How to Drill Into Tile Without Damaging It?

Drilling into tile can feel daunting when you've spent good money on bathroom or kitchen tiling. Make a mistake, and you'll face cracked or chipped tiles that cost a fortune to replace. Whether you're mounting a towel rack, installing a shower rod, or adding accessories, knowing the proper technique for drilling through tile saves both time and money. This guide will help you manage this tricky task without damaging your valuable tiles.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin drilling into any tile surface, gathering the right tools and materials is absolutely essential for success.

Diamond-tipped drill bits

Standard drill bits won't work on tile. You'll need diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped bits specifically made for cutting through hard surfaces without cracking them.

Masking tape

Apply masking tape to your drilling spot to stop the bit from slipping. It also gives you a better surface to mark exactly where your hole needs to go.

Variable speed drill

Control over drilling speed makes all the difference. Start slowly to create a small depression in the tile before picking up speed gradually.

Safety equipment

Safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from tile dust and fragments. Gloves protect your hands, and a dust mask keeps harmful particles out of your lungs.

Water spray bottle

A simple spray bottle keeps both drill bit and tile cool during work. Without water cooling, heat builds up quickly, causing tiles to crack. 

Know Your Tile Type

Not all tiles are created equal. Each type demands specific handling when drilling.

Ceramic tile

The most common tile type, ceramic has a glazed surface that's relatively easy to work with. It still needs proper technique, but generally requires less pressure than other varieties.

Porcelain tile

Tougher than its ceramic cousin, porcelain demands serious patience. The dense material dulls bits faster and needs perfect technique to avoid damage. Go slower and use more water when drilling porcelain.

Natural stone tile

Marble, granite, and slate each behave differently under the drill. Stone tiles tend to be more brittle and unpredictable, chipping easily if you rush the job. Always use fresh, sharp bits on natural stone.

Glass tile

The diva of the tile world, glass requires special treatment. Only use bits specifically designed for glass and drill at the absolute lowest speed possible. One wrong move and you'll be shopping for replacements.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Drill Into Tile Safely

Ready to start drilling? Follow these steps to protect your tiles from damage.

Mark your spot clearly

Take a pencil and mark the exact drilling location. For better precision, stick a small X of masking tape over the area, then mark the centre. The tape gives your drill bit something to grip onto instead of sliding across the glossy tile surface.

Create a starting dimple

Grab a centre punch or nail and gently tap to make a small dent where your drill bit will start. Without this step, the bit will skate across the slick tile surface.

Start with low speed

Begin with minimal pressure and slow speed. Don't force the bit through—let it work at its own pace. Too much pressure is the quickest way to crack your tile.

Keep things cool

Water is your best friend when drilling tile. Spray the drill site regularly to cool both the bit and tile. This prevents overheating that leads to cracks and damage.

Drill at an angle first

Hold your drill at a slight angle for the first few seconds. Once you've created a small depression, gradually move to a perpendicular position to continue drilling straight through.

Ease up when breaking through

You'll feel when the drill bit starts breaking through the back of the tile. At this point, reduce pressure significantly to avoid chipping the back edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing the proper technique. Watch out for these common blunders.

Choosing the wrong drill bit

Grabbed your regular wood or metal bit? Put it down immediately. Only diamond or carbide bits will cut through tile without shattering it. These special bits cost more but save you from ruining expensive tiles.

Drilling too fast

Rushing the job is asking for trouble. High-speed drilling creates excess heat that weakens and eventually cracks the tile. Slow and steady wins this race.

Ignoring the cooling process

Forgot to spray water while drilling? That's how tiles end up cracked and drill bits get ruined. Water cooling isn't optional—it's essential for successful tile drilling.

Applying too much pressure

Pushing hard doesn't help. In fact, it's the number one cause of cracked tiles. Let the drill bit work at its own pace, especially with delicate tiles like glass or natural stone.

Tips for Best Results

Want to ensure perfect results? These practical tips will help your tile drilling project succeed. When tackling larger bathroom projects, we’d recommend you check out our beginner friendly guide to tiling your bathroom for more detailed information and a step-by-step guide.

Practice on spare tiles

Got leftover tiles? Use them for practice runs. Better to make mistakes on spares than on your beautifully installed wall or floor.

Use a drill guide

For perfectly straight holes every time, grab a drill guide attachment. This simple tool keeps your drill at the right angle from start to finish.

Go slowly through grout first

Where possible, drill through grout lines instead of tiles. It's easier, less risky, and often saves your expensive tiles from unnecessary holes.

Consider a tile-specific hole saw

Need larger holes for pipes or fixtures? Don't try to drill multiple small holes. Instead, use a diamond-grit hole saw designed specifically for tile work.

Final Thoughts

Drilling into tile doesn't need to make you nervous. Armed with proper tools and techniques, you can mount anything on tiled surfaces without cracks or chips. The secret? Take your time. Rushing almost guarantees costly mistakes.

Not confident about drilling expensive or rare tiles? There's no shame in calling a professional. Sometimes paying for installation saves money compared to replacing damaged tiles.

But ultimately, the methods outlined in this guide work for everything from hanging a simple towel rail to installing heavy bathroom fixtures. Master these techniques and you'll handle all your tile drilling projects like a seasoned professional.

And if you’re looking at a complete bathroom refresh? Our sleek solutions for barrier-free bathrooms offer modern options at an affordable price.