How to Cut Tile Around a Drain (Circle and Square Drain Guide)

Cutting tile around a drain is one of the most challenging cuts in tile installation — whether it's a circular floor drain or a square shower drain, you need to remove material from the center of the tile rather than just cutting from an edge. This guide covers the best methods for both drain types.

What You'll Need

• Diamond Saw Blades 4.5" (3-Pack) — for angle grinder cutting
• QEP Compound Tile Nipper — for refining curves
• Angle grinder
• Pencil or marker
• Compass or circle template
• Safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask
• Rubbing stone for smoothing edges

Method 1: Cutting Around a Circular Drain

Step 1: Mark the circle.
Place the tile in its installation position and mark the center of the drain on the tile. Use a compass set to the drain radius to draw the circle on the tile surface. Add 2–3mm to the radius for a small gap — the drain cover will overlap the tile edge.

Step 2: Make relief cuts.
Using an angle grinder with a diamond blade, make a series of straight cuts from the edge of the tile to just inside the circle line — like cutting pizza slices. Space the relief cuts about 10–15mm apart around the circle. These cuts allow the waste pieces to fall away when you cut the circle.

Step 3: Cut the circle.
Carefully cut along the circle line with the angle grinder. The relief cuts allow each small waste piece to fall away as you cut around the circle. Work slowly and steadily.

Step 4: Refine with tile nippers.
Use QEP tile nippers to clean up any rough spots on the curve. Smooth the edge with a rubbing stone.

Step 5: Dry-fit and check.
Test the tile around the drain before applying adhesive. The drain cover should overlap the tile edge by at least 5–10mm on all sides.

Method 2: Cutting Around a Square Drain

Square drains are easier to cut around than circular ones because they only require straight cuts.

Step 1: Mark the square.
Position the tile and mark the corners of the drain opening on the tile. Connect the marks to draw the square cut line.

Step 2: Make the cuts.
Use a wet saw or angle grinder to make two straight cuts along the marked lines. For a corner cut (where the drain is at the corner of a tile), two cuts are sufficient. For a center cut, you'll need to make plunge cuts or drill a starter hole.

Step 3: For plunge cuts with an angle grinder:
Start the grinder, tilt the blade to touch the tile surface at the start of the cut line, then slowly lower the blade into the tile. This is an advanced technique — practice on a scrap tile first.

Splitting the Tile Around the Drain

For circular drains in the center of a tile, another approach is to cut the tile into two or four pieces that fit around the drain, rather than cutting a hole in the center. This is often easier and the grout lines hide the cuts. Plan your tile layout so the drain falls on a grout line if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest way to cut a circle in tile?
The relief cut method with an angle grinder is the most practical approach for DIYers. A diamond hole saw drill bit is another option for smaller circles — it cuts a clean circle but requires a drill press or very steady hand.

How much gap should I leave around the drain?
Leave 2–3mm between the tile edge and the drain body. The drain cover or flange will overlap this gap. Don't cut the tile flush against the drain — leave room for the drain to be adjusted and for caulk.

Can I use a wet saw to cut around a drain?
A wet saw makes straight cuts only. For circular drains, use an angle grinder with relief cuts. For square drains, a wet saw works well for the straight cuts needed.

What if the drain falls in the middle of a tile?
Plan your layout so the drain falls on a grout line if possible — this makes cutting much easier. If it must fall in the center of a tile, use the relief cut method with an angle grinder.