TheLGN - Home Decorating The Little Green Notebook - Get Inspiration...Be Inspiration

 -Grout                  

-Grout float              

-Thinset mortar           

-Tile           

-Spacers        

-Drill                    

-1/4 inch drill bit  

-Hammer                         

-Blue painters tape   

-1/4 inch masonry chisel  

-Notched Trowel  

-Carbide toothed grout cutting tool        

-Sponge

1.  Make sure you are able to match the existing grout and tile you will be replacing.  If you don't know what grout color was used on the rest of the floor, you may want to mix a small amount of the new grout you will be using and allow it to dry to make sure the color will work. 

2.  Use a carbide toothed grout cutting tool (you can purchase these at any home improvement store) to remove the grout lines around the broken tile.

3.  Use blue painters tape to cover the surrounding tiles.  This will help protect the tiles from being damaged.

4.  Using an electric drill and a ¼ inch drill bit, drill holes into the center area of the broken tile.  Space the holes evenly apart throughout the tile.

5.  With a ¼ inch masonry chisel (or flat head screwdriver) and hammer, start removing the tile working from the center, out to the grout line.

6.  Use a wider chisel to remove all of the tile adhesive (Thinset mortar).

7.  With a notched trowel, spread Thinset mortar in the hole where the tile was removed.  Also apply the Thinset mortar to the back of the new tile about to be installed. 

8.  Set the tile in place.  Use spacers that match the existing grout lines to center the tile properly.  Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the Thinset mortar to set.

9.  Remove the spacers from around the tile and the blue painters tape from the existing tiles.  Mix the grout and apply in the grout lines using a grout float.  

10. Use a sponge and clean water to wipe off excess grout.  Allow 24 hours to dry before walking on the tile.