How can I repair 3 cracked floor tiles?

Susan Petsche
by Susan Petsche

The master bathroom have matching tile on the floor, bordering the shower stall, and completing enclosing a garden soaking tub. The tile has been discontinued-no way to match it. The tiles give when walking on them. Greatly appreciate any thoughts!

  3 answers
  • My guess is the floor underneath those tiles was uneven and caused them to crack. I would try to lift them, level the floor, and re-install them - cracks and all. Then, cover them with a rug. The other alternative is to tear up the whole floor and install a new one.

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 11, 2019

    Hi Susan, it's important you check the integrity of the floor where the tiles feel "spongy", you may have to replace the sub floor there, the good news is that you can paint the tiles or stencil them to make a pattern so you don't have to try to match them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjcYo_YA8Zo


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPHEGlVNkNk

  • William William on Oct 11, 2019

    Remove the tiles, check the subfloor for any water damage. Replace if needed. The reinstall tile. To repair cracked tile.


    How to Repair Holes or Cracks in Ceramic Tile


    Patching unwanted holes in glazed tile like this can be a tricky proposition. Here's a solution that may not always be perfect, but will make a big improvement. Polyester resin or auto body filler, often used to repair car bodies. Mix up a small batch by adding some hardener and stirring it thoroughly. Using a putty knife, press the resin into the hole slightly overfilling it. Then just as the material begins to harden while it's somewhat rubbery, trim off the excess with a razor blade.


    Next use 600 grit sandpaper to sand the filler smooth. Wetting the paper with water makes it work best. Now it's time to try and match the color of the tile. A porcelain touch up kit which is available at most home improvement centers comes with several different colors of paint. You can also use artists acrylic paints available from Michaels, Hobby Lobby, art supply stores, and online.


    The trick here is to mix these different colors together until we come up with one that matches the tile. Apply the paint with a small brush. You can test it on a nearby tile. When you get it the way you want it, then just paint over the patch and let that dry. Give it one final sanding with that very fine sandpaper and you'll have, well, maybe not a perfect match, but something that's a heck of a lot better than what you started with.