Drill into tiles without cracking them
15 minutes — the technique that stops cracked tiles
Drilling through ceramic or porcelain tile is something most people get wrong the first time. The wrong bit or the wrong speed cracks the tile. This guide gets it right first time.
Last updated: June 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Part of the Bathroom Renovation project
This is a Phase 4: Tiling skill in the full bathroom renovation walkthrough.
If you're renovating your bathroom, start here →Before you start
Always use a cable and pipe detector before drilling into any tiled wall. Bathroom walls frequently have pipes running vertically from the basin or bath, and cables running to light switches or shaver sockets.
Identify your tile type: ceramic tiles are white or porous at the edges. Porcelain tiles are uniform all the way through the body and significantly harder. Porcelain needs a diamond-tipped bit — a standard tile bit will not cut it.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Power drill— must have variable speed and ability to disable hammer action
- ✓Tile or glass drill bit— carbide for ceramic, diamond-tipped for porcelain
- ✓Masking tape— prevents the bit wandering on the tile glaze
- ✓Spirit level— check position is level before drilling — you cannot undo a drilled hole
- !Cable and pipe detector— non-negotiable before drilling into any bathroom wall
- !Rawl plugs (mixed bag)— match the plug size to the drill bit diameter
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Mark the position and apply masking tape
Mark your drilling position on the tile with a pencil. Cut a small cross of masking tape and place it over the mark — the tape should sit flat against the tile surface. Re-mark your point on top of the tape. Why: a drill bit has nothing to grip on a glazed tile surface and will skate across it before it bites. Masking tape creates a tiny amount of surface friction that keeps the bit on the mark while you start the hole. Without it, even a sharp bit wanders and the first contact scratches the tile glaze before the drill has even started cutting.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Using a standard masonry bit on tile. The masonry bit tip is designed to hammer and crush material. On tile it shatters the glaze before it cuts. You need a tile bit — they cost £3–5 and save expensive tile replacements.
Drilling with hammer action on. This is the single most common cause of cracked tiles. Check your drill is in rotation-only mode every time before starting a hole in tile.
Pressing too hard. The bit needs time to cut. Pushing forces the tip sideways and causes the tile to crack from the back. Steady light pressure, let the speed do the work.
Stop immediately if...
You hear a click or crack while drilling — stop, pull the bit out, and assess before continuing. A cracking sound usually means the tile is splitting at the back
The bit hits something firm inside the wall after the tile — this may be a pipe. Stop and use your detector to identify what it is before drilling any deeper
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You can now drill into tiled surfaces safely — the right bit type, the right speed, no hammer action, masking tape to start. These are the skills you need every time you fit bathroom accessories, shelves, or rails onto a tiled wall.
This unlocks:
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Drilling into tiles in a rented property is a permanent change that could damage the tiles. Always get written permission from your landlord first. If a tile cracks, you may be responsible for replacement costs — which can be significant for discontinued tile ranges.