How to Fix Cracked Floor Tiles

When properly installed, tile floors can last a long time. Unfortunately, there are some things that can damage tile floors, such as a dropped cast iron skillet. Once a tile is chipped or cracked, there is no way to repair it. In order to fix the floor, cracked floor tiles must be removed and replaced with a new tile. This job is not difficult, and requires only time and a few tools, most of which are found in the average household tool box.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement tile
• Grout and mixing container
• Drill and 1/4-inch masonry bit
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Small chisel
• Hammer
• Flat bar
• Blade scraper
• Vacuum cleaner
• Tile set
• Rubber mallet
• Rubber gloves
• Rubber float
• Damp sponge

Instructions

1. Get prepared. Before you begin the project of replacing the floor tile, make sure that you have found a new tile and grout that match the old flooring. Check areas of your house first, in case there are a few extra tiles hiding in the garage or shed. Or try a tile store to see if they have, or can get, what you need. It is important to match both the tile and the grout as closely as possible.

2. Install a 1/4-inch masonry bit into your drill. Use the drill to make holes diagonally across the cracked tile to make an X. The holes should be about 1 inch apart.

3. Put on work gloves and safety glasses. Place a chisel on the X, and gently tap the chisel with a hammer to break the tile into pieces. It is important to be gentle so that you do not damage the tiles next to the one you are replacing.

4. Remove the pieces of broken tile. Use a flat bar to carefully remove any stubborn pieces of tile and all of the old grout around the tile. Use a scraper to remove and even out the old cement holding the tile to the floor.

5. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all of the dust and debris. Skipping this step may interfere with the new tile adhesive, and cause the new tile to be loose.

6. Spread a thin layer of tile set onto the floor, using a small notched trowel. The tile set should be about 1/4 of an inch thick, and must cover the entire area.

7. Press the new tile into the floor. Twist the tile back and forth slightly as you press it into the tile set. Make sure that the space around the tile is even on all sides. When the tile is positioned where you want it, tap it gently with a rubber mallet until it is the same height as the surrounding tiles. Make sure that the tile is still centered after tamping it down. Avoid walking on, or otherwise disturbing, the tile overnight so that the tile set has a chance to cure.

8. When the tile set has cured, mix the grout according to the package directions. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, and use your finger or a rubber float to apply the grout to the tile. You do not need to worry about being neat when you do this; it is more important to pack grout into the spaces around the tile, than to worry about getting grout on adjoining tiles. If you do get any grout on the adjoining tiles, simply wipe it up with a damp sponge when you are done grouting.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience and gentleness are key to not damaging the surrounding tile.