Replacing one broken floor tile? Find the match and check what is underneath

Start with the spare, not a screen image

Look for leftover tiles and their packaging from the original installation. Daltile recommends keeping this extra material, often called attic stock, because the dye lot and printing process can differ over time. Count the sound pieces available and photograph the box label. Do not break off a piece of the installed tile to take shopping.

If there are no spares, give the supplier the manufacturer, collection, color, finish and product code from any invoice or label. Ask for an actual candidate tile to compare in the room before approving removal. A similar photograph is a starting point for a search, not evidence of a match.

Match the dimensions as well as the color

Marazzi distinguishes shade, which concerns color and reflectivity, from caliber, which describes the tile's face dimensions. It records both on its cartons and notes variation between production runs. Record those codes when available rather than relying on a nominal size alone.

Have the installer compare the proposed tile's actual width, length, thickness, edge profile and finish with the opening and surrounding floor. Ask how the finished height and grout lines will look. If no compatible tile can be sourced, discuss a deliberate replacement area or another agreed finish before enlarging the job.

Give the assessor the damage history

Note whether a dropped object caused an isolated chip or whether a crack appeared without an obvious event. Send a wide view showing neighboring tiles and joints. Mention repeated repairs, a spreading crack or movement already noticed during normal use; do not press or pry a damaged tile to test it.

Schluter identifies insufficient mortar coverage and movement stresses among possible reasons floor tiles crack. Those possibilities need assessment, not a diagnosis from a photo. Ask whether the proposed repair includes checking the exposed support and bonding condition, and what would cause the installer to stop and revise the scope.

Identify hidden layers before removal

Tell the assessor if the tile sits in a shower, above a waterproofed area or over electric floor heating. Supply installation records, system names or earlier construction photos if you have them. Unknown layers should remain marked unknown.

Schluter explains that shower tile coverings are not inherently waterproof; a separate moisture-management assembly is needed. For a shower-floor repair, ask how the existing assembly will be identified and preserved or repaired. Heating cables and waterproofing work need the appropriate specialist assessment. Do not treat removing a tile as permission to cut into those systems.

Agree on the repair boundary and reopening time

Include these decisions in the request:

• The tile or defined group to replace, plus any neighboring finishes that may be affected.
• Who supplies the replacement and what happens if it proves incompatible.
• How a wider defect found during removal will be documented and priced before more work.
• Product-specific times for walking on the area and, where relevant, exposing it to water.

Send a request that can be assessed

Send Coast & Craft your city, photos, spare-tile details and any installation records for scope review. Confirm whether the accepted visit covers assessment, a defined tile repair or referral to a tile specialist. Keep the final tile and grout references for future repairs.