Why gut it if you can repair it?

Need new cabinets or back splashes? Before replacing what you have, see if you can fix them.

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Broken tiles

A few cracked tiles can spoil the whole look.

Cracked or chipped tiles are an eyesore, but they don't necessarily mean you need a whole new kitchen floor (or backsplash). A skilled tile setter can usually cut out the damaged ones, bed in replacements, and blend in new grout to make the repair undetectable.

Cost advantage: $200 to $600, vs. $1,000 to $2,500 for a new floor.

The catch: If you don't have any spares, you need to find new tiles that match the original's size and color.

NEXT: Dated kitchen cabinets

Last updated October 04 2010: 5:02 AM ET

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