How to Replace a Damaged Natural Stone Floor Tile

A natural stone tile floor is a beautiful enhancement to any room. Natural stone is a luxury that some people use to show off their most important rooms. The uneven lines, imperfect colors, and uneven surfaces add a lot of character to an entry foyer, living room, den, or dining area. These stone floors can be damaged over time through simple foot traffic or something heavy dropping on them. If you have a damaged natural stone floor tile, here are the steps to take to replace it.

Purchase New Tile

If you have a natural stone floor tile that is uneven and has irregular shapes, then you will want to find something that is very close to the shape of the tile you already have. Something a little smaller is not going to hurt as you can fill in the extra space with grout. However, you do not want it too small.

Clean Out Grout

Using your chisel you can work away at the grout around the stone tile. Carefully work your way around the stone tile without chipping any of the other tiles in the process. As you clear away the grout, remove it from the area.

Pry Up Broken Tile

Once the grout has been carefully chiseled away you can then pry up the broken, or cracked tile. Place the flat edge of the chisel under and the edge of the tile and carefully pry it up. You do not want to slip and crack another tile in the process of removing the broken one. Once the tile is removed, you can chip away at the remaining mortar for a smooth surface.

Clean Area

Now that the tile has been removed, and the mortar chipped away from the space, you should go over it with a shop-vac to make sure all of the little pieces are cleaned up. These pieces can create holes in the new mortar which will cause an uneven bond between the tile and the subfloor.

Dry Fit Tile

To make sure the tile is going to fit in the space provided you will need to dry-fit the piece. Use the tile snips to take off any of the excess tiles.

Spread New Mortar

After mixing up a small amount of mortar you can begin spreading it out on the subfloor. Use a small spreader tool and apply it like you would with a butter knife. Make sure it is an even coating on the entire area. After the floor has been coated, you can also spread some mortar on the underside of the tile.

Place Tile in Position

Set the natural stone floor tile into its position and press it into the mortar. Clean up any mortar that is squeezed out from underneath.

Grout New Tile

Wait for at least a day before you add the new grout. Press it into the seam around the new natural stone tile so that you get the best possible coverage. You do not have to spread it out with a spreader. A simple application with your fingers is sufficient. Once the grout has dried a little, smooth it out with an edger and clean the surface.