Replacing Ceramic Tile
Broken ceramic tile? Or maybe you want to install an accent piece or an accessory like a ceramic tile soap dish. Here's how to replace a tile.
Tools you need include:
- Lever-type can opener
- Glass cutter
- Straightedge
- Claw hammer
- Nail set
- Cold chisel
- Ball-peen hammer
- Putty knife
- Grout trowel
Remove the grout. Use the can opener to scrape the grout from the sides of the tile to be removed.
Score the old tile. Use a glass cutter to score a mark across the tile from corner to corner. Use a straightedge as a guide.
Separate the tile. If you can't scrape out all the grout, you need to separate the damaged tile from the adjoining tiles. Otherwise the adjacent tiles can be damaged by the removal of the one tile. One way to separate the tile is to use a small angle grinder with a diamond wheel to saw along the perimeter of the damaged tile. You can completely separate that tile from the tiles around it.
Punch the old tile. Punch a hole in the center of the old tile using the claw hammer and the nail set or a nail.
Break the old tile. Start at the center and chip out the old tile and grout using a cold chisel and a ball peen hammer. Protect your eyes.
Clean the backing. Clean the surface behind the tile with the hammer and cold chisel. Smooth with sandpaper.
Patch backing. Use an appropriate patching material for the backing. Plaster of paris works for gypsum, cement-based material for cement board. Don't overfill.
Apply adhesive. Using a putty knife apply adhesive to the new tile or fixture.
Set the new piece. Using a hammer and a wood block set the new tile in place level with the other tiles. Use spacers and masking tape to hold it in place.
Grout. Remove the spacers and tape. Apply grout with a rubber-face trowel or a putty knife. Clean the face of the tile with a damp sponge then rub with a clean cloth.
Those are the easy steps to replace a ceramic tile.
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