A cracked tile is never a good sign. Depending on the extent of the damage and its cause, you will need to either repair the damaged tiles, or consider a partial or complete replacement.
Types of Cracks and Their Causes
Isolated Crack on a Single Tile
Causes: Heavy impact, installation defect, low-quality tile Severity: Low to moderate
Spider-Web Cracking
Causes: Violent impact, installation on an unstable substrate Severity: Moderate
Linear Cracks Across Multiple Tiles
Causes: Structural crack, building settlement Severity: High - potential structural issue requiring expert assessment
Diagnosis Chart
| Type of crack | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated with impact | Impact | Replace affected tiles |
| Spider-web | Violent impact | Replace affected tiles |
| Continuous linear | Structural | Expert assessment + slab repair |
| Generalised crazing | Quality/wear | Full replacement |
Solutions and Costs
Cosmetic Repair (Micro-Cracks)
- DIY repair kit: €15-40
- Tradesperson intervention: €80-150
- Durability: 2-5 years
Replacing Individual Tiles
- Standard tiles: €15-50/m²
- Labour: €150-300
- Total for 2-3 tiles: €200-400
Partial Replacement (Affected Area)
- Standard tiling: €25-60/m²
- Mid-range tiling: €40-90/m²
- Labour: €35-60/m² (removal + installation)
- Total for 5 m²: €300-750
Full Replacement
| Room type | Area | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 8 m² | €800-1,800 |
| Kitchen | 15 m² | €1,200-3,000 |
| Living room | 35 m² | €2,500-6,000 |
Decision Criteria
Repair if:
- Fewer than 5 tiles affected
- Replacement tiles are available to match
- The underlying cause has been identified and corrected
Replace completely if:
- More than 20% of the surface is affected
- The original tile is no longer available
- There is a generalised installation defect
Find a Tiler on tack.lu
More than 80 professional tilers are listed on tack.lu in Luxembourg.
FAQ
Can a small crack get worse?
Yes, especially if it results from a structural problem or water infiltration underneath the tile.
Can I tile over cracked tiles?
It is possible, but cracks may transfer through to the new tiling. It is better to treat the underlying cause first.
How long does tiling last?
Good-quality tiling, properly installed, lasts 30-50 years or more.
