Replace a Cracked Tile

Replacing one tile is fiddly but completely DIY-able if you can find a matching spare.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2–3 hours · plus dry time Cost: $20–$50

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Eye protectionAlways wear safety glasses when chipping out tile — shards fly.

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1

Remove the grout around it

Use a grout saw or oscillating tool to remove grout on all four sides of the cracked tile. Go slowly to avoid damaging adjacent tiles.
2

Break out the tile

Score an X across the cracked tile, then chisel out from the center toward the edges. Lift pieces out.
3

Scrape the old thinset

Get the substrate flat and clean. Any high spots will rock the new tile.
4

Set the new tile

Spread thinset with the notched side of a trowel, press the tile in with a slight twist. Use spacers or matchsticks to keep grout lines even.
5

Grout after thinset cures

24 hours later: pack grout into the joints with the float at a 45° angle, then sponge off the excess.