Replace Cracked Floor Tile

Tools:

kneepads
grout saw
drill with ceramic bit
safety glasses
brick chisel
small sledgehammer
scraper
whisk broom
grout float
trowel
tile adhesive
grout
replacement tile

1. Tape around the damaged tile to protect the adjacent tiles.

2. Put on kneepads and safety glasses and start digging out grout joints using a grout saw (figure A). Scour about 1/8-inch into the grout.

3. Mark your drill bit with a piece of tape and drill 1/8-inch deep holes near the four corners of the tile (figure B).

4. Now go to work with the brick chisel and hammer. Make sure to keep the safety glasses on. Start breaking up the tile in the center, then work toward the edge. As you do, work the chisel up under the tile to pop it free (figure C).

5. After the tile is removed, use a scraper to remove adhesive from the floor and to chip away old grout around the edges (figure D). Sweep up debris with a small broom.

6. Mix tile adhesive to consistency of heavy mashed potatoes. Allow mixture to sit for 10 minutes then apply to empty space on floor with trowel (figure E).

7. Drop tile into place and press and turn it a bit to set. Set it with an even margin around the border and use a yardstick or any straightedge to make sure the tile is level with surrounding floor (figure F).

8. Allow tile to set up overnight. Clean floor around tile the next day and mix up grout according to instructions. Let the grout set for 10 minutes before applying.

9. Dump grout around perimeter of new tile and go to work with a grout float spreading it into the joints (figure G).

10. Clean up excess grout with a damp cloth, but be careful not to wipe any grout out of the joints. Avoid walking on the tile for at least 24 hours. Mist the grout joints with water each day for about a week so it cures correctly and doesn't crack.