How to Drill Through Tiles: 4 DIY Tips To Try | Tiles Deluxe
How to Drill Into Tiles Without Cracking Them
Follow this step‑by‑step UK guide to drill safely into ceramic and porcelain wall tiles for shelves, mirrors and accessories — without chips, cracks or costly replacements.
Drilling into tiled walls can feel intimidating, especially when you have just finished a new bathroom or kitchen. However, with the right drill bits, careful marking and patient technique, you can create clean holes without cracking your tiles. This means you can safely fit shelves, mirrors, towel rails and shower accessories onto your tiled surface.
In this guide from Tiles Deluxe, we’ll show you how to drill into ceramic and porcelain tiles step‑by‑step. We’ll cover tools, marking methods, cooling with water and avoiding common mistakes. In addition, you’ll find links to UK‑focused external guides (for example Plumbworld, Tile Warehouse and ManoMano DIY), as well as internal resources such as our Tile Calculator, Wall Tiles, Bathroom Tiles and tile inspiration articles to help you plan the rest of your project.
In this guide
- 1. Understand Your Tile Type
- 2. Tools & Drill Bits You’ll Need
- 3. Step 1 – Mark & Tape the Drill Point
- 4. Step 2 – Drill Slowly With the Right Technique
- 5. Extra Tips for Porcelain & Hard Tiles
- 6. Fixings, Anchors & What’s Behind the Tile
- 7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 8. Tiles Deluxe Tools, Tiles & Accessories
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. More DIY & Tile Guides
1. Understand Your Tile Type Before Drilling
Ceramic vs porcelain vs natural stone
First, work out what kind of tile you’re drilling into. Most UK bathrooms use glazed ceramic wall tiles or porcelain tiles, while some high‑end spaces feature natural stone like marble or travertine. Each material has different hardness and density, which affects how easy it is to drill. For more background, you can compare advice from The Spruce and Jungheinrich Profi Guide.
Ceramic tiles are often easier to drill with a spear‑point glass/tile bit. Porcelain tiles are denser and usually require diamond drill bits or hole saws. Natural stone needs suitable masonry or diamond bits, and more care to avoid cracks and chips. Therefore, always choose drill bits that match your tile type.
Check if tiles are wall or floor rated
Next, confirm whether your tiles are wall‑only ceramics or tougher floor‑rated porcelain. You can check this on the product page if you bought from Tiles Deluxe, for example in our Bathroom Tiles, Kitchen Tiles or Outdoor Tiles categories. As a result, you’ll know how hard they are and what drilling technique they may require. For another perspective, see the guide from Walls and Floors on drilling tiles.
2. Tools & Drill Bits You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools close to hand. Having a well‑prepared setup makes drilling tiles safer and smoother, especially when you’re working around finished bathrooms or delicate fittings. For detailed tool lists, you can refer to guides from Tile Warehouse and Screwfix How‑To.
Drill (with hammer action turned off)
Use a good quality cordless or corded drill. However, always switch hammer action off when drilling tiles; hammer mode can easily crack ceramic or porcelain surfaces.
Correct drill bits for tiles
For ceramic, a spear‑point glass/tile bit is common. For porcelain, diamond‑tipped drill bits or hole saws are usually recommended. In addition, you may need masonry bits to continue drilling into the wall behind once you’ve passed through the tile. You can compare bit recommendations in guides from ManoMano and Plumbworld.
Masking tape, pencil & level
Masking tape helps stop the drill bit slipping on glossy surfaces and can reduce chipping. A pencil or marker and a small level help you position holes accurately for accessories such as shelves or towel rails.
Cooling water & safety gear
For porcelain and hard tiles, keep a small pot, sponge or spray bottle of water ready to cool the drill bit. Safety goggles and gloves are also wise, because tile chips can be sharp.
If you are still choosing tiles, you can explore our Wall Tiles, Metro Tiles, Marble‑Effect Tiles and Large‑Format Tiles, then use this drilling guide when you are ready to install accessories on your finished walls.
3. Step 1 – Mark & Tape the Drill Point
Find the exact position
Accurate marking is essential, because you usually only get one chance to drill each tile in the right place. First, measure where your fitting needs to sit and transfer those measurements to the tiles. Use a pencil, fine marker or tile marker to make a small cross where the hole should go.
For rows of holes, such as bracket fixings for a shelf, it often helps to use a small spirit level or laser level so the marks line up perfectly. As a result, your accessory will sit straight and look professional. You can see practical examples in the guide from Victorian Plumbing.
Apply masking tape over the mark
Next, place a piece of masking tape over the area and redraw the mark on top of the tape. This gives your drill bit more grip and helps reduce chipping if the bit wanders slightly. Many external guides, including those from plumbing and DIY websites, recommend masking tape as a simple but effective step.
