How to Replace Broken Tile

A broken or cracked tile detracts from the clean, finished look of a tile floor or wall area. What's more, broken floor tiles with chipped and missing pieces can be a tripping hazard, and broken wall tiles can allow water and dirt to seep into a wall, causing interior damage from rot and mold.

Replacing a broken tile on a floor or wall is an easy process that can be completed in just a day (with most of the time spent waiting for grout to dry).

Look in storage areas of your home for remnant tiles left from when tiles were laid. There are usually tiles left over from the installation process. If an extra tile cannot be located, remove the broken tile (as described below), and take it to a local home center for help locating the same tile or an acceptable replacement. Manufacturer's marks on the back of the broken tile should help locate the maker and a new tile supply.

Remove the broken tile.

Clean out old grout with a putty knife, screwdriver or small chisel, being careful not to damage adjacent tiles.

Firmly tap one corner of the tile with a hammer and chisel until the tile breaks.

Use the chisel to pry out all pieces of the broken tile.

With a strong putty knife, scrape out as much of the old mortar and adhesive as you can.

Clean all dust and debris from the area with a brush and/or vacuum cleaner. Be sure the area is clean and level before setting the new tile into place.

Set the replacement tile.

Apply spray adhesive to the back of the replacement tile.

Set the replacement tile carefully in place. Line the tile up using the existing tiles and spacing as a guide. Place spacers between the tiles as needed to maintain an even grout line. Let adhesive set according to package directions.

Fill the gap surrounding the replacement tile with grout that has been carefully matched against the existing grout color.

Grout and finish.

Grout is generally sold as a powder that needs to be mixed with water to make a grout paste. Follow the directions provided for measuring and mixing.

Press grout into the lines with a rubber squeegee and finish with the squeegee or a grouting tool. In a pinch, a finger can be used to smooth the line of the newly applied grout.

Wipe excess grout off the new and surrounding tiles with a damp sponge.

Let the grout sit for twelve hours (or according to package directions) to dry.

Polish firmly set, dry grout and tiles with a section of dry burlap to remove any grout and powder residue that has been left behind.

Project complete.

With that, your project is complete and your new, safe tile is in place. Trip hazards caused by missing tile pieces are eliminated, along with potential rot and health concerns resulting from mold and fungus growth. Your home is a healthy and attractive place to live once again.