How do we remove one travertine tile from the floor?

A.  Before removing the tile, lightly tap on the tile. If it sounds hollow then it should be removed. The hollow sound indicates that it is not installed properly. If it sounds solid you might not have to remove it. You can fill the crack with an epoxy.  

If you do have to remove it, this can be tricky and I would suggest you get a pro. Here is what he will need to do (or you if you want to attempt it yourself.) Take a small chisel and in the center of the tile start chiseling the stone out. Work your way toward the sides of the tile. Be very careful not to hit the other tiles.  Remove all the pieces and the setting material. Then install the new tile.

This can be very tedious so proceed slowly.

If you do decide to have it done professionally, you can find a pro in your area by clicking on the Find a PRO tab at www.stoneandtilepros.com.

Dr. Fred

Chief Technical Director

Stone and Tile PROS (www.stoneandtilepros.com)

Stone Forensics (www.stoneforensics.com)

CRACK
A break, split, fracture, fissure, separation, cleavage, or elongated narrow opening, however caused, visible without magnification to the human eye and extending from the surface into the stone, through the gra in, matrix, or vein

EPOXY
A class of synthetic, thermosetting resins which produce tough, hard, chemical resistant coating and excellent adhesives

TILE
A thin modular stone, generally less than ¾ inch thick

TRAVERTINE
A variety of limestone that is a precipitate from hot springs. Some varieties of travertine take a polish and are known commercially as marble. ASTM C119-03 classifies travertine in both the limestone and the marble groupings