How to Replace Cracked Tile

You may be replacing a cracked tile, removing an unwanted fixture
from a tiled surface, or installing some beautiful decorative tiles from
Portugal to liven up your kitchen or bathroom. In all cases, the procedure
for replacing a tile is the same. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Grout
  • Replacement Tile
  • Squeegee
  • Tile Adhesive
  • Chisel Or Paint Scraper
  • Cold Chisel
  • Grout Saw
  • Hammer
  • Stiff Putty Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      To remove the existing tile, scrape grout out of the joint around the tile with a grout saw (see How to Replace Cracked Tile Grout in a Tub or Shower).

    • 2

      Break up the tile with a hammer and cold chisel so you can remove a piece and get under the edge of the remaining pieces (or the adjoining tiles, if you are removing more than one), then pry them up with a stiff putty knife.

    • 3

      Remove the tile pieces and use an old chisel, a stiff putty knife or a paint scraper to scrape out the old adhesive (see A) so you have a relatively smooth, level surface for the new tile.

    • 4

      Spread the entire back of the replacement tile with a light coat of tile adhesive (see B). Then scrape off the adhesive that's within 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the perimeter so it won't fill the grout joint.

    • 5

      Press the tile firmly into place so it's level (flush) with the surrounding tiles. Let the adhesive set overnight or as directed by the manufacturer before grouting.

    • 6

      Grout and seal the joints as in How to Replace Cracked Tile Grout in a Tub or Shower, except that if you're dealing with a small area, you can use a fingertip or squeegee to apply the grout. Use sanded grout for floor tiles or tiles with wide joints, and unsanded grout for wall tiles.

Tips & Warnings

  • Wear eye protection such as goggles when hammering or removing the damaged tile.

  • Avoid hammering too hard or you may damage the substrate, crack the grout or even damage adjoining tiles.

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