Easy DIY Guide for Replacing Your Cracked Tile and Making Home Repairs

Replacing a cracked tile on a countertop is a simple job for any DIYer with the right tools. It’s essential to take the right safety precautions and use the right techniques, however, to make sure it’s done correctly and safely. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against during the tile removal process, which involves drilling holes, breaking out the tile and scraping away any remnants of adhesive.

Begin by removing the cracked tile by scraping out the grout joints with a grout saw. Then, punch small divots in a big X across the face of the tile with a nail set and hammer. Drill holes through the tile nowhere near the countertop’s substrate in order to weaken it and create a breakpoint. Use a hammer and chisel to break the tile out into small pieces. After removing the tiles, use the grout saw to clean the edges of the adjoining tiles.

Once the space is cleared, you can begin the ceramic tile replacement by spreading tile adhesive on the back of a replacement tile using the short end of a trowel or scraper. Create grooves through the adhesive, spread adhesive along the counter space, and firmly press the tile into place using the butt of your fist, making sure the grout lines line up with existing ones. After the tile is in place, wipe away any adhesive that may have squeezed out onto the surface. Allow it to dry overnight and, once dry, fill in the grout lines with a grout float. Gently wipe away the grout with a damp sponge, and check for any powdery residue that may remain. Apply grout sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

In conclusion, replacing a cracked tile is an easy DIY job with the right tools and techniques. The steps involved—removing the old tile, preparing the surface, putting in the new tile, grouting, and sealing—can also be followed to replace an entire countertop if needed.