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How to Drill Through Tile: 7 Tricks That Makes It Easy

How to Drill Through Tile: 7 Tricks That Makes It Easy

8 minute read

Whether you're doing a brand new installation or adding elements like bathroom grab bars or a pot filler above your kitchen range, drilling through tile is sometimes unavoidable. Contractors and tile installers know exactly how to do it for a seamless, smooth look, but if you're DIYing the project and don't already know how to drill through tile, it can seem like a difficult, daunting task. Before you grab your trusty hammer drill that you use for every project around the house, read this step-by-step guide on how to drill tile like a professional.

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Why Tile Requires a Different Drilling Approach

Drilling through tile is nothing like drilling through wood, metal, or drywall. Tiles are hard, brittle, and prone to chipping and cracking, and if they're already installed, you can't just grab a drill and get to work. Doing so could result in a ruined bathroom wall, a damaged kitchen backsplash, or a stall shower riddled with spider cracks.

Before you start the project, it's important to learn how to drill holes in tile without doing unnecessary damage.

If you have loose, uninstalled tiles, practice drilling through those before taking your drill to a finished installation. Learning how to drill tile properly isn't hard, but it takes precision, which requires practice.

Tools and Materials You'll Need to Drill Through Tile

There are several tools you'll need to complete a successful tile drilling project. If you don't have these tools on hand, do not start the project. If you do not feel comfortable or confident using these tools yourself, hire a professional.

  • Electric drill with variable-speed control
  • Drill bits designed to cut through your tile material
  • Painter's tape or masking tape
  • Spray bottle with clean water
  • Wall anchors and screws

The best drill for drilling through tile is one that allows you to disable the hammering action or impact action. Never drill through tile with an impact driver or with an electric drill with the hammer function enabled — these are a recipe for disaster.

The best drill bit for drilling through tile depends on the tile material:

Marble & Porcelain Tile

Use a diamond-tipped drill bit — it's the only bit strong enough to penetrate these dense materials.

Ceramic Tile

Use a carbide-tipped tile bit for a clean, controlled hole.

Glass Tile

Like our Blizzard Blue 3x12 Glossy Glass Subway Tile, use a carbide-tipped spear-point bit for small holes, or a diamond hole saw for larger openings.

How to Drill Through Tile Step by Step

Once you have the proper tools assembled and the right drill bit attached, you can start drilling.

1
Measure and markMark the spot with a piece of painter's tape or masking tape. Measure again to confirm you've marked the precise spot. The tape helps you identify exactly where to drill and helps prevent the drill from slipping and scratching the tile.
2
Angle and start slowDisable the hammer function and hold the drill against the tile at a 15-degree angle. Start drilling at a low, slow speed using light, steady pressure. Once you've created a groove at this angle, you can straighten the drill to a 90-degree angle.
3
Keep it wetWet the drill bit and tile every 15 seconds or so to prevent friction, overheating, and damaging the bit and surrounding tile.
4
Increase speed once throughOnce you break through the outer surface of the tile, there will be less resistance. At this point, you can gradually increase your speed and apply consistent pressure.
5
Stop at full depthOnce the drill has gone through the entire depth of the tile, stop drilling.

Knowing how to drill through tile is just as important as knowing when to stop. Once you've reached the drywall, wood, or cement behind the tile, change the bit to suit that material.

How to Drill Through Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile

The methods for drilling through ceramic and porcelain tiles are essentially the same, but there are some slight variations. Knowing these pro tips can make your project even more successful.

Follow these tips for drilling through ceramic tile:

  • If you have glazed ceramic, mark the spot with additional tape before starting to drill. Additional tape will provide a better barrier against the tile and prevent the drill bit from slipping.
  • Start by angling the drill at a 15-degree angle and scoring the surface before turning the drill to a 90-degree angle.
  • Slowly increase the speed as you drill further into the tile.

Here's how to drill through porcelain tile:

  • Never use a carbide tip — it is not strong enough to penetrate porcelain. A diamond-tipped bit is the only bit that can penetrate porcelain.
  • Start by angling the drill at a 45-degree angle to penetrate the dense material, then turn the drill to a 90-degree angle.
  • Keep the speed at slow to medium speed for the best results.

Not sure if your tile is ceramic or porcelain? When in doubt, use a diamond-tipped bit. A diamond-tipped bit is not necessary for ceramic tile, but it will work, whereas a carbide tip will never drill through porcelain.

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Best Practices for Drilling Into Wall and Floor Tile

Whether you have smaller tiles like our Beige 11x13 Glossy Glass Mosaic Tile on your kitchen backsplash or large-format marble tiles covering your bathroom walls and floor, learning how to drill into tile doesn't necessarily mean you should. Depending on the cost of your initial installation, the availability of replacement tiles should they get damaged, the item you're mounting or installing, and your own skill level, hiring a professional is often the right move.

