A Guide to Installing Vinyl Flooring Around Your Toilet
When it comes to installing flooring in your bathroom, it can be difficult to place it around features such as your bathtub and toilet.
Today, Mersey Flooring will guide you through the process of laying vinyl flooring around your toilet for an efficient installation.
For high-quality vinyl flooring and more, browse our products today.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before diving into it, ensure you have the following tools and materials:
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Notched trowel
- Chalk line or pencil
- Cardboard or paper
- Vinyl flooring
- Adhesive or nails
- Caulk
- Underlayment
PPE: It’s important to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when working with tools.
Prepare the Area
Before getting started, remove any ornaments or items from your bathroom floor.
Remove all debris and dust from your bathroom with a brush and vacuum. Use a mild detergent and warm water to mop the floor.
Then, sketch a simple diagram of your bathroom floor onto a piece of paper to note the dimensions.Use a spirit level to check for any uneven surfaces and sand down any minor bumps or use self-levelling compounds for dips.
For bathrooms, check the moisture level with a moisture meter. High moisture areas will need a moisture barrier underneath the flooring. Remove any baseboards or trims for an easier installation.
Measure and Cut the Vinyl
Take Accurate Measurements
Use a measuring tape to calculate the length and width of your bathroom.
If you’ve removed the toilet, measure the diameter of the drain pipe and its distance from the walls. If the toilet remains, measure around the base. Add extra measurements to account for trimming.
Cut the Vinyl
Roll out your vinyl and sketch the measurements onto it with a pencil or chalk line. Use your sketched diagram as a reference for this.
Then, create a template of the toilet base using cardboard or paper. Place this on the vinyl in the corresponding position and trace around it. To cut around the toilet, cut along the traced lines with a utility knife.
Ensure the cut is slightly larger to allow for adjustments.
Install the Vinyl Flooring
Apply the Adhesive
Spread the adhesive evenly onto the subfloor with a notched trowel.
Complete this in sections to make it more manageable and prevent the adhesive from drying up before the vinyl is laid.
Lay the vinyl
Once it has set, lay the vinyl, carefully fitting it around the base of the toilet. Use the cuts and adjustments from earlier to ensure it fits snugly around the toilet.
Use a hand roller to smooth out the vinyl, pressing it firmly in place. Work from the centre outwards to prevent bubbles and achieve good adhesion.
Finishing Touches
Trimming Excess Vinyl
Examine the floor around the toilet for any excess material.
Replace the blade in your utility knife and carefully trim the excess material. Hold the knife at an angle for a clean cut.
After trimming, press down on the edges gently to ensure the vinyl is secure in place.
Sealing and Caulking
To provide moisture resistance to your floor, add a bead of silicone caulk around the base of your toilet.
This will prevent water damage, ensuring the floor lasts longer. Apply the caulk around the edge of the room and use a caulking tool or finger to smooth out beads for a smooth appearance.
Use nails or adhesive to re-attach any baseboards or trims once the floor is finished.
Invest in Quality Vinyl Flooring with Mersey Flooring
At Mersey Flooring, we believe every customer deserves a home they love.
That is why we sell high-quality and durable flooring, ranging from vinyl to engineered flooring, for every need and preference.
Our vinyl collection consists of LVT and SPC flooring designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials for less. Browse our products today to find out more.