If you are trying to drill through porcelain, ceramic, or stone tile, the short answer is yes. You do need a special drill bit for tile. Standard twist bits made for metal or wood cannot penetrate dense tile surfaces and often burn out, skate across the surface, or worst of all, crack the tile. Tile is a hard, brittle material, so using the correct bit is essential for clean holes and damage-free installation.

Below is everything you need to know about drilling tile correctly, the exact drill bits you should be using, and why diamond bits from brands like DiStar are becoming the preferred choice for tile professionals.

Why Regular Drill Bits Do Not Work on Tile

Tile materials are engineered to withstand moisture, abrasion, and daily wear. This makes them far more durable than wood, drywall, or soft stone. Unfortunately, this also makes them extremely challenging to drill using traditional bits.

Hardness of Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain tile is fired at high temperatures, creating a dense, glass-like surface. A standard drill bit simply cannot cut into it without slipping or overheating.

Heat Buildup Burns Standard Bits

Tile generates more friction during drilling than wood or metal. A standard bit will heat up quickly, lose its cutting edge, and glaze over. Once glazed, the bit can no longer bite into the surface.

High Risk of Cracking or Chipping

Using the wrong bit can cause cracks that run through the tile or small chips that can ruin the finished look. The wrong technique magnifies the problem.

For these reasons, professionals always use tile-specific drilling bits that are designed to cut through hard surfaces with controlled friction and reduced heat.

What Type of Drill Bit Do You Need for Tile?

The right bit depends on the type of tile you are drilling, but in most cases, diamond drill bits are the safest and most efficient choice.

Diamond Drill Bits (Best for Porcelain and Most Tile)

Diamond bits are the number one option for drilling tile. They use industrial-grade diamonds embedded in the cutting edge to grind through dense surfaces with minimal pressure. These bits are ideal for:

• Porcelain

• Ceramic

• Stoneware

• Granite

• Marble

• Sintered stone

They produce cleaner holes, reduce vibration, and significantly lower the risk of tile damage. This is why tile installers prefer high-quality diamond bits from professional brands like Montolit.

Carbide-Tipped Drill Bits (Works for Ceramic Only)

Carbide bits are more affordable, but they struggle with dense porcelain. They work well for softer ceramic tiles but are not recommended for modern porcelain, large format slabs, or hard natural stone.

Diamond Core Bits for Larger Holes

When you need to drill holes for plumbing, shower valves, or faucet lines, use a diamond core bit. These cuts create perfect circles without stressing the tile. DiStar’s European-engineered core bits offer smooth drilling with consistent speed and low chipping.

How to Drill Tile Without Cracking It

Using the correct bit is only part of the process. Technique is just as important.

1. Start With a Guide or Masking Tape

Tape prevents the bit from skating across the tile surface and helps you drill an accurate starting point.

2. Use Low RPM and Steady Pressure

High speed creates too much heat and can crack the tile. Slow RPM with light pressure gives the diamond more time to grind through the surface.

3. Keep the Drill Bit Cool

Heat buildup is the number one enemy when drilling tile. Use water to cool the bit and flush out dust. This helps the bit last longer and keeps cuts clean.

4. Let the Diamond Do the Cutting

Do not force the drill. Diamond bits remove material through abrasion, not by tearing into the surface.

5. Avoid Hammer Mode

Hammer drills should never be used on tile. The impact can shatter the tile instantly.

These steps dramatically reduce the chance of damage and help extend the life of your tile drill bits.

Do You Need Different Drill Bits for Different Tile Types?

Each tile material behaves differently under pressure. Here is what you need to know.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is the hardest and densest tile material. It requires a diamond drill bit exclusively. Anything else will struggle or fail.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic is softer and more forgiving. Carbide bits can work, but diamond bits create cleaner holes with less risk.

Glass Tile

Use a glass-rated diamond bit with slow speed and plenty of water.

Natural Stone

Marble, granite, limestone, and slate all require continuous rim diamond bits for safe drilling.

Sintered Materials

These ultra-dense materials perform best with premium diamond bits engineered for abrasive resistance.

The Best Drill Bits for Tile Installers and DIY Homeowners

At Tile ProSource, we recommend professional-grade diamond bits and core bits because they offer:

• Faster drilling

• Cleaner holes

• Reduced chipping

• Longer lifespan

• Fewer heat-related failures

High-end options from DiStar are especially engineered for porcelain and sintered materials. They deliver smooth drilling with minimal vibration and maintain speed even on hard surfaces.

These bits also pair exceptionally well with Proxxon-style precision grinders and drilling attachments, giving pros even greater control on delicate tile installations.

Common Mistakes People Make When Drilling Tile

Avoid these frequent errors to keep your tile safe:

• Applying too much pressure

• Drilling at high speed

• Skipping water cooling

• Using hammer mode

• Using the wrong bit for the material

• Not supporting the back of the tile

• Starting the hole at full RPM instead of a slow pilot grind

Correct technique and the right bit make all the difference.

Final Recommendation: Yes, Use a Tile-Specific Diamond Bit

To drill tile safely and cleanly, you do need a special drill bit. Diamond bits are the most effective choice, especially for porcelain and stone. They create clean holes, resist overheating, and dramatically lower the chance of breaking or chipping your tile.

If you need a professional-grade solution for your project, explore the full selection of high-performance bits and drilling accessories from DiStar at Tile ProSource.