When installing a tile backsplash, how do you cut the opening for an electrical outlet that falls into the middle of a tile?

– Brian

Hi Brian,

Your best bet is to clamp the tile to a flat surface (like a piece of plywood) and drill a hole at each of the four corners using a diamond coated bit (carbide will work, too, but is slower and dulls faster). Next, use a diamond coated saw blade in a small circular saw, grinder, or tile saw to carefully plunge cut between the holes. Remove the center section, and use tile nippers to break off any protrusions that remain.

Good luck with your project,


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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