How to Drill Tiles

Now that we’ve got our tools ready, roll up your sleeves and get to work. We’ll be going through the process step-by-step, ensuring that your tiles remain intact and beautiful.

Step 1: Identify Your Tile Type

Before you dive into drilling, take a moment to familiarise yourself with your tile. Is it porcelain or natural stone? These tiles are harder than ceramic tile options and will need a bit more elbow grease and a specially designed tile drill bit to break through.

Step 2: Prepare the Right Tools

Ready to start drilling? Not so fast. First, we need the right set of tools. A power drill is essential, but the real star of the show is the drill bit. Ditch any old or tired bits, as they could harm you and your tile. Safety first – grab some goggles, a dust mask, and safety gloves.

Remember, tiles are tough. Regular or masonry bits won’t do the trick. You’ll need either a carbide-tipped or diamond-tipped drill bit. Diamond-tipped ones are a bit pricier but can handle even the hardest tiles without breaking a sweat.

Carbide-tipped bits are more common, perfect for a non-glazed or glazed ceramic tile but not quite up to scratch for harder materials like quarry or porcelain tiles. When drilling holes through those types of tiles, stick with diamond-tipped drill bits, as they are perfect even on the hardest tile surfaces.

Step 3: Double-check measurements and Mark Your Drilling Area

Tiles can be slippery little things when it comes to drilling. To stop your drill bit from doing the slide, pop some masking tape over the spot you plan to drill into. Double-check your measurements – accuracy is key here – and mark an ‘X’ on the tape. This gives your drill bit something to grip on.

If you’ve got multiple holes to drill, a small block of wood can be your best friend. Drill a hole into it that matches your drill bit’s diameter, then place it over your tile as a guide. Hold the block steady with your free hand while you drill.

For those who love precision, consider getting a drill guide. They come in different styles – some attach to the tile with a suction cup, and others are steel plates with guide holes. They might cost you a bit initially, but they’re a great investment for DIY enthusiasts, and you can use them again and again.

Step 4: Begin the Drilling Process

With all your preparations and tools ready, it’s time to get drilling. Tiles, especially porcelain and natural stone ones, are tough. So, patience is key.

Don’t drill through tile right away; it can make your drill bit too hot and cause unwanted vibrations that might crack the tile. Drill slowly, applying steady pressure until you’ve cracked the top glaze layer.

Once you’re through that, you can gradually pick up the pace and apply a bit more pressure to break through the tile into the wall. When you hit the wall, again, drill slow and steady to avoid any damage.

Step 5: Keep Your Drill Bit Cool

The secret to successful tile drilling? Keeping your drill bits cool. And it’s as easy as using some water. Just dampen a sponge and give your bit a little dab now and then to cool it off.

You can also hold a wet sponge under the drill bit while it’s working. This not only stops your bit from overheating but also catches any dust and debris. Just be very careful not to get the drill motor wet.

Diamond bits can handle a bit of heat, but they’ll last longer if you let them cool down periodically. So remember, to keep your drill bits in tip-top shape, don’t overheat them and avoid applying too much pressure.

Step 6: Switch Drill Bits Based on Substrate Material

Once you’ve made it through the tile and hit the wall, it’s a good idea to swap out your drill bit based on what the wall is made of.

If it’s concrete or stone, go for a masonry drill bit. For fiberboard or timber, you’ll need wood bits. If you’re dealing with cement backer boards, which are often found behind tiles in places like showers, you can use a standard drill bit or the one you used for the tile.

It’s not common to find tiles installed on metal, but there might be metal supports behind the wall. If you need to drill into them, a standard high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit should do the trick. But if you’re up against tougher metals like cast iron or stainless steel, opt for a cobalt steel or black oxide drill bit.