fence with miter gauge for straight cuts and a 0 – 45 degrees bevel that allows you to perform a wide array of cuts, giving you a lot of control over your project.
This product has many positive reviews and users report that they were very happy with how easy this saw is to use and clean. These positive reviews coupled with the low low price makes it a real no-brainer for occasional DIYers looking for a reliable saw that will see time-to-time use.
Some negative feedback I’ve read about this saw is that some users experienced a fair amount of splashback while operating the saw and that the water reservoir needs to be refilled quite often due to its small size.
Some users also reported that the motor tended to overheat during heavy cutting and that the blade was more suited to light work, as too much pressure on the blade meant that they lost some control over the saw.
For me, this type of feedback indicates that this saw really is designed for infrequent use and definitely isn’t suitable for bigger projects or any type of professional use.
Consider your workload and frequency of use when deciding whether this saw is right for you. But for anyone that is looking for a saw for occasional small jobs, this saw’s price tag makes it an absolute bargain.
It comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty and a 30 day money-back guarantee.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
4. MK Diamond MK-370EXP Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch diamond blade
- 1.25 HP, 6000 RPM motor
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Lightweight design
- 45 degree miter system
- Plunge capability
- Hinged blade guard for easy blade changes and maintenance
- 5/8-Inch diameter chrome-plated linear guide bar
- 1-year warranty
The Pros
- Easy to transport and carry
- Good manufacturing quality.
- Produces smooth and accurate cuts.
- Good choice for home renovations
The Cons
- Motor is noisy for some
- Not recommended for professional or heavy use
Overview
The MK Diamond MK-370EXP 1-1/4HP 7-Inch wet cutting tile saw is on the higher end of the price scale on this list. While not the most expensive, it will still set you back somewhere between $400 – $460.
It is manufactured as a single piece, zinc-plate steel frame and features a 1.25 horsepower motor.
The MK-370EXP also features an integrated rail cart system and a miter gauge for up to 45 degrees. It has an 18 inch maximum rip capacity and a 12 inch diagonal cut capacity. The maximum cutting depth is 2 inches and it is possible to perform plunge cuts with this saw thanks to the variable height cutting head.
An excellent safety feature of the saw is the safety switch, which prevents users from operating the saw if the key used to lock it isn’t in place. This is a great benefit for those working in a busy environment or have kids at home, especially considering that the MK-370EXP’s powerful motor can spin at up to 6000 revolutions per minute.
The 7 inch diamond blade is 0.05 inches thick and blade changes are performed with the use of a blade key.
Users have reported that it’s simple to assemble and use. It also features a maintenance-free, self-lubricating pinion and gearbox which takes a lot of the hassle out of maintaining the saw. It weighs-in at 33 lbs, making it easy to transport and carry and the diamond blade will make short work out of porcelain, ceramic and pavers.
It comes with a 2 gallon water pan and also features a built-in water pump receptacle that features a removable thermoplastic water reservoir.
This user-friendly tile saw is simple to use, easy to clean, and can be set up in no time. It features a removable cutting cart and water tray that makes cleaning even easier. There is also the option to purchase an additional side extension that can support larger tiles.
Most users of this saw were impressed with its value for money. They reported that it gets the job done with speed and precision and is designed so that there is minimum clean-up required once the job is done. Anyone with even little-to-no knowledge of tile saws but a basic understanding of power tools will be up and running with this saw in no time. Some users reported that the blade is very noisy when cutting but that’s all part of tile cutting I’m afraid. The most important thing to worry about is getting a smooth and precise cut.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
5. Harbor Freight Chicago 2.5 Horsepower 10″ Electric Tile Brick Saw
Features-
- 10-inch blade
- 2.5 HP motor
- Weight: 90 lbs
- Powerful dual capacitor motor
- 22.5 and 45-degree bevel cuts
- 24″ cutting capacity
- Cuts tiles or bricks up to 3-1/2″ thick
- 90-day warranty
The Pros
- Features plunge and miter cutting
- Good value saw
- Precise and neat cuts
- Powerful motor
- Bevel cut feature
- Great choice for DIY enthusiasts
The Cons
- Blade not included
- Heavy
- Sliding tray has a small wobble
- Not recommended for heavy use
- Warranty terms are lacking
Overview
If you are looking for a powerful tile saw for home renovations, the Chicago Electric 2.5 horsepower 10 inch tile/brick saw is another good option to explore. It’s a very popular saw among DIYers and home handymen because of its powerful motor and strong build.
