How to replace a floor tile
You will need:
-
One new tile
- Tile adhesive
- Ridged scraper for tile adhesive
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Lump hammer
- Masonry drill with masonry bit
- Dull wood chisel
- Damp cloth
So you dropped your cast iron frying pan smack in the middle of your gorgeous Italian ceramic tiles? If the resulting crack is bigger than the Mediterranean and quickly filling up with toast crumbs? No need for curses or worse. Here's the lowdown on how to fix the low down without having to fork out a pile to your tile guy. You'll soon be crooning ''That's Amore'' and gliding round your smooth floor while a spicy sun-dried tomato sauce sizzles on your hob.
Time to complete the job: ½ hour plus drying time
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Step 1: Smash the damaged tile
Put on your gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself when bits of tile go flying. Using the masonry drill, drill a few holes (3 or 4) in a straight line across one corner of the damaged tile. Tap the hammer along the line of holes to crack the tile.
Tip: While smashing things with a big hammer can be therapeutic, be gentle or you might inadvertently crack a few adjacent tiles. -
Step 2: Remove the old tile
Use a dull wood chisel and the hammer to crack up and scrape away the corner of the old tile. Turn around and chisel away the remaining tile. Make sure to remove all the grout around the edges as well.
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Step 3: Tidy your workspace
Use the chisel to scrape away any dried adhesive that is left on the floor. Any ridges on the floor are a sign of leftover adhesive. Sweep away all the dust and chipped tile leaving a clean, flat space for the new tile.
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Step 4: Place the new tile
Slip the new tile into place to gauge how much adhesive to use. You'll need enough adhesive that the tile sits level with those around it. Remove the tile and scoop some adhesive into the hole. Using the ridged side of the scraper, smooth the adhesive around the hole, filling in all edges and corners. Ease the tile into place aligning its edges with the surrounding tiles.
Tip: If you mix your own adhesive, it should be about the consistency of hummous (or taramasalata or any of your favourite Greek dips). -
Step 5: Fill in the gaps
Use the smooth edge of the scraper to scoop a bit of adhesive on to the surface of the tile. Spread the adhesive so it fills the space between the new tile and the surrounding ones. Wipe up the excess with a clean, damp cloth.
Give the adhesive time to dry completely before anyone walks on the tile.
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