4. Step 2 – Drill Slowly With the Right Technique
Start gently and avoid hammer mode
With the hole marked and taped, fix the correct tile drill bit into your drill and double‑check that hammer mode is switched off. Position the tip of the bit over the mark and start drilling at a low speed. However, do not push hard; let the drill bit do the work and increase speed gradually if needed.
Some diamond bits work best if you begin at a slight angle to create a small groove, then gradually bring the drill upright. This helps prevent the bit slipping and gives a clean entry into the tile surface.
Maintain steady pressure and control
Then, keep the drill steady and maintain light, consistent pressure. If the tile is ceramic, you may pass through relatively quickly. Porcelain will take longer. Finally, once you feel the bit break through the tile, stop immediately so you don’t accidentally drill too far into the material behind.
- Keep your hands and drill stable; sudden movements increase the risk of chips or cracks.
- Do not lean your full body weight on the drill; gentle pressure is enough for most tile bits.
- Always wear eye protection, as tiny tile fragments can fly off during drilling.
5. Extra Tips for Porcelain & Hard Tiles
Porcelain tiles are tougher and denser than many ceramics, which is great for durability but means drilling needs more care. Therefore, it’s wise to allow extra time and use diamond‑tipped bits designed specifically for hard tiles.
Cool the bit with water
Friction generates heat, and very hot drill bits can damage diamond tips and increase the risk of cracking tiles. To reduce this, use a sponge, small pot or spray bottle to keep the bit cool. Many DIY videos show dripping water onto the drilling area at intervals, especially for thick porcelain tiles. You can compare cooling tips with advice from Victorian Plumbing and Topps Tiles.
Pause regularly and clear dust
In addition, pause regularly to clear away dust and check progress. If the bit is struggling, do not simply push harder; instead, let it cool, check that you’re using the right bit and consider a fresh tip if the current one is worn. Overall, patience pays off when working with high‑quality porcelain tiles.
6. Fixings, Anchors & What’s Behind the Tile
Drilling through the tile is only part of the job; you also need strong fixings in the wall behind. Different substrates — such as masonry, plasterboard or backer boards — require different wall plugs and anchors.
After you pass through the tile, switch to an appropriate masonry or wood bit if necessary and drill the substrate to the required depth. Then insert suitable plugs or anchors for the accessory you’re installing. In most cases, manufacturer instructions for shelves, rails or cabinets will specify the type and size of fixings they require.
If you are unsure what’s behind the tile, a stud finder or inspection beforehand can help. As a result, you’ll avoid drilling into pipes or cables and ensure that heavy items are fixed into solid points rather than just tile and plasterboard. You can read more about plug types and substrates in guides from Screwfix and Tile Warehouse Help & Advice.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drilling Tiles
- Using hammer mode on the drill, which can crack tiles in seconds.
- Choosing the wrong drill bit for the tile type, such as using only standard masonry bits on dense porcelain.
- Skipping masking tape or accurate marking, leading to wandering drill bits and chipped surfaces.
- Drilling too fast without cooling, especially on porcelain tiles where heat builds quickly.
- Pushing too hard instead of letting the bit cut steadily through the tile at its own pace.
- Continuing to drill far into the wall behind without changing to suitable bits or checking for pipes and cables.
Planning a full bathroom or kitchen tile project?
Once you’re confident with drilling and fixing accessories, you can explore our full range of wall and floor tiles, adhesives and grouts. We offer metro tiles, marble‑effect slabs, terrazzo styles and outdoor ranges, all at competitive online prices.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What drill bit should I use for ceramic wall tiles?
For most glazed ceramic wall tiles, a spear‑point glass/tile drill bit or dedicated tile bit works well. Start slowly, avoid hammer action and use masking tape over the mark to help keep the bit steady. You can also review brand recommendations in guides from Topps Tiles.
Can I drill into porcelain tiles with a normal masonry bit?
It is usually better to use diamond‑tipped bits designed for porcelain, because standard masonry bits can struggle and overheat. Once you are through the tile, you can switch to masonry bits for the wall behind.
Do I need masking tape on every tile?
Masking tape is not always essential, but it is a simple way to improve grip and reduce chipping, particularly on glossy surfaces. Therefore, many professionals and DIY guides recommend using it for most holes. You can see an example in the Walls and Floors blog.
How can I avoid hitting pipes or cables?
Before drilling, check plans if available, use a stud finder and think carefully about where services are likely to run. In addition, avoid drilling directly above or below taps, radiators or sockets unless you are certain the area is clear.
