How to Replace a Cracked Tile

Learning how to replace a cracked tile can save you a TON of money. This video shares several tips on how to replace a cracked ceramic or porcelain tile. You'll probably have to pay a pro anywhere from $50 to $100 to remove a bad tile.
Yep that's not chump change, at least for most of us. This isn't hardest project but it does take some knowledge and patience.
For more tips on replacing a cracked tile, visit: www.homerepairtutor.com/how-t...
#replacecrackedtile #crackedporcelaintile #ceramictile
Here are some helpful tools:
Estwing Hammer -- amzn.to/2ifHoPC
1/4 inch and 1/2 inch Cold Chisels -- amzn.to/2igfLpX
3 inch Floor Chisel -- amzn.to/2ie0pC2
Drill (DeWALT Drill & Impact Driver Set) -- amzn.to/2AetVij
1/4 inch Carbide Tip Drill Bit -- amzn.to/2iewOZr
Bosch Oscillating Multi Tool -- amzn.to/2igLbMT
Grout Attachment for Multi Tool -- amzn.to/2idXvNK
Painter's Tape -- amzn.to/2ignPGS
Safety Glasses -- amzn.to/2idCYJ9
Ironclad Gloves -- amzn.to/2AfuqIN
Respirator -- amzn.to/2iezne1
Hearing Protection -- amzn.to/2ifJX4s
Margin Trowel -- amzn.to/2jujNYi
Trowel for Mortar (1/4"x1/4") -- amzn.to/2idEdYP
Some product links may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
0:00 Remove the grout that surrounds the tile
1:15 Safety precautions
2:31 Drill pilot holes into the center of the tile
3:09 Using hammer and chisel, pry up the tile
4:24 Remove the old mortar
4:53 Dry-fit the new tile and use a level to check
5:40 Apply mortar under the tile and back butter
8:06 Set the tile and remove excess mortar in the grout joints
9:09 Add grout and spread into joints
10:50 Clean up once the grout is set and use grout sealer
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Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[@alitchfi]

Eight years later and this video is still perfect. Replacing five tiles in the kitchen ... piece of cake now.

[@sugadiamond]

7 years old and still one of the best tutorials I've watched, thank you for this.

[@henry20061227]

I want to replace a damaged tile, it is very helpful to watch your demonstration. A great Thank you from a citizen in Hong Kong. 🙏

[@laurenramsey8890]

I was super intimidated to replace our existing broken tile without having any previous experience/ knowledge, but this video was SUPER helpful and now I feel more confident on completing this project! Thanks!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Lauren Ramsey awesome, did your project end in success? Sounds like it 😀

[@larrykillion8522]

When installing/replacing porcelain tile on exterior locations ( outdoor decks, porches, etc), the mortar and gout are often times weather resistant compounds that contain a polymer that helps guard against weather and water damage. When using these polymer based products you do not wait any dry time to clean off any excess or haze. You will need to clean up asap as you apply the product because the polymer when dry becomes almost impossible to remove. So the 'typical' grout haze is not the same as a 'polymer' based grout haze. I typically when applying polymer grout limit as much as I can to placing the grout as near the tile seam as possible and keep as much as possible off the rest of the tile. It makes clean up and removal that much better. Think tar or candle wax spread over a tile and try and remove... :o)

[@MathCuriousity]

Yea it boggles my mind that all these DIY guys smear grout over the entire tile. This absolutely makes ZERO sense to me. Why not just use your fingers to push it in along the edges!?

[@iamasmurf1122]

A few steps before you contemplate this 1. Buy a bulldozer 2. Start up bulldozer 3. Level house with bulldozer 4. Collect insurance 5. Purchase a brand new house Well done you just saved heaps of time !!!

[@sunray3796]

really clear and simple descriptions and explanations step by step, I really will be able to have a go at it... thank you for the great tips! thank you! Manuel

[@ronmichaelgaray]

One of the much much better DIY videos I have watched. Awesome job, Jeff...I've got some tiles to replace!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, hopefully the tips help. There are many ways to approach tile removal and this is just one.

[@laurav.osorio270]

Jeff, thank you for putting this video together. I am trying to replace three tiles in my bathroom but one of them needs to be cut so I am going to try to get it cut at the store. My suggestion to you to make your videos even better is to add a list of tools needed in your written description.

