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How to replace a broken floor tile

Exposed floor being cleaned with paint scraper.

Overview

If you have a broken tile, you can easily replace it yourself. We'll teach you how to remove the old tile without damaging any of the surrounding tiles. You'll also see how to install a new tile and grout it into place. 

Steps

1

Remove the broken tile from the floor

You'll be using a chisel to remove the broken tile so protect all your surfaces from flying tile chips by putting down drop sheets. Then cover the centre of the broken tile with masking tape and drill four or five holes with a tile bit. Now use a chisel to chip away the middle of the tile. Then wedge the chisel under the tile and gently pry it off, piece by piece.
Person drilling into tile.

2

Clean the gap where the broken tile used to sit

Scrape all the grout from the edges of the surrounding tiles using a grout removing tool. Then clean the exposed floor by chipping the old glue away with a paint scraper. Now sweep the area until you've got a solid, dust free surface, ready for your new tile.
Exposed floor being cleaned with paint scraper.

3

Check that the replacement tile fits properly

Put your replacement tile in place to make sure it will fit properly. In our case, we chipped a bit of the subfloor out when we removed the old tile. So we have filled that gap with glue and given it half an hour to cure before installing our new tile. 
Person laying down new tile.

4

Install the new tile

Mix your glue to a toothpaste consistency. Then cover the back of the new tile and run a notched trowel across it. Now place the tile into the gap and gently press it down, checking to make sure it sits evenly with the tiles around it. Then stick masking tape across the tile and wait for the glue to dry.
Person running notched trowel through glue on the back of a new tile.

5

Grout the replacement tile

Remove the masking tape and clean any excess glue out of the gaps between the tiles with a nylon scraper. Then mix your grout, push it into the gaps and smooth it off with a grout squeegee. To get the best results, run your squeegee across the gaps at a 45° angle. 
Grout being pushed into tile gaps.

6

Clean the excess grout off the tile

Give the grout 20 minutes to dry, then use a clean, damp sponge to wipe off the excess grout. As with the squeegee, you'll get the best results by running it across the tile at a 45° angle. After every stroke, rinse the sponge to keep it clean and squeeze it out so it's not too wet. Once the grout has cured for 24 hours the tile is ready to walk on.
Person cleaning tile after inserting grout.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.