How to Replace a Marble Floor Tile Part 2
After you have removed the damaged marble floor tile, you should be ready to proceed on with the replacement process. You will be ready to install a replacement tile in the place of the broken one. Here are the basics of how to continue and finish up the process of replacing a marble floor tile. (This is Part 2 of 2. To return to Part 1, click here.)
Step 1 - Use the Adhesive
If you want to install a new marble floor tile, you are going to have to use the proper tile adhesive for the job. For this application, you could use one of two choices. You could try using mastic or thinset. In the majority of cases, people will prefer to use mastic for this job. The reason for this is that it comes in premixed buckets and in small quantities. This means that you will be able to avoid using an entire bag of thinset and the process of mixing it up. If you happen to have some thinset, there is nothing wrong with mixing it up and using it for this job. However, you will most likely have much more than you need if you purchase a new bag.
Take the adhesive and apply it to the back of the tile. Hold the tile in one hand and hold your trowel in the other. Spread the adhesive across the back of the tile with the trowel. Be sure to spread it smoothly across the tile and make sure that every part of it is covered with adhesive. You do not want any gaps in the adhesive as this could lead to further damage after the tile is installed.
Step 2 - Install the Tile
Take the tile that you have just applied adhesive to and set it down in the hole. This will work best if you hold onto the sides of the tile when putting it in the hole. Press the tile down into the floor firmly. When this happens, you might have some adhesive come up around the sides of the tile. This is fine and you can simply wipe it up with a rag. Set a level on top of the tile. Use this to determine if the tile is completely level. If it is not, you may need to move the tile around until it is level. While the adhesive is still wet, you should have no problems adjusting the tile.
Step 3 - Dry
At this point, you will want to allow the adhesive to thoroughly dry. Most installers will recommend that you leave the tile overnight to dry. This will allow the adhesive to harden so that it will not move when you walk on it.
Step 4 - Grout
After the adhesive dries, you should be able to apply the grout. Use a grout float or trowel to install the grout. Dump some of the grout out of the bucket onto the tile and then move it around with the grout float or trowel until the grout joints are full.
Step 5 - Clean
You should then clean up the job before you finish. Take a wet sponge and use it to wipe the grout off of the tile. This will also provide you the benefit of smoothing out the grout lines as well.