[@esthersorenson7705]

Thank you for suggesting that he add a list of tools needed in his written description, because it looks like he listened. 😀

[@mjremy2605]

No, you do not need the store to do anything! But an angle grinder - preferably a Bosch 5" paddle switch, variable speed, Lock On button. Learn to use it. Add a Diamond tip blade to cut through any tile in seconds. Spray water as you cut. Put tile on table on top of wood or rubber mat. Clamp firmly. Spray with water. Wear protection eyes, nose, ears, gloves. Start cutting. So easy. Buy a refurbished one if you need to. Home Depot will match Amazon prices. Harbor Freight has discs cheap. This tool is more useful than a husband. Get one! Don't make excuses for being a woman.

[@vtac7627]

Thanks for the video. I never did anything tile related before, and was able to replace a broken kitchen tile using your video. The grout saw actually worked great and was much easier to use than expected. The tile was out and new one set in an hour, the grout and clean up about another hour once set. Thanks.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Ian Dehavem great job, that's impressive

[@glennvannimaiquez315]

Thank you for the very comprehensive and down to earth video. This video boosted up my confidence in tackling my home repair. God bless brother 🙏.

[@6345788]

Thank you for posting this! I needed insight and well as directions from A to Z. I've never replaced tile before, but now after seeing your video, I'm going for it!

[@indysilver_02]

How'd it work out?

[@mrharlemike28]

Great video! EVERYTHING I needed to know about changing a tile. Excellent detail! Thank you!

[@collinsjump]

I just cracked my tile that I recently installed, thank you so much for posting this video!! I was freaking out about how to get the cracked piece out, I feel much better now!

[@alfredodiaz7000]

That’s horrible! My wife would freak out !

[@OuuDon]

This one of those very satisfying videos to watch! Great video!

[@mjremy2605]

Wow, you are a handsome man! The tutorial is excellent! I wondered how you approach the chiseling angle, and you start from the center - who would have thought? Makes sense. I would use a diamond hole saw not a drill bit though. This makes a good size hole and goes super fast. I drilled numerous porcelain, glass, and terracotta flower pots for extra holes and it zips through like a champ. The drill bit creates too much vibration, noise, and is 3 times slower to drill through. Here is a list of parts I would use: Diamond hole saw bit at 1/2" or any size. If you use a drill bit, it should be a masonry drill bit which also works to drill holes in concrete block walls (hang flower pots for example) Drill should be on hammer function not drill function. You will need a drill that has a hammer option. Hammer is for any concrete, ceramic, glass, porcelain, or stone drilling. Dremel Saw Max or Angle Grinder with a diamond blade or ordinary cutting blade (not metal but composite type) to cut through tile grout. Add water as you are cutting to cool down blade and lessen motor strain over dry dust cutting. Also, less dust. You can also use an angle grinder to smooth out lumpy dried thinset mortar instead of a chisel. Chisel for corners. Vacuum. Water spray bottle. Use Polymer in your thinset for better flexibility and hold. Use Polymer in your grout as a built in sealant so no need to reseal grout lines, this is done. This polymer rubberizes the grout and prevents cracking. I use polymer instead of water for all applications, especially tiling RV bathrooms or earthquake prone zones. MAPEI, an excellent Italian tile products maker, (only at Lowes, not Home Depot) makes a Grout Maximizer that is excellent. I love all MAPEI products - smart company and quality products. Works with any grout powder. Their polymer works with any Thinset Mortar powder too. Float - This should be very hard rubber, not a soft, bendable type. Hard will work. Soft, bendy type has no strength to push in the grout into the cracks. Every baker knows that hard rubber spatulas work and soft ones do not. Same principle here. Sponge type - That specific yellow one is what you want, not the cellulose type, but this lighter version. It works better. When you mix thinset mortar or grout, mix exactly as they state. Tiling and most trade skills are like baking a cake - not hard, but very precise technically. Do it wrong, or take shortcuts, it flops.

[@robcin111]

Great video. I watched your video's on tile installation prior to tiling my bathroom. Ended up at this video after 1 of the tiles cracked.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thanks Robert, awesome to hear you tiled your bathroom. It'll last a long time.

