Floor tiles are being incorporated into modern households more and more as time goes on. Contemporary styles and designs often show us how great a tiled floor can look; the smooth coloured surface of the tiles contrasted with the grout has a certain cool class about it.

Floor tiles are being incorporated into modern households more and more as time goes on. Contemporary styles and designs often show us how great a tiled floor can look; the smooth coloured surface of the tiles contrasted with the grout has a certain cool class about it.

Unfortunately, they are susceptible to damage from hard impacts, or slight movements in the house’s structure (such as when an industrial pile driver is used nearby, or when a recently constructed house ‘settles’). If your tile cracks (even as much as a hairline crack) it’s important to replace it as soon as possible; any further damage could result in cuts or glass splinters inflicted on bare feet.

To remove and replace a cracked floor tile you will need the following items:

• A Grout Scraper
• A Claw Hammer
• A Grout Float
• Safety Glasses
• A Tiling Trowel

Getting Started

The first step towards removing the floor tile is getting rid of all the grout surrounding it; use your grout scraper to gut out each side of the tile until no grout remains.

Next, use your hammer to strike the tile firmly in the centre until the tile cracks into a few pieces, this may take a few attempts but makes the removal of the tile much easier. Use the claw side of your hammer to pry each piece of tile out, taking care not to chip any of the tiles next to it.

Once the tile is out, you need to get rid of all that old hardened thin set mortar; use your scraper to get it all up until you expose the base concrete beneath.

Adding the New Tile

Once the surface is clear of old mortar and we have our replacement tile ready to go in, we can start to mix up a new batch of thin set. Mix water the mixture and stir until it turns to a paste, then use the tiling trowel to apply the mortar and spread it evenly.

Now we can get our fresh tile in there! Push the new tile into the space and move it around, touching each of the other tiles before returning it to the centre of the space; this ensures the tile adheres properly.

Use your grout float to apply your grout paste to the surrounding joints, ensuring you fill each one nicely before stopping. Once the joints are full, use a large sponge to wipe away the messy looking excess grout and leave to set.

So there we have it; one nice new tile firmly on the ground and another DIY job made easy with the Bathshop321 Handyman. Check back soon for some more time and money saving tips!