Need to repair cracked tiles? We're going to discuss the common types of damage wall and floor tiles are prone to, and offer step-by-step instructions on how to fix each issue. We'll also provide insights into hiring the right tradesperson for more complex repairs along with their associated costs.

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A cracked tile is one of those jobs that looks worse than it is.

Whether it's a hairline crack across a bathroom wall tile or a chip in a busy kitchen floor, most damage can be repaired without replacing the whole tile - and often without calling anyone in.

This guide covers what causes tiles to crack, step-by-step repairs for different types of damage, and when it's worth bringing in a professional tiler instead.

What causes tiles to crack?

Before repairing a crack, it's worth understanding why it happened - otherwise you may just be fixing the same spot again in a few months.

• Impact damage - a dropped pan, tool or heavy object is the most common cause of a sudden crack

• Subfloor movement - if the floor beneath the tiles isn't fully rigid, tiles can crack over time as it flexes

• Temperature changes - expansion and contraction, especially near underfloor heating, can cause hairline cracks to appear gradually

• Poor installation - insufficient adhesive coverage or the wrong adhesive for the tile type leaves it more vulnerable to cracking

If cracks keep appearing in the same area, it's usually a sign the subfloor needs attention rather than the tiles themselves.

How to hire a good tiler

Fancy changing the look of your kitchen or bathroom? Then you'll need to find and hire a good tiler. We've pulled together our top tips including what questions to ask and how much the job will cost.

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Repairing cracked tiles by replacing the damaged one

If a tile is badly broken, replacing it - rather than filling it - gives the most durable result.

Tools and materials

• Safety goggles

• Hammer and chisel

• Adhesive or tile mortar

• Grout, tile spacers, grout float

• Sponge, tile cutter or wet saw if needed

Step-by-step guide

• Wear safety goggles to protect against flying debris

• Break the damaged tile into smaller pieces with a hammer and chisel, starting at the centre and working outward

• Carefully remove the broken pieces without damaging surrounding tiles

• Clean the area thoroughly, removing all old adhesive or mortar

• Apply fresh adhesive or mortar to the replacement tile and press it firmly into place

• Use tile spacers to keep it aligned with the surrounding tiles

• Let the adhesive cure per the manufacturer's instructions

• Remove the spacers, apply grout with a grout float, then wipe away excess with a damp sponge

• Leave the grout to cure fully before walking on it

n.b. For period properties, see our guide on restoring Victorian floor tiles for a matching finish.

How to fix a cracked tile without replacing it

If you'd rather not disturb the surrounding tiles - or you're dealing with terracotta or another tile type where an exact match is hard to find - repairing in place is usually quicker.

Tools and materials

• Epoxy adhesive or a ceramic tile repair kit

• Cleaning solution

• Fine-grit sandpaper

• Putty knife

• Grout (if needed)

Step-by-step guide

• Clean the cracked area thoroughly and let it dry completely

• Apply epoxy adhesive along the crack with a putty knife, filling the gap fully

• Press the crack together gently, aligning the edges as closely as possible

• Hold for around a minute, then wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth

• Allow the adhesive to fully harden per the manufacturer's instructions

• If the crack is still visible, sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper until level with the surface

• Clean away any dust before finishing with matching grout if required

Hairline crack repair

Hairline cracks are small and appear gradually, often due to settling or temperature changes rather than a single impact.

Tools and materials

• Tile filler or epoxy filler

• Putty knife

• Cleaning solution

• Fine-grit sandpaper

Step-by-step guide

• Clean the area and let it dry completely

• Apply a small amount of filler into the crack with a putty knife or your finger

• Smooth it level with the surrounding tile surface

• Wipe away excess filler with a damp cloth

• Allow it to dry and harden fully

• Lightly sand if needed for a smooth, flush finish

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Grout crack repair

Cracked grout isn't just cosmetic - left alone, it lets water in and can lead to further tile damage.

Tools and materials

• Grout removal tool or utility knife

• New grout, grout float, sponge

• Grout sealer (optional)

Step-by-step guide

• Carefully scrape out the cracked grout without damaging surrounding tiles

• Clean the grout lines thoroughly to remove loose debris

• Prepare the new grout per the manufacturer's instructions

• Apply it into the cleaned lines with a grout float, filling completely

• Remove excess grout at a 45-degree angle with the float

• Allow it to dry for the recommended time

• Wipe away any haze with a damp sponge

See our full guide on regrouting tiles for more detail.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

How much does it cost to hire a tiler?

DIY repairs cost very little beyond materials, but for larger cracks, extensive damage, or a full retile, a professional gives a longer-lasting finish.

How much does tiling cost in 2026?

Discover average tiling costs in the UK, including bathroom, kitchen, and floor tiling prices per m², alongside tips to budget wisely.

Learn more

When to hire a professional tiler

DIY repairs work well for minor cracks and chips, but consider a professional if:

• The crack runs across several tiles, not just one

• The damage points to a subfloor issue rather than a one-off impact

• You can't get a good colour match for a visible area

• The tile is in a wet area (shower, bath surround) where a poor seal risks water damage

A tiler can handle both repairs and full retiling, while a bathroom fitter is worth considering if the cracked tiles are part of a wider bathroom refresh. Need help with tile restoration near you?

Checklist: repairing a cracked tile

Tile repair checklist

• Identify the cause before you repair it

• Choose replace, patch, or fill based on damage size

• Clean and dry the area thoroughly first

• Colour-match filler for terracotta and patterned tiles

• Let adhesive and grout cure fully before use

• Call a tiler for subfloor issues or wet-area cracks

Tile repair FAQs

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