Yes, you can often just replace tile in a shower, either by carefully swapping out individual damaged tiles or by tiling directly over existing, intact tile (if the base is waterproof), but it depends heavily on the extent of damage and underlying waterproofing; for widespread issues or mold, a full tear-out and proper re-waterproofing is often recommended for a durable fix. A simple replacement is great for a single cracked tile, while tiling over can refresh an outdated look, but major problems need a thorough renovation to prevent future damage and health hazards like mold.
Yes, you can replace a cracked floor tile in the shower. Carefully remove the damaged tile, taking care not to damage the surrounding ones or the shower tray. Clean the area, apply new adhesive, and set the replacement tile. Ensure it's well-sealed to prevent future issues.
Regrouting is worth the cost if you want to clean up your shower without doing a full renovation. While materials for DIY regrouting can cost a few hundred dollars, paying $700–$1,500 for professional regrouting work keeps water from damaging your walls and subfloor, which could cost thousands to fix.
Removing a cracked tile that is securely fixed can compromise the waterproofing membrane underneath, resulting in the need to remove all of the tiles to redo the waterproofing.
On average, bathroom tile costs $25 per square foot to install when using a professional. Tiling a standalone ceramic shower will cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, but retiling will factor in the cost of old tile removal at $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
The wet area is one of the most expensive parts of remodeling a bathroom. Showers and tubs need waterproof membranes, drains, ventilation, and extensive tile coverage. Intricate tile designs, stone finishes, or floor-to-ceiling tile raise both material and labor costs.
The 3-4-5 rule for laying tile is a method to ensure a perfect 90-degree (square) corner, based on the Pythagorean theorem (32+42=523 squared plus 4 squared equals 5 squared32+42=52). You measure 3 units (e.g., feet, inches) along one wall/line from the corner, 4 units along the adjacent wall/line, and the diagonal distance between those two marks should then be exactly 5 units, confirming a perfect square corner for your tile layout. This prevents tiles from running crooked and ensures straight grout lines.
In fact, RE-GROUTING CAN EVEN CAUSE More damage than you had to begin with! Removing old grout can damage the waterproof membrane, and sealing over a leak traps moisture, leading to rot and structural damage.
The 1/3 rule for tile is a layout technique for long rectangular tiles (like wood-look planks) that recommends staggering joints by one-third of the tile's length, not the traditional 50%, to minimize lippage (uneven tile edges) caused by natural tile bowing, creating a smoother, safer, and more visually harmonious floor or wall. Instead of a standard brick-like pattern, it creates a diagonal or "stair-step" grout line, which looks more natural and helps hide slight height variations between tiles, making the surface feel flatter and more professional, especially under raking light.
Just grab and peel the wall out of the corner, it'll come right off. To remove the back wall you'll need to create an open spot to grab and pull or pry. Take your hammer and bust out a vertical line of tiles in the middle of the wall so you can get your crowbar behind it.
Signs to Look Out For
You might notice discolouration, hairline cracks, or sections that crumble when touched. In severe cases, whole pieces of grout may be missing, leaving a visible gap between tiles. You may also see water pooling at the edges of your shower or notice damp spots on walls outside the shower area.
It's still possible for mold and mildew to grow on the surface of epoxy grout, especially in areas with high humidity. Regular cleaning and wiping down wet areas will prevent this from becoming an issue.
You generally should not grout directly over old grout for longevity and adhesion, as it often leads to cracking and peeling; instead, you must first remove a significant portion (at least 2mm) of the old grout, thoroughly clean the area, and then apply the new grout to ensure proper bonding and a lasting finish. Special rejuvenation grouts or epoxy grouts might require less removal, but scraping out most of the old material is the best practice for standard grout.
It can destroy the drywall backing, it can cause rot, and it can cause the tiles to begin to fall off if left too long. Worst-case scenario, water damage behind your tiles can lead to mold problems. Mold can be a serious health risk to your family. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be to repair it.
Cost-effective: Reglazing is significantly less expensive than replacement. Customizable: Choose from a wide range of colors to match your bathroom. Eco-friendly: Reglazing reduces waste by reusing existing materials.
With regular care, ceramic or porcelain tile showers can last between 40 and 50 years. Proper care of grout and pan liners helps tile showers last longer because these materials keep them watertight.
Tile Gone Wrong: Top Tile Mistakes to Avoid By Chip Wade
A 50% tile pattern (brick-bond) is often not recommended for larger, rectangular tiles because it exaggerates lippage, the unevenness where tile edges meet, due to natural tile warpage. This creates an unsightly "step" or shadow line where the highest point of one tile aligns with the lowest point of the next, making surfaces feel bumpy and look unprofessional, especially with long-format tiles that tend to bow in the middle from manufacturing. Professionals often suggest a 33% offset or a random pattern for better visual flow and to minimize these imperfections, say Get Tiles Online and Tile Warehouse.
Always apply adhesive horizontally with a notched trowel, rather than in a swirling motion. You should never store tiles in direct sunlight prior to fixing. Tiles should be dry, clean and free from grease, wax, oil, curing compounds, etc.
Yes, you generally must remove most of the old grout before regrouting for the new grout to bond properly and last, as new grout won't stick well to old grout, leading to flaking and failure, though some products allow for a minimal 1-2mm depth removal before applying new grout for a refresh. For the best, most durable result, remove the old grout down to the tile's backer board (thinset), clean thoroughly, and then apply the new grout to create a strong, deep bond.
A: The frequency of regrouting your shower depends on the condition of the grout and the level of moisture exposure. On average, grout can last between 8- to 15 years if properly maintained and sealed. However, if you start noticing cracks, discolouration, or mould growth, it's time to consider regrouting sooner.
Regrouting can make your kitchen splashbacks or shower walls look brand new without the hassle of replacing tiles. Damaged grout lets water sneak behind your tiles, which can lead to mould, mildew, or even structural damage. Regrouting seals everything up, keeping your walls and floors safe from moisture.
Professional tilers usually cover 20–50m² per day. The exact number depends on tile size, layout, prep and adhesive.
Diagonal Floor Tile Layouts
Mary Gordon, the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling, finds a handful of floor tile layouts to read as dated, one of which being the diagonal floor tile layout. "It was once used to make small bathrooms look and feel larger, but diagonal tiles now look dated and busy," she says.
Actually tiles are not horizontal or vertical, they are just rectangular and you can use them either way. So, there is not any structural difference between both. Horizontal fitted tiles can make your kitchen or bathroom look wider. This layout is particularly suitable for tall yet smaller bathrooms and kitchens.