I had to read this twice to figure what you're after - I don't think it will work, and if it did, it might look atrocious...

Consider this: You want a switchplace cover made out of tile presumably the same size as a regular switchplate, which means you will not be able to just cut it out of a tile, because the edges will be unglazed and would be rough unless you polish/finish them.

Once upon a time, there were ceramic switchplates, but they were usually horribly ornate, I don't know what your options would be, but to do what you want to do, you would have to either have something made out of porcelain (if you wanted something arty, you could talk to a local potter and give them a switchplate as a template) or cut it from a similar tile (assuming the colour goes all the way through) then drill the holes, cut out the switch part, then carefully grind/polish the edges, THEN have it glazed and fired, and hope that it doesn't crack in the process. Considering all of that, you might as well do the outlet covers the same, and do a spare or two in case one breaks.

There is such a thing as colour-coded covers, OR you could get stainless or plastic covers, bring a tile into a colour-matching paint place, have the tile colour matched in a melamine paint, then undercoat the switchplate in Kilz undercoat so the paint sticks, then carefully roll/brush or ideally, spray the matching colour on the switchplate, and voila!

I too am fussy and a stickler for details but don't know how you would otherwise be able to do what you are asking.

As for the tool to cut and polish? A Dremel-type tool would be my choice, and you can get tile cutting bits for them.

FLy, your best bet is to find someone in your area with a Waterjet, and have them cut it-- both for the switch and the screwholes. Nothing else-- not even my DL-- will suffice.

Ah, thanks you all. pjb, our tile is through-body porcelain, and I've cut and polished the edges for a backsplash already, so the *edges* wouldn't be a problem. The problem is really the cut on the inside. Interesting idea about the color-matched paint, though--thanks.

And Bill, yes, that was the machine that was in the back of my mind but I just couldn't remember what it was that can do such precision plunge cuts--unfortunately now you name it, I know I don't know anyone with one! Maybe I'll call around and see if I can track one down. Or maybe I'll just give up and go for a cast aluminum one...oh well. The vision was so nice while it lasted, though :)

Never mind what it will cost to have the hole cut, I am trying to imagine what it will cost to get the required NEMA approval & UL listing so you can install it.

Never mind what it will cost to have the hole cut, I am trying to imagine what it will cost to get the required NEMA approval & UL listing so you can install it.

Not a problem. There are actually companies all over the country that will take stone tiles, or even scrap pieces from your countertops, and make switch cover and outlet cover plates.

Fly, that's actually something you might look into. I HAD some urls to them, but that was before my computer crashed last year, and I lost them. I had about 4 or 5 urls, all gotten from the kitchens forum.

Just a warning-- it's not cheap, by any stretch. Prices between 50- 75.00 per cover plate aren't unheard of.

That's where I got the idea, Bill...And yes, I think I fold when it comes to dropping that much on a switchplate cover :) They're beautiful, but too much is too much.