How to Install Flooring Around a Toilet (And Choose the Best Type for Bathrooms)

When it comes to bathroom renovations, flooring is one of the most important decisions you'll make—both in style and practicality. Let's walk you through how to choose the right flooring and how to install it neatly around your toilet for a polished, professional finish.

Which Flooring Should You Choose for Your Bathroom?

Bathrooms are high-moisture zones, so your flooring needs to handle splashes, humidity, and everyday wear. Here are our top three options:

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Water-resistant, durable, and warm underfoot. Many options even mimic the look of real wood or stone. This is also a DIY friendly install.
   
2. Sheet Vinyl – Budget-friendly and seamless. It’s a solid choice for families or rentals. Can still be a DIY option, but a little more work is involved. Very forgiving if the floor isn’t flat.
   
3. Tile – Classic and waterproof, with endless style choices. Just be mindful of grout maintenance. Tile can be a DIY job, but it really depends on the type of tile. Tile can be really finicky to install if you’ve never installed it before.

At End Of The Roll Flooring Centres, our in-store flooring experts can help you match your bathroom style with the best practical solution. Most of our stores also offer flooring installation services.

How to Install Flooring Around a Toilet

Step 1: Turn off the water and remove the toilet
Yes—it’s best to temporarily remove the toilet. This ensures a cleaner cut and a watertight fit. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the toilet carefully.

Step 2: Dry-Fit your flooring
Lay the planks, tiles, or sheet around the flange area without adhesive or locking it in. Mark an outline for where cuts will go.

Step 3: Make precise cuts
Use a jigsaw or utility knife and cut the flooring to fit snugly around the flange. Take your time—tight cuts here prevent future leaks. Remember to leave a small expansion gap if required by the manufacturer.

Step 4: Install and secure the flooring
Install the flooring according to the product type. For floating floors, leave a slight expansion gap. For glue-down, apply adhesive evenly and press in place.

Step 5: Reinstall the toilet with a new wax ring
After the floor sets, reinstall the toilet using a fresh wax ring to ensure a proper seal.

Pro Tips from End Of The Roll Flooring Centres

• Sometimes a new floor may be a different height than the old floor. It’s important to ensure your flange is located at the right height compared to the floor. For example, if you’re pulling up old sheet vinyl and putting down new vinyl planks, the planks are likely thicker than your old floor and your flange will sit just below the new flooring. This will lead to leaks. You’ll need to add on a flange extender kit to ensure you have the right height.
• Always let your flooring acclimate for 24-48 hours before installation, especially with plank flooring
• Use silicone caulking around the base of the toilet for added moisture protection.
• When in doubt, our local flooring experts are always ready to help with expert advice or installation support.

Ready to transform your bathroom? Visit your nearest End Of The Roll Flooring Centre and explore flooring that’s built to handle splashy mornings and stylish evenings.