[@carletonhoffman]

excellent video! i'm finally getting around to replacing a few tiles one at a time in places where duplicates of the cracked existing tiles are impossible to find. so far i have checked for level 2 days in a row and the tile is always lower the next day but i'm afraid to try to set it high. just hoping we don't trip over the resulting uneven floor.

[@LLythyrcaru]

Many thanks, very clear and pleasant to watch

[@igorsataric4762]

Awesome! Thx a lot for taking time to make this video.

[@jimdickey5031]

Excellent Do It Yourself video! I'm pretty good at home repair, but it's nice to have information from someone who knows more than I . Many thanks! Jim Dickey, Sandy Springs, Georgia.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

you likely know more, ever thought about making videos?

[@joewitous6281]

Great instructional video! Thanks!

[@MrSieveone]

BTW awsome video eventhough im always in a rush i was patient enough to stick around till the end of the video because it was so well explained.

[@RichardC1588]

Excellent video. Well explained and very clear. Bravo and greetings from the UK!

[@MrNativezero]

It could have been a 4 minute video but the way you explained everything was very helpful. Not just music in the background and people not actually learning anythng. I subscribed to your channel and shared it on my facebook page. I give you an A+....Mike

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks, that's the best grade one can get!!

[@sushmitachatterjee3437]

Going to fix my kitchen tiles soon after watching the video...Thanku so much👍

[@davekeiper1632]

Thanks for the video...it was a huge help in replacing 2 cracked tiles in my kitchen. Saved me a lot of time and aggravation...keep posting!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Dave Keiper thanks. Glad to hear it helped. Great job because this isn't the easiest project

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Dave Keiper thanks. Glad to hear it helped. Great job because this isn't the easiest project

[@justice-jb5ld]

Great video, I learn a lot, pretty easy to understand, thank you!

[@helpicontv9733]

Great video, thanks. Now I know I’m not going to do this- as buying all the different items would cost more than a handyman doing it for me. Weirdly, I have the same weird white tile.

[@sapsinghsingh]

lovely presentation. quite useful.

[@robertburdette]

Thanks, man...your video saved me a TON of money with my restaurant kitchen flooring... Bobby, OH

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+robertburdette awesome!! Great job fixing it yourself

[@chrisday4434]

Excellent video. Very clear and thorough instructions. My only concern is the time between mortaring tiles and grouting. You said 2-3 hours, others on google say 24 hours. I think I'll wait 24 to be sure.

[@jenifer6145]

I can do this,thanks for the tutorial

[@HomeRepairTutor]

awesome!!

[@2goblet2]

hi jeff. viewing your video several times provided comfortable confidence levels allowing me to proceed. my "diy" skill level can be called advanced althought i've not previously considered this kind of project. we needed four tiles replaced and after receiving three estimates ranging from $275 to $400 decided purchasing a quality cordless multi-tool and all other "hardware" we'd still be ahead of the professional estimated costs. to make a short story even "shorter": completely removed the broken four tiles and completed all preparations to clean the sites, making them "tile-ready" in just under two hours, including tool "set-up" and "take-down" time. mortar mixing, setting the replacement tiles' and applying grout accounted for another hour. we're very pleased with the finished product, saved money and acquired a new skill-set. a very productive day. can't "thank you" enough!! one comment, though: found drilling holes as suggested took a bit more time and in our case wasn't really necessary. prior to striking and breaking the three remaining tiles chiseling up and removing the remains, we made certain to first remove all existing grout surrounding each tile. wearing safety goggles we repeatedly struck the tiles until each cracked than used the "chisel-technique". worked very well for us. is possible to post links to all other of your "diy" videos?? thank you.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+2goblet2 thanks for your kind words, you can check out all of my videos right here on KZbin or over on Home Repair Tutor at www.homerepairtutor.com Congrats on doing a great job...any time you have a question feel free to reach out

[@2goblet2]

appreciate your prompt comments. thanks, again.

[@princemaksud]

Excellent Tutorial ❤

[@patrickn.165]

Helpful - thanks so much for posting this video

[@nurazisofficial6918]

hello I'm from Indonesia 🇮🇩, very lucky to meet you, even though we are from different countries. your video work is very beautiful, I always see it from every notification message that comes to the end of the video, I really appreciate your work, hopefully we can meet again in the latest video!.