It ranges in price from around $350 to $400, making it a fairly mid-priced saw compared to the likes of DeWalt or the cheaper SKIL saws.
The saw features an integrated rail cart system and miter for 45 and 22.5 degree cuts. It also comes with a pivoting head that allows for a 24 inch maximum rip capacity and an 18 inch diagonal cut capacity. The maximum cutting depth is 3.5 inches.
When it comes to grunt, this saw definitely provides the goods, featuring a very powerful 2.5 HP 15 amp dual capacitor motor with sealed bearings, that will get the blade spinning at 3800 revolutions per minute. It also features a thermal overload switch to protect the motor from overheating.
It comes fitted with a 3 gallon per minute water pump and an ABS plastic water pan. The water containment tray is really easy to clean thanks to its removable design.
One of the features I like most about this saw is the adjustable cutting head which allows you to cut both tiles and bricks. This is a huge benefit to those looking to do home renovations, as you can never be certain exactly which materials you might end up working with during your renovation. As well as bricks, this saw will easily handle ceramic, porcelain and pavers.
The 10 inch blade is 0.05 inches thick and is made out of steel. Blade changes are done with the use of a blade key.
This tile saw is on the heavier side, weighing in at 90 lbs, making it less portable than most other options on this list. If you are planning on doing a lot of work in one area, it’s worth considering purchasing an additional stand that can be purchased separately.
The over-sized steel frame helps to steady the saw and gives you a smooth and precise cut.
One disappointing aspect of this saw is the short warranty coverage of just 90 days. Considering that some users reported that the water pump failed, this could be quite a serious issue as it is reported that replacement pumps are not available – a full product replacement being the alternative. Some other users reported that the water pump wasn’t strong enough for the task they were performing. This water pump issue seems to be the main issue that users had with this saw.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
6. MK Diamond MK-170 Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch diamond blade
- 1/3 HP motor
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Submersible water pump
- Adjustable rip guide
- 1-year warranty
The Pros
- Great value
- Reliable motor
- Ideal for DIY home renovations
The Cons
- Not suitable for larger tiles
- Guide is difficult to use and not accurate enough
- Not suitable for professional or heavy use
Overview
The MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 1/3-Horsepower 7-inch bench wet tile saw is a mid-range saw that can be picked up for between $220 and $250. It’s the smaller and cheaper version of the MK 370EXP that we reviewed earlier on this list.
At 15 lbs, it’s one of the lightest tile saws on this list and its compact size and light weight make it perfect for home use, as it can be easily set up on a workbench or suitable stand. It’s also really easy to store on a shelf in a garage or basement. It’s super easy to transport, easy to use, and easy to clean.
It comes with a 7 inch diamond blade and a submersible water pump included in the price. The blade is capable of making cuts up to 2 inches deep and up to 12 inches long.
The MK 170 comes with a high torque, 1/3 horsepower motor that spins at 5,500 RPM, giving great cutting power for such a lightweight saw. It’s ideal for cutting floor and wall tiles.
While this tile saw receives mostly positive reviews, some users reported that the tiles tend to slide on the saw table and have suggested that rectifying this small drawback would greatly increase their overall satisfaction with this saw, which is otherwise very high.
Another slight issue mentioned is that it produces a fair amount of overspray during operation. So much that some users suggested sticking to outdoor use when operating the saw. Other users stated that although there was some overspray during operation, it was minimal and acceptable for a wet saw.
It comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
7. QEP 22700Q Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch diamond blade
- 3/4 HP, 3,600 RPM motor
- Weight: 19.2 lbs
- 8 inch table extension for cutting larger tiles
- 22.5 and 45-degree miter cuts
- 1-year warranty
The Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to set up
- Ideal for small jobs around the house
The Cons
- Cheap-feeling plastic casing
- Vibration causes guide to move out of alignment
- Tendency to rust
- Not for heavy or professional use
Overview
The QEP 22650Q ¾ HP 120 volt tile saw is a budget-friendly, lightweight, and compact saw that is designed for light and infrequent use. It features an integrated rail cart system and a miter gauge that allows for cuts of 22.5 and 45 degrees. At under 100 bucks, it’s on the budget side of the price scale.
It has a 30 inch maximum rip capacity and a diagonal cut capacity of 30 inches – quite large for a tile saw of this weight and size. The maximum cutting depth is 1.25 inches.
Its compact size and light weight make it another saw that is ideal for light use around the house. It weighs in at 19.2 lbs, making it very easy to transport, carry and store around the home.
The ¾ horsepower motor gets the 7 inch blade spinning at a rate of 3,600 RPM, making it great for cutting ceramic tiles and pavers. The blade has a thickness of 0.06 inches and is changed by using a blade key.
It also features an ABS plastic water pan with a 2 gallon capacity, which can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance. The QEP 22650Q3 is also fitted with an interior water baffle to reduce water spray and limit water wastage.
Some users reported a small amount of splashback and overspray when operating this saw.
The biggest issue though seems to be a rust problem. Some people reported that the saw had a tendency to rust if not fully dried after use or not stored in a dry environment.
Other than that, this seems to be a good investment for the price you pay. If you are looking for a small tile saw to do a few odd jobs around the house, this is an ideal little saw.
It comes with a 1 year warranty.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
8. PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
Features-
- 7-inch blade
- 1 HP, 2850 RPM motor
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Plunge cut & miter cuts
- Stainless steel rail system
- 12 inch x 12 inch cutting capacity
- 3 year limited warranty
- 1 year free service
- 90 day money back guarantee
The Good
- Inexpensive
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Onboard miter square
- Roll cage provides protection of the cutting cart
- Easy to carry and transport
- Splash guard
- Stainless steel fixed deck
- Drain plug incorporated into design
Not so Good
- Not for professional or heavy use
- Slow when cutting porcelain or other hard tiles
- Lacks power
Overview
The PORTER-CABLE PCE980 wet tile saw is a well-priced entry-level saw that is designed for home handymen and DIY enthusiasts.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and carry, or store away in the garage after use. It’s a sturdy saw that is made with a stainless steel deck that helps give accurate and smooth cuts over and over again.
This saw has a body dimension of 26.9 x 22.7 x 8.9 inches, which is a little bigger than some tile saws but still small enough to make it very portable. The 7 inch blade can handle tiles up to 17 inches and allows for diagonal cuts of 12 x 12 inches.
Some users have reported that this saw is a little lacking in the power department so I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy use. It’s more suited to DIY work and small jobs around the home.
It features a smooth sliding cutting cart, designed with a lock pin. This cart is removable and is easy to remove and re-attach.
It comes with four rubber feet to aid stability and stop the saw from slipping in wet environments and also has the option of attaching a height adjustable splash guard over the blade to decrease splashback and overspray.
Overall, the PCE980 is a great wet tile saw for jobs around the home but not recommended for heavy or professional use.
Click Here for up-to-date Prices and Reviews
Tile Saws Buying Guide
If you are unfamiliar with tile saws, choosing the correct saw for you can feel like a bit of a daunting task. There are a number of things you should consider before purchasing your wet tile saw and to help make the decision easy, I’ve listed some of the key points to think about before making your final purchase.
Power
One of the first things to consider is the power of the motor. As with any power tool, it’s very important that the tool provides enough power to get the job done in a smooth and neat manner. In this case, you want to be confident that the saw you choose will have enough power to make a cut through the material you are working with. It’s also important to consider the workload you will put your saw through, as saws with less power may overheat if used above their ability.
