Cut your own tile and backer board to fit.
Installing tile yourself is a great way to improve your home and save money. If you are installing tile with a backer board, it's essential to know work with both materials properly to achieve a good fit. Fortunately, cutting cement-based backer board and tile is not difficult, and does not require many specialized tools. With the right preparation, you can cut tile and backer board yourself, and enjoy the satisfaction of a complete job done right.
Instructions
Cutting Backer Board
1. Lay the backer board on a flat surface. Carefully measure the dimensions you'll cut the board to, using a measuring tape.
2. Align the straight edge on the backer board where you'll cut, and score the backer board along the straight edge with the scoring tool. Continue scoring along this line until the surface mesh is broken.
3. Flip the backer board, and repeat the scoring process on the reverse side, directly opposite the first score. Ensure that the surface mesh is completely severed by your scoring tool.
4. Press down with one hand on the backer board, close to your scored line. Slowly lift the section of board opposite your scored line with your other hand. The board will snap along your scored line.
5. Rub the sharp edge of your cut backer board with a rubbing stone to smooth the edge.
Cutting Tile
6. Measure your tile where you'll make a cut.
7. Align the straight edge on your tile, and score the tile with a carbide-tipped pencil. Make sure that the scored line has cut through the glazed surface of the tile.
8. Hold the tile in one hand, and break off the scored section of tile with the tile nippers.
9. Smooth the cut edge of the tile with your rubbing stone.
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