How to replace a broken tile

Materials Needed:

Safety glasses, scoring tool, painters tape, drill and 1/4” bit, narrow chisel, or flat blade screwdriver, ¼” notched trowel, rubber grout float, gloves, knee pads, mortar and grout, plastic container and mixing tools.

Step 1 – remove the grout from around the broken tile with a scoring tool

Step 2 – Loosen the tile and place the painters tape around the edges of the adjacent tiles

Step 3 – Drill holes in the tiles evenly spaced

Step 4 – From the center out chisel out the pieces, starting at a 90 degree angle and slowly lowering to a 45 degree angle, until the tile pieces are removed

Step 5 – Once the tile is removed take a wider chisel and clean up the remaining residue

Step 6 – Apply a thin layer of mortar to the empty tile space and place a thin layer of mortar on the underside of the new tile, with the trowel

Step 7 – Place the new tile in the empty slot and let it sit for about 2 hours

Step 8 – Mix a batch of grout and place the grout into the joints with a grout float at a 45 degree angle

Step 9 – Let the grout set for about 15-30 minutes, once it is dry and hardens use a damp sponge to clean off the excess grout, now let the tile dry for at least 24 hours undisturbed.

Tips

Make sure you have all of your materials and tools in place before starting this project. Do not rush through the removal, take your time and do it right the first time. Also if you do not have a chisel flat screwdrivers work just as well, and don’t forget to remove the tape once everything has dried. This procedure can be done by anyone with a little patience. Every homeowner can learn to fix things in their home and save an enormous amount of money. A piece of flat wood is excellent to place between the hammer and the tile to avoid breakage of the new tile.

Also tile glue can be used instead of mortar, make sure you read the instructions because drying time may be slightly different than with mortar. Plastic spacers can be used if you are uncomfortable with placing the tile in the right place. Lastly tap the tile with the hammer or mallet, never whack it, you can easily destroy the tile. Read the instructions on all grout, mortar and adhesives to ensure proper drying time and placement.