Tile Replacement in Exeter
Professional tile replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£135
Typical Duration
1.5-2.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Cracked or damaged tiles removed and replaced. We'll match your existing tiles as closely as possible, grout neatly, and blend it in so you'd hardly know there was a problem.
One cracked tile doesn't mean ripping up the whole floor. Whether it's a dropped pan, heavy furniture, or just a weak tile that's given up, we can usually remove and replace individual tiles without disturbing the rest. The trick is getting them out without damaging neighbours, matching the tile if you don't have spares, and grouting it so it blends in.
What's Involved in Tile Replacement
Damage Assessment - We'll check why the tile cracked. If it's just bad luck, replacement is straightforward. If the subfloor's moving or there's an underlying issue, we'll need to fix that first or you'll just crack another tile.
Careful Removal - We'll grout out around the damaged tile and carefully chip it out without cracking the surrounding tiles. Old, well-stuck tiles are harder to remove than newer ones.
Subfloor Prep - Once the tile's out, we'll clean off old adhesive, check the subfloor's sound, and level it if needed. New tile needs a flat, solid base.
Matching and Fitting - If you've got spare tiles, brilliant. If not, we'll try to source a match or suggest the closest alternative. Tile gets stuck down, levelled with neighbours, and grouted to match.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| Done Right | Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Tile removed without damaging neighbours | Surrounding tiles cracked during removal |
| Level with existing tiles, no lips or dips | New tile proud or sunken, trip hazard |
| Grout colour matched, blends invisibly | Wrong grout colour, replacement obvious |
| Subfloor checked and repaired if needed | Tile re-laid over weak spot, cracks again |
What You Get
| What's Included |
|---|
| Assessment of damage and tile matching |
| Careful removal of damaged tile(s) |
| Subfloor cleaning and levelling if needed |
| Replacement tile supply (or fit your tile) |
| Adhesive application and tile fitting |
| Grouting with colour-matched grout |
| Sealing (if recommended for tile type) |
| Clean-up and disposal of broken tiles |
Pricing Guide
| Time Required | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 hours | £85 |
| 2 hours | £110 |
| 2.5 hours | £135 |
| 3 hours | £160 |
Pricing depends on how many tiles need replacing, how difficult they are to remove, and whether subfloor repairs are needed. Single tiles are usually 1.5-2 hours.
Pro Tip: Always keep spare tiles when you have a floor laid. Makes replacements way easier years down the line when your exact tile's been discontinued.
Why Choose Us for Tile Replacement in Exeter?
Damaged tiles removed without cracking neighbours
Replacement tiles sourced or matched as closely as possible
Grouted and sealed to blend with existing floor
Subfloor checked and repaired if needed
What to Expect
1. Assessment and Planning - We'll look at the damaged tile, check if you have spares, and discuss matching options if you don't. We'll also check why it cracked to make sure the replacement won't do the same.
2. Removal and Replacement - We'll carefully remove the damaged tile, prep the area, and fit the replacement. It gets levelled with the surrounding tiles and grouted to match.
3. Curing and Aftercare - We'll advise on curing times (usually 24 hours before walking, 48 before getting wet). If the tile's sealed, we'll do that once grout's cured.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need:
- Grout rake or rotary tool
- Cold chisel and club hammer
- Tile adhesive and notched trowel
- Grout and grout float
- Tile spacers
- Safety glasses and gloves
How to DIY:
- Remove grout - Use a grout rake or rotary tool to carefully remove grout from all sides of the damaged tile. This prevents cracking neighbours when you chisel it out.
- Break and remove tile - Drill a hole in the centre of the tile (to relieve stress), then use a cold chisel and hammer to carefully break it up and remove pieces. Work from the centre outwards.
- Clean the base - Scrape off old adhesive until you've got a clean, flat surface. Vacuum thoroughly - dust stops new adhesive sticking.
- Apply adhesive - Spread tile adhesive evenly on the back of the new tile (or on the floor). Use a notched trowel for even coverage.
- Place and level - Press the tile into place, using spacers to maintain even gaps. Check it's level with surrounding tiles using a straight edge.
- Grout and seal - Wait 24 hours, then grout around the tile. Match the grout colour to existing. Seal if appropriate for the tile type.
Common DIY Mistakes:
- Not removing grout first (cracks surrounding tiles when chiselling)
- Rushing adhesive cure time (tile shifts or sinks)
- Wrong grout colour (replacement tile stands out)
- Not checking subfloor condition (new tile cracks for same reason)
Pro Trick: If you can't find a perfect tile match, consider creating a deliberate pattern or border using contrasting tiles. Turns a problem into a feature.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine With: Tile replacement often pairs with grout sealing or tile sealing to protect the new work and refresh the surrounding area. Also worth checking other tiles for cracks while we're there.
Related Services: Tile repair, grout sealing, tile sealing, floor levelling (if subfloor issues found).
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ You've got one or more cracked or damaged tiles ✅ Tiles have lifted or come loose from the floor ✅ You want to fix the problem without replacing the whole floor ✅ You've dropped something heavy and need a quick repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you match the colour of my existing tiles?
If you've got spare tiles from the original installation, perfect. If not, we'll do our best to source a match, but exact matches can be tricky with discontinued tiles. Sometimes a close match is the best option, or we can create a feature pattern if it's way off.
Will removing a tile damage the ones around it?
We take care to remove damaged tiles without cracking the neighbours, but sometimes old adhesive or brittle tiles make it tricky. We'll assess the risk before starting and let you know if there's a chance of collateral damage.
How long before I can walk on the new tile?
Adhesive needs 24 hours to set before foot traffic. Grout needs another 24 hours before getting wet. We'll give you specific timings based on the products we use.
What if the subfloor underneath is damaged?
If we find damage when we lift the tile, we'll let you know what needs fixing. Sometimes it's just a case of re-levelling with screed or compound. We'll discuss options and costs before proceeding.
Tile Replacement Also Available In:
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