How to Replace Kitchen Countertop Tile
Replacing a damaged countertop tile is the same process as replacing a damaged floor tile. In both cases, the hard part is getting the old tile out, without damaging the good tiles around it. Digging out the grout around the damaged tile before you start chiseling at it ensures that you don't damage the adjacent tiles and grout lines. See you local tile dealer for replacement tiles of the same style.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Grout saw
- Hammer
- Iron chisel
- Glass cutter
- Razor scraper
- Hand-held vacuum
- Replacement tiles
- Thinset mortar
- Putty knife
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
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1
Dig out the grout from the perimeter of the first countertop tile that you want to remove. Use the saw by scraping forward and back along the line while applying downward pressure. Get out as much of the grout as you can.
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2
Hold your chisel to the middle of the tile, straight up, and strike it with your hammer, hard enough to knock a crater in the middle.
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3
Cut two diagonal lines through the glazed tile surface with your tile cutter, scoring it and forming an X that goes through the crater in the middle of the tile.
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4
Set the chisel on one of the scored lines and strike with the hammer, straight down. Hit it hard enough to crack the tile (it should crack along the scored line). Repeat on other parts of the two lines until the tile is broken into multiple pieces and you can pull it all out.
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5
Scrape the exposed underlayment with a razor scraper to clean it of all mortar and grout. Vacuum out the loose material with a hand-held vacuum.
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6
Use your putty knife to spread thinset mortar over the back of a replacement tile, to a depth of about 1/8th inch. Press the tile in place, evenly spaced around the edges.
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7
Repeat for each tile you want to replace. Let them set for 12 hours.
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8
Spread grout over the replaced tiles with a grout float, pressing it into the spaces. Wipe up the excess with a damp sponge
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear goggles and gloves when extracting the tiles.