[@GiovaniB52]

Video is fantastic ! Thank you , You saved me from calling a tile guy and a lot of money . If you have anymore building or construction videos please post them .

[@HomeRepairTutor]

My pleasure to help any time Giovani22 - I try to post a new video every week on my KZbin channel and I also have a separate site called Home Repair Tutor, www.homerepairtutor.com.

[@davidlevins5477]

Very well explained, well illustrated and complete solution. Thank you.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

David Levins glad to help any time with your cracked tile issues, thanks for watching :D

[@johnhudson6316]

Great video, just what I was looking for. Thanks a million.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Glad to help any time John Hudson. Hope your project is a huge success.

[@CarenHarmon-zk8gg]

This was very helpful ❤

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You from Puerto Rico.

[@eenayeah]

Wow great video 10 years on

[@mr.kupersclass1044]

Thanks. Nice lesson .

[@pattyhernandez5432]

So easily explained!!

[@onidemon198]

It's so useful. thanks👍

[@Brandon-xp1ob]

Gonna try this out. Thanks

[@belindarideoutclark3926]

Very helpful, thank you

[@DVNSYMBOSS]

Thank you for your video and the time you took to make it.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

James Jackson thank you for your kind words, I hope it helped :D

[@createcube]

getting it done! thanks

[@joshsotosband3323]

Awesome help!

[@jasoncarl5026]

this video was helpful!

[@bizzyfit2128]

Thanks for starting with safety tips.

[@tammylam09]

Thank you. Very good video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you Tammy

[@TaitGuy]

Very informative, thank you!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

David D glad to help any time.

[@rickbryan9246]

Great Video......Rick from Ontario

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Rick Bryan thanks, love Ontario ;)

[@dannyarellano86]

Nice clean work, good job

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Danny Arellano thanks buddy, glad to help :D

[@lidumontero]

excellent video thanks

[@joshuareynolds3523]

I’m buying a house for the first time in my life and it needs some fixing, tiles especially thank you so much!

[@cat7687]

Great video. Two tiles needs to be replaced in our hallway and it'll be done soon now 👍👍

[@giantdude86]

thanks for the video-very helpful

[@HomeRepairTutor]

My pleasure, not a fun project for sure

[@ScoutJoe]

Great video Jeff it's really helpful for DIY'ers

[@franciscafazzo3460]

nice video thank you for the effort

[@gansogames4927]

Super helpful!

[@Badjamin]

This is a really good video. On a vertical I'm wondering if a multitool can be used instead of a hammer and chisel to remove the tile. I have 9mm plasterboard that I tanked and tiled about 6 years ago but I didn't seal properly and subsequently I have colour fade as the 'biscuit' has been affected by the ingress. I have three tiles affected and discolored and hoped that using only the multitool that I'd be able to remove the grout, cut slits into the affected tiles and remove the tiles and the old adhesive whilst hopefully maintaining the seal of the tanking so I can replace the three tiles and grout with a decent quality upstand strip...

[@commandertim575]

Thank you for the video and sharing your expertise! You touched on using a grout sealer... any recommendations with any that are extremely water proof? Thanks.

[@dnsmithnc]

Good Video. You can also use the side of your rubber gloved hand instead of the rubber float to push the grout in. Use the float as clean up. This is a good technique especially for DIYers even in doing whole floors. I find it to be a lot faster and at least as effective for me who may do a floor every 5 years or so.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thanks for the great tips. I sometimes just use a gloved hand for small areas that are unreachable with the float.

[@bettyescookingchannel]

Great job.

[@allisonweddington4359]

Thank you so much for your time & the video what a huge help! (For my husband :) ) what do you recommend for a grout sealer?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Great! Choose a sealer made by the company who makes the grout. That way you know it’ll be compatible.

[@felipesegundo]

good job !! thanks

[@japan5865]

Beautiful

[@gailstewart5374]

Thanks great info 👍

[@Papito1949]

Thanks for easy to follow instructions, my wife has been nagging me for two years to replace the seven cracked tiles in the kitchen, I was just about to call in Sears and pay a ton of money.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Papito1949 you can do it, just takes patience and elbow grease

[@Tony07UK]

If you have 7 cracked tiles you should first find out WHY that has happened! Simply replacing with new tiles on an uneven surface and it could happen again.

