5 easy DIY steps for replacing damaged ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles, while durable, can also be fragile. What's more, new tiles can be pricey. That's why having the choice to replace a single broken tile vs. replacing a whole bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash is appealing. Here are five DIY steps to replacing damaged tiles that'll help save you a bundle.

Most of these tools and items are fairly basic.

• If you don't have the right tools – especially power tools – ask a friend if you can borrow them from him or her. Otherwise, most of these items are quite inexpensive to purchase at your local hardware store or home improvement centre.
• Some stores will even rent power tools at reasonable rates.

You'll need:

• Power grout saw or hacksaw blade
• Impact drill and masonry bit
• Hammer and chisel
• Putty knife
• Replacement tile
• Tile adhesive and notched trowel
• Plastic tile spacers
• Rubber mallet and level
• Grout
• Grout trowel
• Large sponge
• Dust pan and broom

After gathering everything together, you'll be ready to begin.

Ensure the old grout is completely removed. Otherwise, you may have trouble with the new tile not adhering properly to the surface underneath the broken tile.

• Use a grout saw to remove the old grout from around your damaged tile.
• Use two blades for floor joints and a single blade (or broken hacksaw blade) on wall joints.
• Be careful not to damage the surface of the surrounding tiles.

Switch your impact drill to its hammer setting and fit it with a masonry bit to drill through the tile – but no further – in an "x" shape.

• Next, use a cold chisel to remove your damaged tile from the centre.
• Then, scrape the underlay with your putty knife.
• Finally, sweep up all the tile pieces. (Make sure you don't touch any sharp shards with your bare hands!)

Use your new tile to test fit the cleared space so that you can be sure that the area has been completely cleared. If the tile "rocks" you may need to remove more old grout from the surface where you intend to affix the new tile.

• For floor tiles, apply the adhesive to the floor using a notched trowel.
• If you're replacing a single wall tile, it's better to spread the adhesive on the back of the tile– called "backbuttering" – before you push it into place.

Place your new tile and apply even pressure with a slight twisting motion. Do not push too hard as you risk breaking the new tile.

• Use tile spacers to ensure even gaps on all sides. They are usually small and made of plastic.
• Check that the new tile is level, either on the floor or across the top edge if it's mounted vertically on the wall.
• A rubber mallet will help if your tile is at a slight angle or is sitting slightly proud of the bordering tiles.

Grouting the joint is an essential step. Just don't do it too early.

• Allow the adhesive set for 12 hours.
• Scoop grout from your bucket with your grout trowel.
• Apply the grout to the wall with upward strokes.
• Push the grout at a 45-degree angle to the joints with your grout trowel to fill the joints with grout.
• Work your way across the entire surface, starting in one corner and working methodically to fill all the joints.
• Let the grout set slightly.
• Remove excess grout with a damp sponge, wiping from bottom to top.
• Repeat the process until the residue is all gone from the tiles.

You should wait at least 24 hours before touching the new work. After a few weeks, you can then seal the grout. for durability and waterproofness.

A damaged tile in the bathroom or kitchen doesn't mean a costly and extensive remodel. It's a fairly easy and inexpensive job that you can do by yourself in a few hours. Of course, if you use power tools, it's important that you understand how to use them safely.