Fixing a Tile

Replace a broken floor tile in seven simple steps

Written by Dan Diclerico • Photographed by Laura Johansen

Total Time: 1 1/2 hours
Total cost: $40 (not including tile)

Tools and Materials
Rubber Float Works like a squeegee to pack grout into joints	Grout Saw Designed to scrape out the grout between tiles	1/4" Notched Trowel creates grooves in mortar so it won't ooze when tile is set

Also have on hand: Painter’s tape, safety goggles, hammer, chisel, sponge, thin-set mortar, replacement tile, rubber mallet, grout, soft cloth

(1) Remove old grout •Place painter’s tape along the edges of neighboring tiles to prevent damaging them. •Rake out the grout in the joints around the broken tile with a grout saw.

(2) Chip away tile •Don safety goggles to protect eyes from tile shards. •Identify a weak spot in the tile (likely near the crack) and remove a small piece, using a hammer and chisel to loosen it as needed. •Working out from the opening, chip up the rest of the tile, holding the chisel at a 45-degree angle so as not to gouge the subfloor.

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