Replacing Cracked Floor Tile

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When a ceramic floor tile becomes cracked, replace it by removing the broken tile and installing a new one.

To replace a cracked ceramic floor tile:

• Remove Grout: Use a hammer and narrow chisel to remove the grout around the broken tile, being careful not to damage the tile around it.
• Remove Tile: Insert a chisel under the broken tile, and tap the chisel with a hammer to separate it from the adhesive holding the tile in place.
• Remove Adhesive: Use a wider chisel or scraper to remove the hardened adhesive under the broken tile.
• Clean Area: Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor where the new tile will go.
• Apply Adhesive: Use a notched trowel to apply thin-set adhesive to the space for the new tile.
• Insert Tile: Put in the matching replacement tile, and press it in place. Make sure the margins around the tile are even, and the tile is level with the surrounding floor.
• Apply Grout: After the tile adhesive has set, fill the gap around the edges with grout that matches the color of the grout in the existing floor.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• How to Repair Broken Ceramic Tile (video)
• How to Lay a Tile Floor (article)
• How to Tile a Bathroom Floor (video)
• How to Apply and Seal Grout on Tile Floors (video)

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To replace an individual cracked tile in a ceramic floor, you want to begin by chiseling out the grout surrounding it. This isolates the bad tile from the good tiles, so you can carefully remove it without damaging them. When the space is cleaned out, you can apply thin-set to it with a notched trowel. Then you can set the replacement tile, making sure the margins are even, and it’s level with the surrounding tiles. When it’s dry reapply the grout around it, and your floor should look as good as new.