Tile floors can withstand a lot of punishment, but tiles will break occasionally.  There is no need to worry as replacing a floor tile is something you can do yourself.

Before you start, you will need the following supplies, many of which can be found in your garage:

• A new tile to match your floor.  You may have a box of replacement tiles from the original installation.  You can also find a close match at a hardware store or flooring company.
• Grout
• Goggles for eye protection
• Grout saw or old fashioned can opener (with triangle tip)
• Hammer and chisel
• Putty knife or paint scraper
• Small paint brush
• Latex primer and possibly vinyl spackle
• Tile adhesive
• Notched trowel (somewhat like a paint scraper, ask at the hardware store)
• Small block of wood

Follow these steps for DIY tile replacement:

1. Put on your goggles!!
2. Scrape most of the grout from around the tile.  This can be done with a grout saw or an old fashioned can opener.
3. Use the hammer to break up the damaged tile.  Start gently and slowly apply more force until the tile begins to crack.
4. Scrape or pry the tile pieces from the floor with a chisel or putty knife.
5. Remove the old adhesive from the floor with a paint scraper or putty knife.
6. When all of the tile adhesive is up, vacuum the area clean.
7. Paint the area with latex primer and give it sufficient time to dry.  If there are any holes in the area, fill them with the vinyl spackle.
8. Apply tile adhesive to area with your trowel.
9. Place the new tile in the center of the adhesive.  Press it into the adhesive with a twisting motion, making sure the tile is well centered.  Place the block of wood on the tile and gently hammer it until the tile is level with surrounding tiles.

10.  When the tile is in place, remove the excess tile adhesive from around the tile and allow the adhesive to set.

11.  Mix the grout until it matches the color of the existing grout.

12.  Apply the grout to the area around the tile with your finger (shape the grout into a rounded or squared off surface depending on your floor).  Carefully wipe up any grout that is on new or surrounding tiles.  A damp towel or sponge works well.   Allow the grout to dry.

That’s it!  It may sound complicated, but is actually quite easy to do.

If it seems like too much for you, or if you need more work done to your tile floor, call Custom Kitchens, the Outer Banks custom flooring professionals.

Outer Banks Custom Flooring has been serving the beach for nearly 50 years.  We install all types of flooring; tile, hardwood, laminates, and carpet.

Call Outer Banks Custom Flooring for all of your flooring needs.

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