How to Lay Flooring Around a Toilet

Installing flooring in a bathroom poses unique challenges, especially when it comes to fitting the material around a toilet. The tight space and presence of plumbing fixtures can make this task seem daunting at first. However, learning how to lay flooring around a toilet can make a significant difference in both the appearance and functionality of the space. A well-installed floor enhances your bathroom’s aesthetics and ensures durability and ease of maintenance.

Whether you are working with vinyl, tile, laminate, or wood flooring, this process demands careful planning and precise cutting and fitting to achieve a professional result. By following the proper steps, you can seamlessly blend the flooring with the toilet base, creating a polished look that complements the overall design of your bathroom. With the right tools and techniques, this project is entirely achievable, even for beginners.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before laying flooring around a toilet, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure the job is done efficiently and accurately. The following list includes everything you’ll need for this project:

Tools:

• Measuring tape – For ensuring precise measurements of the floor area and the toilet base.
• Utility knife – Ideal for cutting vinyl sheets or trimming around tight spaces.
• Jigsaw or handsaw – Used to make intricate cuts around curved edges, such as the toilet base.
• Square or carpenter’s square – Helps ensure straight lines and accurate cuts.
• Chalk line – Useful for marking straight and even cut lines on the flooring material.
• Level – Ensures the subfloor and newly installed flooring are even for a professional finish.
• Floor adhesive (for tiles or vinyl) – Needed to secure the flooring material in place.
• Caulk and caulk gun – To seal the edges around the toilet for a clean, waterproof finish.

Materials:

• Floor planks, tiles, or vinyl sheets – Your chosen flooring material is tailored for bathroom use.
• Toilet flange spacer (optional) – This may be needed to adjust the toilet height if the new flooring adds significant elevation.
• Floor leveling compound (if necessary) – This addresses uneven subfloors before laying the flooring.
• Grout (for tile flooring) – Required to fill the gaps between tiles to create a cohesive, durable surface.
• Clean rag or sponge – Used for wiping off excess adhesive or grout during installation.

Having these tools and materials ready will streamline the process and ensure you achieve optimal results.

Prepare the Toilet Area

Remove the Toilet

Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet and turn it clockwise to close it. Flush the toilet to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl. There may still be some remaining water in the pipes; use a bucket or towels to catch any drips as you disconnect the supply line. Loosen the nut connecting the water supply line to the toilet tank with an adjustable wrench.

Then, remove the caps covering the bolts at the toilet’s base and unscrew the bolts that anchor it to the floor. Carefully lift the toilet and place it on a towel or plastic sheet to avoid damaging the floor or creating a mess.

Clean the Floor

Once the toilet is removed, clean the area thoroughly. Use a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or residue. If there are remnants of old adhesive or caulk on the subfloor, use a floor scraper to gently remove them. A clean, smooth surface is essential for a successful flooring installation.

Inspect the Subfloor

Carefully inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage, such as rot, mold, or weak spots. Damaged or uneven areas should be repaired or leveled before laying the new flooring. Addressing these issues now will ensure your project’s durable and professional finish.

Measure and Cut Flooring Around the Toilet

Measure the Area 

To achieve a professional-looking result, carefully measure the space around the toilet. Pay extra attention to the rough edges where the flooring will meet the toilet base to ensure a seamless fit. Use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the toilet’s base, including its length and width.

It’s also important to measure the distance from the center of the toilet flange to the edges of the nearby walls for accuracy. Taking detailed notes and even creating a rough sketch of the area can help you visualize the cuts you’ll need to make on the flooring material. Double-check all measurements to avoid mistakes that may cause gaps or improper fitting. Proper measurements are key to achieving a polished finish. 

Cutting the Flooring 

Once your measurements are complete, carefully cut the flooring material to fit snugly around the toilet base. A utility knife is an excellent tool for making precise cuts for vinyl or laminate flooring. If installing tile flooring, use a tile cutter or a wet saw to correctly shape the tiles. When dealing with irregular shapes or curves around the toilet, it may be helpful to first create a cardboard or paper template of the toilet base. This template can then guide your cuts, ensuring the flooring fits perfectly.

Dry-fit each piece of flooring around the toilet before securing them with adhesive or grout. Dry fitting allows you to confirm that all pieces are cut accurately and properly aligned, avoiding any surprises during installation. Taking your time during this step will help you achieve a clean, professional finish that enhances the overall look of your new floor.

