Hi I'm redoing a shower with large 8" by 48" wood look porcelain tile that has a texture. I bought a decent hand tile cutter as I heard that they do a good job on porcelain. I tried a few but am still getting small chips - seems like they happen when the wheel goes over the texture - no matter how hard or easy I push. Likely also not helping is that they are relatively cheap ones from a big box. I read that there are special blades for wet saws for porcelain. Would they work any better? Am not loving the idea of buying a bridge saw so I could cut the suckers - but if it would cut them clean I could likely justify it. - I can't see how I could make my cheap little table style wet saw work with such a long tile - but if any one has done it I'd love to hear. While on the subject of long tiles. I know that I shouldn't overlap more than 1/3 (16"). One of my walls is only 3' so if I'm cutting them down to 3' (assuming I use a tile that goes all the way across - not exactly sure what is going to look good yet) would that change the amount I should overlap to 12"? Might not be an answer to this as it likely depends on how badly bowed the things are?? If you have any tips on how to set up a nice random overlap pattern that would be much appreciated too - its an alcove shower with 2 3' side walls and a 6' back wall. I can slap them up easy enough but making them look pretty... Thanks for your help.

I am prepping a floor for tile. I have been told by forum members to use plywood, then thinset and durock, then tile. 1/4" ply + thinset + 1/4" durock + tile/grout = approx. 1-1/8". This is very high considering it butts up to a doorway with carpeting. The tile edge will sit about 1/2"-9/16" above the carpet. The carpet is just pad/carpet on the T&G subfloor. Any suggestions appreciated. thanks.