[@sweetmonk6746]

Excellent thank you!!!

[@domdavis-landry4428]

I have a cracked tile in my floor that needs to be replaced. Your video was very self-explanatory. I was wondering, how much for the tools to compete this job??

[@ca6177]

Good info!

[@Mikecantdrive55]

Very helpful. I have 3 tiles in my bathroom that have cracked. Going to try an repair them using information

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Sorry to hear about your tiles Mike Jones - hope this helped you fix them.

[@gcooper642]

Brilliant. Thanks

[@dennisheflin2680]

great video.

[@robotic2000k]

@4:46 "I'm gonna be frank with you, trying to get the mortar out is a real pain in the you-know-what. Butt!" Ah, what an internet gem 💎

[@johnshipp1497]

Just love this guy

[@HomeRepairTutor]

🙏🏼🔥

[@eosme]

we have a couple loose tiles in the bathroom floor. i was able to lift and remove the tiles exposing the mortar underneath. 3 or 4 tiles were perfect condition. so do i sand down the existing mortar to make room for new mortar or should i use a different type of adhesive compound?

[@jdp1956]

I'm about to replace a broken tile in the kitchen were my wife dropped an iron skillet and chipped the tile. The original install was done using Ditra uncoupled underlayment. I have extra sheets of Ditra that were leftovers. When I replace the tile should I also cut a piece of 18 x 18 underlayment and put it down then the tile ? my tiles are 18 x 18 and I have 3 extra boxes thank God. Thank you for your help in advance.

[@lcpmepbri]

a perfect tutorial

[@danyellechicago]

Very helpful

[@Lsmith3280]

Thanks so much!

[@stacktier8257]

Have you tried an SDS plus with tile chisel? Makes quick work.

[@earla9518]

Stack & Tier that’s what I was thinking too. I mean with care obviously I don’t see why not

[@annegraham9282]

have a new heater put in the bathroom he had to break a piece in the corner its a very narrow strip of tile to replace can i just fill it with a filler

[@calebmcbride1899]

I short a hole in my floor and this video is gonna save me💀

[@scottb2724]

Hey Jeff, great video. How do I know what kind of mortar to use on a concrete floor? Is it all the same?

[@ExpiredToast11]

any thinset mortar. a few to choose from, generally the same, the label will give specifics, tile aisle in home depot. small jobs you can get a premixed bucket, big jobs a 50lb bag.

[@hanwin651]

Thanks a lot !

[@tcampbell2186]

damn this is a lot of freakin work

[@israelnemitz8323]

No kidding!

[@isMike999]

awesome video...thank you

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Guitarlandick thanks, glad it helped

[@isMike999]

yeah...well I didn't do it yet ...watching it right now....thanx again

[@twowheelsonly5080]

Thank you for the helps, jobs a good un 👍

[@HomeRepairTutor]

TwoWheelsOnly glad it helped :D

[@amberaldous4420]

Do you only have to avoid walking on the replaced tile or the tiles surrounding it as well, or the entire tile floor? And for how long?

[@emylytle5409]

How do you replace an old grout? Thank you for this video, I’m doing my bathroom tile front door and under the kitchen sink where the disposal is cuz it leak and I need to change it. I removed the old linoleum and now the wood is expose and wet, I’m letting it dry. Is it ok to tile it when the wood dry and can I just cover the wall with cement to keep the mold from setting in? Thanks again

[@machi2347]

Thanks for the vid, im confident i can get the job done now.

[@yasminhusain213]

great video, thanks

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+yasmin husain thanks, did your project go well? Any tips you'd like to add?

[@yasminhusain213]

+Jeff Patterson, actually I had some guys install tile at $1.50 a square foot and they did a sad job :( the leveling has a lot of lippage and they didn't measure up to the wall properly and just put grout to fill in whatever gaps they left (all different sizes). I was considering taking out a few tiles on my own but it seems like a lot of work.

[@yasminhusain213]

+Jeff Patterson one question, is there a reason why some grout jobs seems more watery and some look like putty?

[@samsonmuchiri609]

Good work i have learn alot

[@HomeRepairTutor]

wilfred gitau glad to help any time with your cracked tile project, :D

[@assemsirry5856]

Thanks a lot❤