How to Replace a Slate Floor Tile Part 2

by DoItYourself Staff

In order to replace a slate floor tile, you will first need to take out the broken one. Once you have completed this step, you are free to move onto installing the new tile. Here are the basics of how to finish up the job of replacing a slate floor tile. (This is Part 2 of 2. To return to Part 1, click here.)

Step 1--Mixing the Adhesive

You will need to use adhesive in order to install the new slate tile. One option that you have is to use thinset. This comes in powder form and it is typically in large bags. Dump some of the powder into a bucket and then add water. You will want to pay attention to what the bag says about how much water to use. Mix up the adhesive in the bucket. You should also realize that you could potentially use premixed mastic for this job as well. You want the adhesive that you mix up to be about the consistency of peanut butter before moving on. You can always add more powder or water to get the right mixture.

Step 2--Applying the Adhesive

Now you are ready to apply the adhesive. With a typical tile installation, you would apply the adhesive to the floor. However, when you do not have much room to work with, you can apply it to the back of the tile instead. Take your trowel and get some adhesive on it. Then place the adhesive onto the back of the tile with your trowel. Scrape the adhesive all the way across the back of the tile. Put any of the excess adhesive back into your bucket. You should now have an even layer of adhesive that has grooves all the way across the tile.

Step 3--Placing the Tile

Keep in mind that slate tile is very fragile when you are handling it. Hold it on the sides and gently set it down into the opening. Once the tile is on the floor, press it down into the adhesive. There is a chance that the adhesive will squirt up around the edges of the tile. If this happens, simply wipe it up with a rag. Put a level on top of the tile that you have just installed. Make sure that the tile is completely level. If it is not, you should be able to adjust it by pressing down on one of its edges.

Step 4--Adhesive Drying

After putting the tile in place, you will need to allow the adhesive to dry. You should it allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to dry before moving on with the process or walking on the tile.

Step 5--Grouting the Tile

After the adhesive dries, you should be ready to grout. Use a grout float to apply the grout to the joints. Make sure that all of the joints are sufficiently filled with grout.