Which one?
Drill the tile or drill the grout?
Updated
Bosch, which makes drills and bits, says you can drill through the joints instead, but only for small fixings. Anything bigger goes through the tile, with a tile bit first.
Through the tile
- Where it goes
- Through the tile and into the wall behind it.
- What it needs
- A tile bit for the tile, then a masonry bit for masonry behind it. Bosch says:
Choose the right drill bit. Use glass and tile drill bits for soft and medium tiles and diamond drill bits for drilling porcelain and natural stone tiles.
Always switch to a masonry drill bit to drill into the masonry behind the tile.
- How it comes down
- The fixing can be unscrewed, but the hole stays in the tile. Bosch's own tile guide says
Always consult your landlord before drilling.
- Which maker's figure applies
- The figure for the wall behind the tiles, not for the tile. Bosch says
Remember that the wall anchor can only hold as much weight as its wall
. In What's my wall?, choose Tiles over a wall and then the wall behind them.
Source: Bosch DIY, How to drill into tiles: Tips for damage-free holes in tiles. Checked .
Through the grout
- Where it goes
- Through the joint between tiles. Bosch says:
Instead of drilling directly into the tiles, you can drill through the tile joints instead.
- What it needs
- A masonry bit from the start. Bosch says:
Drilling through joints is much like drilling into tiles, except you use a masonry drill bit from the start.
- How it comes down
- The fixing can be unscrewed, and the hole is in the joint, not the tile.
- Which maker's figure applies
- Small fixings only: Bosch says
However, only holes and wall plugs that are smaller than the joint itself are suitable. You cannot attach heavy cabinets like this.
The figure is still the one for the wall behind. Our tiles guide has Bosch's steps.
Source: Bosch DIY, How to drill into tiles: Tips for damage-free holes in tiles. Checked .