Cracked, chipped, or broken floor tile can make an otherwise great-looking room feel a little rough around the edges. The good news? Replacing a damaged tile is often a manageable home improvement project, especially when the surrounding flooring is still in good shape.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked kitchen tile, a chipped bathroom floor, or damage in an entryway, here’s a straightforward guide to replacing a floor tile and getting your floor looking whole again.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather a few basic tools and materials:
- Replacement tile that matches the existing flooring
- Grout
- Tile adhesive or thin-set mortar
- Grout float
- Notched trowel
- Hammer and chisel
- Utility knife
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Sponge and bucket
- Tile spacers
- Grout sealer, if recommended for your tile and grout
If possible, use an extra tile left over from the original installation. If you don’t have one, take a loose sample or a clear photo to a tile or home improvement store to find the closest match.
Step 1: Remove the Damaged Tile
Start by removing the grout surrounding the damaged tile. A grout saw, utility knife, or oscillating tool can help with this job. Take your time—you don’t want to accidentally damage the neighboring tiles.
Once the grout is removed, put on your safety glasses and carefully break the damaged tile with a hammer and chisel. Start toward the center and work outward. Small pieces are much easier to control than trying to pry up the entire tile at once.
Be careful around the edges. The goal is to remove the broken tile without cracking the good tiles next to it.
Step 2: Clean the Area
After the old tile is removed, scrape away the remaining adhesive or thin-set from the floor. The surface underneath should be clean, solid, and reasonably flat.
This step is easy to rush, but it’s important. If old adhesive or debris is left underneath, your new tile may sit too high or fail to bond properly.
Take a moment to check the subfloor, too. If you find significant water damage, movement, or deterioration underneath the tile, replacing the tile alone may not solve the problem.
Step 3: Install the Replacement Tile
Apply a layer of tile adhesive or thin-set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a notched trowel to create even ridges, then carefully set the replacement tile into place.
Use tile spacers to maintain consistent gaps between the new tile and the surrounding tiles. Press the tile down gently until it is level with the existing floor.
Allow the adhesive or mortar to cure for the recommended amount of time before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Add New Grout
Once the tile is firmly set, remove the spacers and apply fresh grout around the edges. A grout float makes it easier to work the grout into the joints.
Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently. Avoid soaking the area. After the grout begins to dry, a light haze may appear on the tile. This can usually be buffed away with a clean, dry cloth.
Give the grout plenty of time to cure before putting the floor back into heavy use. If needed, apply grout sealer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Replacing one damaged tile can be a satisfying DIY project, but sometimes the damage points to a bigger issue. Loose tiles, widespread cracks, moisture problems, uneven flooring, or damaged subflooring are good reasons to bring in a professional.
For homeowners in surrounding West Valley communities, Damian’s Handyman and Remodeling Services provides tile and flooring services along with other home repair and remodeling projects.
A small tile repair may be all your floor needs – or it may be a sign that something underneath deserves attention. Either way, addressing the problem early can help keep a small repair from turning into a much bigger home improvement project.