Personally, I look for a saw with at least a 1.5 horsepower motor. Tile saws with more powerful motors make cutting material like stone, ceramic and porcelain a breeze.
At the end of the day though, it really depends on the type of work you’ll be performing. For example, if you are purchasing a tile saw in order to replace the occasional broken or old wall or bathroom tile, a low output saw under 1 horsepower would do the job just fine.
Portability and storage
After power, the next thing to think about is transport, portability and storage. If you are a contractor and will be traveling between work sites a lot, you want a saw that is easy to transport and set up on site. Storage size might also be an issue for you, depending on how much space you have in your work vehicle.
For those out there that are DIY enthusiasts or home handymen, think about how often you plan on moving your saw to different locations and where you will store your saw when not in use.
If you are anything like me and have a big collection of tools in your shed or garage, having a small and compact saw helps to reduce clutter and improve your work area. I don’t regularly use power tools such as tile saws around the house, so I look for saws that can be packed away out of sight while I’m busy with other projects.
Cutting Ability
The first and obvious point to consider here is looking for a saw with a good reputation for quality and good reviews in terms of its cutting performance.
Other factors to consider are features that will make your job easy, such as whether or not the saw features plunge, bevel or miter cutting.
Plunge cutting becomes extremely important when you need to cut small holes in your tiles to allow for pipes or electrical features. Having a saw that can perform these cuts reduces the amount of cutting you’ll need to do by hand, while at the same time reducing the risk of breaking a tile.
Another thing to look at is the build. The better the guides and the cutting platform, the more accurate of a cut that can be made. Personally, I go for steel or aluminum designs, as the plastic ones feel too flimsy and usually aren’t great for accuracy.
Water source
Since we’re talking about wet saws, it’s important to think about your water source. And not all saws have water pumps or reservoirs that perform equally. I think it’s important to be able to work quickly and cut my tiles without having to worry about frequently refilling the water tank. For this reason, I look for saws with bigger water reservoirs, so that I can keep working for longer between refills.
Also, consider the accuracy at which the water is delivered to the blade in order to prevent water wastage (which will cost you money) and help to keep your work area clear of dust and debris.
Price
Like any investment, you need to weigh up the cost of your purchase. It’s important to think about the extent to which you are going to use your saw, to help decide what type of outlay is best to spend.
If you are doing a one-off project or don’t see yourself using your saw often, you’ll probably be able to get away with a saw at the lower end of the price spectrum.
But for heavy use (and definitely for professionals) it usually never pays to go cheap. You are making an investment in your time and skills and it pays to work with quality tools that will keep you working fast and efficiently to get the job done.
Conclusion
Having the right tool for the job is always a must. Tiling can be tricky business, especially if you have never done a tiling job before, so it’s crucial you choose a saw that gives you smooth and accurate cuts. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to continuously re-cut tiles in order to get the right look and fit, and having a good-quality tile saw will mean the battle is already half won.
More and more people are resorting to DIY work these days and tiling is becoming one of the most performed tasks among DIY enthusiasts. It’s also one of the most complained about! So make sure you have a tile saw that will save you both time and your patience.
If you are planning a big renovation or are a professional, the obvious choice for me would be the DeWalt D24000S. Its superior cutting ability, coupled with DeWalt quality makes it a saw that will continue to give you great results time and time again. And the additional stand that comes with the ‘S’ model is a really nice touch.
For less frequent work, I suggest looking at the SKIL range of saws. Both the 3550-02 and the 3540-02 are great little tile saws that won’t let you down. If you can afford to splash out the little bit more for the 3550-02 model I would strongly suggest it due to the additional benefits of the HydroLock water containment system.
Whatever your chosen saw, it’s always important to remember to make yourself familiar with its operation to ensure safe use and remember to always wear adequate personal safety gear during operation.
Thanks for reading and good luck in all your future tiling efforts!
Comments