How To Fix Cracked Tile (+Video)

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A floor tile may break due to installation issues, changes in temperature, too much weight, or dropping a heavy object. Learn how to replace a cracked tile in just a few steps! This DIY guide covers everything from preparation to grouting with step-by-step photos and video demonstration. Make your floors look brand new!

Craftsman cabin kitchen with light wood cabinets and tiled floor.

Table of Contents

Yep, we are back at my parent’s house finishing up yet more repairs! This time around calls for more tiling projects! We completed a herringbone tile pattern in the modern rustic bathroom, as well as installing groutable vinyl tile. Now it’s time to tackle the kitchen floor repair.

While some might just rip out the entire floor and replace it with a new one, this house is going up for sale. My parents had the foresight to save some in case of needed repairs.

With my free labor, this project cost only a bag of mortar and grout!

Tools and Materials

Additional same tile (or a matching one in the same size and thickness).
Oscillating multi tool with grout blade.
Chisel
Hammer
Thin-set Mortar. Premixed is fine.
Square floor trowel. Usually ¼ inch square notch is good for between 4x4in & 13x13in.
Vacuum and brush to clean up the debris.
Rubber grout float.
Grout in matching color. Premixed is fine.
Grout sponge
Bucket of water

Pro Tip: The hard truth is that most cracked tile has a structural problem. Epoxy and other compounds are fine for chips or surface imperfections, but cracks will just crack again. While you might get away with epoxy on a small hairline crack, if the edges of the crack don’t line up exactly, I recommend replacing.

Our Tile Repair Project

I have a step-by-step video and printable instructions at the bottom of this post. In this section I’ll go over tips pertaining to our particular project.

Generally speaking, I’d rather replace a broken piece than trying to save it. This allows me to make sure the substrate (the surface below the flooring) is in good condition and build up from there.

1. Remove the Cracked Floor Tile.

Two methods to remove grout from between tiles including using an oscillating multi-tool and a razor blade box cutter.

Step one is to remove the old tile and the grout surrounding it. My preferred method of grout removal is to use an oscillating multi-tool. I lovingly refer to it as the “shakey tool.” This multipurpose tool is one of my favorites.

A sturdy box cutter will suffice in place of a “shakey tool,” but it will take a lot of pushing and its often slow progress. Be mindful not to score any surrounding tiles that you’re not intending to remove.

Hand holding a chisel to remove a broken tile.

After all of the grout is removed, the tile itself is ready to be removed.

Start at one corner and pry the smallest piece up, then work to get the rest up, always working towards the center. Use a hammer to break it into smaller pieces, if desired.

2. Prepare the Floor

Hand removing mortar underneath tile with an oscillating multi-tool.

Clean out the old mortar before installing a replacement tile. There’s no need to clean out every speck of existing mortar, but there needs to be room for the new mortar. The goal is that the new tile sits flush with the old ones. An oscillating multi-tool makes quick work of this, but chiseling it out by hand also works.

Check that the subfloor or concrete board doesn’t show signs of water damage or rot.

3. Put in the Replacement

Kitchen floor marked with painter's tape to show which tiles were replaced and still drying.

For this project, we replaced as many tiles as we had extras to match. The kitchen is a main walkway and used daily, so I marked the replacements with tape. This prevented anyone from stepping on them while they cured.

4. Grout the lines.

Using a rubber float for grouting tile in kitchen.

I recommend waiting at least 48 hours to grout, especially floors. Work the new grout into the cracks and wait a few minutes before wiping the excess away with a damp sponge.

After grouting, wait approximately 24 hours before walking on the floor. Remove any leftover haze and grout residue with water and a sponge before 72 hours has passed.

Tips for How to Fix Cracked Tile

These instructions work well for ceramic, porcelain, or stones like travertine and quartz. I’ve even done this on a marble floor.
When doing large home improvement projects save a few tiles, floorboards, or bricks for the possibility of future repairs.
Clean all dust after cleaning up mortar. Use a brush as well as a wet/dry vacuum for a thorough clean.
For small jobs, using a premixed grout or mortar makes the job a bit easier.
Protecting adjacent tiles from the chisel and hammer is VERY IMPORTANT.
Mark replacments with painter’s tape or block the room completely to keep anyone from stepping on the tile while it is drying.

Video Demonstration of Replacing a Damaged Tile

While I admit video isn’t my best skill (I much prefer doing the job), I made an effort to explain this process in every way imaginable. Although this isn’t a difficult undertaking, there’s a specific order of operations to execute it correctly.

Note: I didn’t do the original tile installation. There were many places where the tile never made contact with the backing mortar bed and that’s probably what caused the cracks!

FAQs

Can you fix a cracked tile without removing?

Yes and no. Most cracks are not just unsightly, they usually mean the tile isn’t bonded well to the substrate below anymore, causing movement. While you can cover the imperfection, it may crack again over time.

How do you repair tile without removing it?

Epoxy is the most common material used when repairing broken tiled floor. Acting like a glue, 2-part epoxy kits work best on chips and superficial cracks if you cannot find a replacement. However, this only repairs the surface to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Should you back butter tile?

Back buttering is generally preferred and especially for large or heavy tile, but when replacing (not laying a new floor), it’s more important that the tile be level and aligned with the adjacent flooring.

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

More Tiling Projects

PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!