How to Lay Flooring Around a Toilet: Install the Flooring 

Lay the Flooring 

For vinyl or laminate flooring, start by either spreading adhesive evenly on the subfloor or utilizing a click-lock installation system, depending on the product you are using. Carefully position each piece of flooring in place, ensuring a snug fit around the toilet base. Take your time to align the pieces tightly, leaving minimal gaps for a professional finish. For tile flooring, apply a layer of thin-set mortar using a notched trowel.

Press each tile firmly into place, angling and twisting slightly to ensure good adhesion. Leave a small gap around the toilet base for caulking later. It is crucial to check that the tiles are installed evenly—use a level to verify that each tile is flat and aligned. Any misalignment at this stage will be difficult to fix later. 

Cutting and Adjusting 

Once the flooring is laid down, inspect the edges around the toilet base. Trim any excess material that extends beyond the desired area using a utility knife for vinyl or laminate or a tile saw for tiles. Ensure the cuts are clean and precise, as uneven edges or gaps may affect the overall appearance.

Leave a small gap, approximately 1/8 inch, between the flooring and the toilet base for best results. This allows for slight material expansion and contraction. You can conceal this gap later with caulking, providing a water-resistant seal around the base. 

Let Adhesive Set 

Allow the adhesive to set and cure properly. The specific curing time will depend on the type of adhesive or mortar used, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid stepping or placing any weight on the newly installed flooring for at least a few hours to ensure a secure bond. Once the adhesive is fully set, the flooring around the toilet base will be ready for use, completing your project with a polished and durable result.

Reinstall the Toilet 

Prepare the Toilet 

After the flooring has set and the adhesive is fully cured, it’s time to reinstall the toilet. Begin by inspecting the wax ring at the base of the toilet. This ring creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the flange on the floor. If the old wax ring appears damaged or worn, replace it with a new one to ensure a proper seal and prevent future leaks. Position the new wax ring on the bottom of the toilet bowl outlet, ensuring it is correctly aligned. 

Reattach the Toilet 

With the wax ring in place, carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, ensuring the mounting holes on the toilet base align with the bolts on the floor. Press the toilet down to compress the wax ring and form a tight seal. Once positioned, tighten the bolts evenly with a wrench, but avoid over-tightening, as this could crack the porcelain. Check for any wobbling—if the toilet isn’t sitting evenly, add washers under the bolts to stabilize it. 

Reconnect the Plumbing 

Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet’s fill valve and tighten it securely. Slowly turn on the water and examine the area around the toilet base and the connection points for any potential leaks. Flush the toilet several times to ensure all connections function properly and the toilet is securely installed. With everything in place, your toilet is now ready for use!

Finish the Edges 

Caulking the Edges 

Sealing the edges of the flooring around the toilet base with caulk is an essential step to prevent moisture from seeping underneath. Moisture trapped under the toilet can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, or structural damage over time. Use a high-quality silicone-based caulk that’s resistant to mold and mildew for a durable and long-lasting seal.

Apply the caulk in a steady, even bead around the toilet’s base, smoothing it with a damp finger or caulking tool for a clean finish. Allow the caulk to dry fully, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Touching Up the Floor 

Address any visible seams or edges to give the floor a polished, professional look. Adding trim or quarter-round molding around the perimeter of the room can help conceal gaps and create a seamless design. Select a molding style and color that matches or complements your flooring. Secure the trim with nails or adhesive, ensuring the edges are flush and neat.

Clean-Up 

Before completing the project, clean up any excess adhesive, grout, or caulk that may have spilled onto the floor. Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner to wipe down the floor, ensuring all the edges look smooth and tidy. Recheck your work to confirm everything is sealed, cleaned, and ready to use.

Conclusion 

Learning how to lay flooring around a toilet involves a series of careful steps that ensure a professional and polished outcome. Start by preparing the area, which includes removing the toilet and cleaning the floor thoroughly. Next, measure the space accurately to determine the dimensions needed for the flooring cuts. Precision is crucial here, as clean and precise cuts will ensure the flooring fits seamlessly around the toilet flange and any other obstacles.

Install the flooring piece by piece, making sure each one aligns perfectly. Then, secure the toilet and apply caulk around its base for a neat, waterproof seal. Finally, touch up the floor with trim or molding and clean up any excess materials for a flawless finish. This process requires patience, but with the right tools and methods, you can enhance your bathroom’s look and functionality while achieving a durable, long-lasting floor.