If you're confident that you can DIY it on your own, always follow these tips for drilling through tile:

  • Use the proper drill bit
  • Turn the drill's hammer mode off
  • Mark the spot and measure twice before starting to drill
  • Drill slowly at a low speed and do not rush the process
  • Keep the bit and tile wet, spraying water to reduce friction and damage
  • Thoroughly clean the drilled hole before inserting anchors or screws

If you're determined to do it yourself, it's a good idea to practice drilling into a loose tile before taking a drill to a beautifully finished bathroom, kitchen backsplash, or entryway floor installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drilling Through Tile

With the wrong drilling techniques, tiles can chip and crack easily. To drill through tile without breaking it, avoid these common mistakes:

Not measuring, marking, and double checking that you're drilling the precise spot
Using a standard masonry bit
Using the wrong bit for the type of tile you're drilling through
Using hammer mode (this is almost a guarantee your tile will break)
Starting the drill at a 90-degree angle that goes straight into the tile
Not wetting and cooling the tile and drill bit often enough
Drilling too fast or at too high a speed
Using too much force (rather than applying excess pressure, let the drill do the work)
Drilling into the grout rather than the actual tile

Remember, tiles are prone to cracking and chipping, so use the low and slow approach. Use low speeds with your drill and slow, deliberate movements at the proper angle and your project can look like it was handled by a pro.

Finishing the Job: Anchors, Screws, and Clean-Up

Once you've drilled through the tile to the cement, stud, or drywall behind it, stop drilling. At this point, you'll want to remove the tape marker and vacuum the hole clean to remove all dust and residue.

Next, insert the appropriate anchors for your installation and make sure they're flush with the wall before inserting any screws or mounting any objects. When it's time to insert screws and mount your objects, be sure not to overtighten them. Overtightening can cause the tile around the drilled hole to chip or crack.

DIY vs Hiring a Pro: Which Option to Choose

Whether to DIY or hire a pro for a tile drilling project depends on the type of tile material you need to drill through, the type of upgrade or installation you want to achieve, and the location of the project.

Here's when to DIY:

  • It's a small installation, such as a towel bar, shower grab bar, wall hook, decorative object, or floating shelf
  • You have ceramic tile
  • You have the proper tools and drill bits
  • You have extra tiles available or know how to repair tile cracks in case the drill bit damages or chips the tile
  • There's no risk of drilling into electrical or plumbing lines

Here's when to call in a pro:

  • It's a large, heavy, or expensive installation, such as a shower door, mirror, cabinetry, or floating vanity
  • You have marble, glass, or porcelain tile that is extra-dense or more prone to cracking
  • You don't have the proper drill or bits to do the job
  • Replacement tiles are unavailable
  • The installation involves drilling near plumbing or electrical lines
Read also: How to Choose the Right Bathroom Tile (A Guide That Makes It Easy)
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you drill through tile without cracking it?

Yes, you can drill through tile without cracking it by using the right drill bit for your tile material, turning the hammer function off, using water to cool and lubricate the bit, and starting with your drill at an angle rather than perpendicular to the tile surface.

2. What drill bit is best for porcelain tile?

The best type of drill bit for porcelain tile is a diamond-tipped bit. Porcelain is extremely dense and requires diamond bits to reduce friction, minimize the potential for cracking, and drilling smooth, precise holes.

3. Do you need water when drilling tile?

Yes, water cools and lubricates the drill bit, reducing the potential for overheating and minimizing friction that can crack the tile.

4. Can you use a hammer drill to drill through tile?

Yes, you can use a hammer drill, but you’ll need to turn the hammer function off to prevent cracking and damaging the tile. Just make sure you’re using a specialized bit, such as a diamond-tipped drill bit for porcelain or a carbide-tipped tile bit for ceramic.

5. How long does it take to drill through porcelain tile?

It can take up to five minutes to drill through porcelain tile. Porcelain is dense, so it’s important to drill slowly to prevent overheating, cracking, and damaging the tile.

6. Can you drill through the already installed tile?

Yes, you can drill through already installed tile but you’ll need to turn off the impact setting or hammer action on your drill and use the proper technique with the proper bit.
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Nura
About the Author

Nura

Nura has always been drawn to design and the way our eyes and senses experience a space. She’s fascinated by the stories that interiors and architecture quietly tell. Traveling across countries and seeing architecture in its natural setting helped her notice how materials, patterns, and textures quietly shape emotion and personality in a space.

Before joining Tiletopia, Nura spent over a decade in brand management, market research, and consumer behavior across different industries, working in brand storytelling and crafting content that brings ideas to life. At the intersection of storytelling and design, Nura has found her creative home at Tiletopia, where she brings both passions to life.

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