Replace Broken Floor Tile

If you've cracked one of your floor tiles, you can use a matching tile to replace it.

Solution: If you have a spare tile, you can replace the cracked one.

Materials needed:
 
hammer
grout saw
chisel
putty knife
notched trowel
grout float
2"x4"
grout sponge
bucket
cardboard or cloth to protect surrounding tiles
hand towel
tile
mortar
grout
safety glasses
 
If the tiles in your floor are no longer available at your tile supply center, you can remove a tile from an unnoticeable area such as a closet. However, you'll probably break several tiles for every whole tile you remove.

If you're getting ready to install new tiles in your home, be sure to keep several extras so you can replace broken tiles later.

1. Place cardboard or cloth around the damaged area to protect the surrounding tiles.
2. Use a grout saw to remove the grout around the damaged tile. Cut as deeply as possible without damaging the surrounding tiles.
3. Place a hand towel on top of the damaged tile, and break the tile with a hammer. Remove the broken tile chips with a hammer and chisel. Take your time when removing the damaged tile; it's easy to break the surrounding tiles.
4. Remove as much adhesive as possible from the area, and vacuum away any dust. Wipe out the area with a damp sponge to provide a clean surface for the adhesive.
5. Examine the area under the tiles, and secure any loose underlayment if necessary. If the underlayment is loose, it can cause the tile to crack again.
6. Mix the mortar in a clean container as directed by the mortar manufacturer.
7. Use a notched trowel to apply mortar to the back of the new tile. Don't apply any mortar within 1/4" of the edges of the tile.
8. Set the tile in place, and line up the edges with the adjacent tiles. Place a wood block on top of the tile, and gently tap it until the surface of the tile is flush with the surrounding tiles. Allow the mortar to dry for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 24 hours).
9. Mix the grout to the consistency of peanut butter or toothpaste. If your tile job is small, you may be able to use pre-mixed grout from a squeeze-tube.
10. Use a grout float to apply the grout into the joints around the tile. Work the grout in several different directions so that you force as much as possible into the joints.
11. Clean the area with a damp sponge. Use light pressure so that you don't pull grout out of the joints.
12. Allow the grout to dry for 15 minutes and then wipe the area with a clean damp sponge.
13. Protect the repaired area for 24 hours, and buff away any residue. You may want to apply a grout sealer to protect the grout from water damage.