How To Cut Tile Around Shower Drain

Out of all the bathroom flooring options, ceramic tiles are the go-to pick of homeowners, and for the right reasons!

Besides being easy to clean, they enhance the overall look, adding a modern and stylish touch to your space. However, no matter how easy tile installation is, cutting them around the shower drain is slightly trickier. 

So, sit back and relax as I’ll walk you through the entire process. Keep reading!

How To Cut Tile Around Shower Drain?

Step 1: Grab The Supplies

For cutting the tiles around the shower drain, you’ll need a few supplies that will make the task easier for you. So, get tracing paper, scissors, cardboard, a razor knife, and a wet saw, and you’ll be good to go! 

Step 2: Trace The Outer Edge Of The Drain

To cut the tile, you’ll have to first trace the outer edge of the shower drain on a piece of tracing paper using a pencil. As a rule of thumb, draw about a 1/4-inch wide circle to avoid making mistakes. 

Step 3: Draw The Circle On The Cardboard

Take the tracing paper, cut the circle you’ve drawn to measure the size of your drain, and keep it on the cardboard to trace it. Next, grab a razor knife to cut the circle from the cardboard and keep it aside. 

Step 4: Lay The Tiles On The Floor

For installing tiles, use a notched trowel to spread thin-set mortar on the floor, start laying the tiles by pressing them gently, and place spacers between them. As soon as you reach near the shower drain, a full tile won’t fit in the narrow space. 

Before installing tiles around the shower drain, give the whole setup at least 12 hours to set. 

Step 5: Cut The Circle On The Tile

Lay a full tile over the shower drain and place your cardboard circle on top. Now, take your wax pencil and outline onto each tile. 

After that, set your wet saw on the first marked tile to make multiple straight, parallel cuts from the edge towards the curved line. Roughly, you should cut about 1/4-inch from each other. Repeat the same process for all the tiles, and make sure you do it carefully. 

Step 6: Install The Tiles

After resizing and cutting, spread a thin mortar using a notched trowel and lay down each tile by pressing them gently around the drain. When done, leave them overnight so that they can be set in place. 

Summing It Up

So, that’s about “how to cut tile around shower drain?” Before I sign off, I’d like to add that you should avoid using your bathroom for at least two days so that the grout cures properly. 

Also, remember to measure the drain and double-check it because even the slightest mistake will spoil all your hard work. And it’s a wrap for today; until next time!