How to Replace Shower Floor Tiles

Dropping something in the shower can sometimes chip or break a tile, but leaving it unrepaired can spell disaster for the flooring beneath. Cracks in the tile and grouting will allow water to seep under and cause untold damage. All the materials needed to replace a shower floor tile are available at any home improvement center and can save you thousands of dollars on future repairs.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Standard screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Small chisel
• Hammer
• One-fourth- or one-half-inch carbide drill bit
• Drill
• Vacuum
• Grouting material
• Replacement tile
• Tile adhesive
• Spray tile sealant

Instructions

Out With the Old and In With the New

1. Remove the grout from the tile area that is damaged. The grouting material surrounds the tile and seals the area between, protecting the floor beneath from moisture damage. Unsanded grout is soft and can be scraped out using a utility or small putty knife. Protect the surrounding tiles from scratch damage by covering with masking tape. Sanded grout is a little tougher, but can generally be scraped out with a putty knife after chipping through the top layer with a small chisel.

2. 

   Remove the damaged tile. Loose tiles will come out readily, but the surface underneath might need to be cleaned of old adhesive. Tiles that are stuck solidly to thinset or mortar will need a more convincing method of removal. Use the small chisel to break the tile into small pieces. Avoid tapping on adjacent tiles. It could loosen or damage them. Use a small carbide drill bit of one-fourth to one-half inch diameter and drill small holes into the tile. This will help weaken and break up the tile for removal. Minor floor damage is expected during this removal process, but it will not affect the appearance or performance of the new tile when it is installed.

3. Alternate scraping, vacuuming and testing the fit of the new tile. The tile must fit firmly without wobbling and at the same depth of the surrounding tiles. Spread a layer of one-eighth inch thickness tile adhesive. Smooth on using the putty knife. Place it no closer than one-half inch from the edge of tile. Too much will ooze out into the grouting area and have to be cleaned out.

4. Allow new tile to dry for 24 hours. Scrape out any excess adhesive that has gone into the grouting grooves with a screwdriver or putty knife.

5. 

   Mix up or scoop out two cups of grouting mixture. Shove into the spaces between the tiles using gloved fingers. Smooth over with a damp sponge. Allow 24 to 36 hours dry time before applying an aerosol tile sealant.

Tips & Warnings

• Save a sample of the grouting to do a match when purchasing the new material. Allow plenty of dry time between steps.

• Follow all safety instructions for adhesive, grouting and sealant. Allow adequate ventilation in work area. Some of these chemicals have strong fumes.

References

• The Natural Handyman

Resources

• Bathtub Refinishing Referral Network