Chipped Tile

Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a few months ago. My wife dropped a bowl on the floor and chipped one of the tiles. I have the chip, is this repairable with glue? My contractor said if he replaced one tile it may loosen the ones around it

A: It is not advisable to try to repair a chipped tile with glue. Contrary to what your contractor told you, it is entirely possible to replace a single tile without affecting the tiles around it, as long as the technician practices patience and uses the right tools. That's not to fault your contractor, however. It's always advisable for a professional to pass on a job if he is unsure that he can perform the job to a customer's complete satisfaction.

In fact, the tile contractor who originally set the tile is often not the person to call; in the current construction boom, licensed tile contractors are usually too busy to even make repairs. For best results, you need a tile repair specialist, the type of person/business that also replaces grout. They make their living doing this sort of thing all day long.

Hopefully you saved a few tiles from the original project to cover this very situation. If not, you may still be able to buy some more, and if so, pick up a few extra! The color might vary slightly since tile is a natural product and each batch can turn out a little different, but a new tile will be better than one with a glued chip. You might also consider putting some rugs in the kitchen where you are most likely to drop dishes.

Kathy Maynard has been matching homeowners with home improvement contractors since 1990 and has written scores of articles advising homeowners how to find, hire and work with reputable service professionals. She also authors Weekend Warrior, a weekly home improvement column in The Sacramento Bee.