DIY SOS: Replacing Cracked Floor Tiles

Whether you’re a dab hand at DIY or a novice in the field, there are plenty of quick and easy household fixes that are perfectly doable at home. Why pay for a professional when you can do it yourself?

The function of a busy kitchen or bathroom means practicality has to be high on the priority list, which is why opting for a low-maintenance tiled floors and walls is such an excellent idea. But it’s important to remember that accidents do happen in any home, even if a blemished or broken tile seems like a disaster. But there’s no need to panic. Today, we’re talking you through how to replace cracked floor tiles – so you can get your home looking shipshape.

Replacing floor and wall tiles: what you need

While many homeowners will have a few excess tiles kept aside as a replacement, it’s not always possible to find an exact match to suit the rest of your tiled area. If you’re out of spares, you’ll need to source a similar wall or floor tile that corresponds to the size and style of your current tiled area. If your unique kitchen tiles leave you struggling to find a perfect fit, why not opt for a contrasting colour to create a feature on the wall? Just make sure you’ve chosen your replacement tile before you start working on the problem area.

For removing the original tile, you’ll need a grout raker, drill, hammer and a chisel – as well as a metal scraper to remove any remaining tile adhesive. To apply the new tile, you’ll need a trowel, adhesive and fresh grout to hand – and of course the new tile itself.

How to: replace cracked floor tiles

1. Using a grout raker, scrape out any of the old grout around the problem tile and wipe away.
2. Break up the cracked tile into smaller sections by making holes with a drill, causing it to crack into smaller pieces.
3. Using a heavy hammer and cold chisel, remove the shards of the broken tile from the floor.
4. Remove any remaining adhesive from the problem-area with a scraper and wipe away the residue.
5. Apply fresh adhesive to the back of the replacement tile and place it in position. Leave to set overnight.
6. Once dried, apply grout to the edges of the new tile. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp cloth and leave to set.

Accidents do happen; and in a busy home, a bit of wear and tear is all part and parcel of life. A cracked or stained tile shouldn’t seem like the end of the world – so why not avoid the handyman’s hefty fees and try your hand at home improvement? With our helpful how-tos and wide range of high-quality tiles, your tiled floor will be as good as new in no time at all!

Find the perfect tile online today by taking a look at our stunning range of floor tiles. Whether you’re in need of mini metro tiles for a kitchen splashback or large porcelain floor tiles, we’re confident that we can offer the style and size that you’re seeking.