You do not have to remove the toilet, but it is highly recommended. Removing it takes about 30 minutes, guarantees a flawless, professional finish, and allows for easier future toilet replacements.
Cut the Vinyl
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.
Short answer: yes, mould can grow under vinyl flooring — but only when moisture gets trapped between the planks and the subfloor. Vinyl itself is non-porous, so the planks don't host mould.
Vinyl plank flooring (LVP) should not go under the toilet flange. The toilet flange should sit on top of the finished flooring, with the flooring cut to fit around it, ensuring a roughly 1/4" to 3/8" expansion gap around the pipe. Placing flooring underneath can raise the flange too high, causing leaks, and may violate the "floating" nature of the floor.
In addition to being moisture resistant, vinyl is also stain resistant and can dampen noise. This often makes it a preferred flooring choice for families with children and pets. For these same reasons, many people choose to install vinyl plank flooring in bathrooms and basements.
Common Mistakes When Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
What's the Safest Flooring for a Bathroom? Both luxury vinyl and textured porcelain tile are among the safest flooring options. They both combine moisture-resistance and slip-prevention, making them great options for most homes. If you want an affordable, low-maintenance option, luxury vinyl is the better choice.
You do not have to remove the toilet, but it is highly recommended. Removing it takes about 30 minutes, guarantees a flawless, professional finish, and allows for easier future toilet replacements.
In 2026, bathroom flooring trends prioritize a blend of organic warmth and dramatic, personalized style, with popular choices including travertine, limestone, large-format porcelain tiles, and intricate patterned tiles. Top trends for the year include herringbone patterns, "tile drenching" (running the same tile on floor and wall), and high-contrast, artistic patterns that turn floors into a focal point.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a highly practical bathroom flooring choice. It is waterproof, affordable, and warm underfoot. However, water can seep through seams during major floods, potentially damaging the subfloor, and it lacks the timeless appeal of natural stone or ceramic.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring typically lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the planks, the thickness of the wear layer, and foot traffic.
While vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is water-resistant and affordable, it struggles with subfloor sensitivity, denting under heavy furniture, and potential VOC emissions. It also lacks the natural warmth and home resale value of real hardwood.
What are the most popular vinyl plank flooring colors in 2026? Light oak, greige, and soft brown tones continue to be favorites. These colors feel fresh and versatile, working well with neutral palettes, natural light, and the relaxed, airy look many homeowners are going for right now.
Always install your flooring first and then set the toilet on top. This provides a clean, seamless finish, prevents you from having to cut flooring awkwardly around the fixture, and makes future toilet replacements or floor upgrades much easier.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
Bathroom trends are shifting sharply toward warm, organic, and highly personalized spaces. The stark, all-white and cold gray aesthetics are out. In their place are soothing earth tones, textural natural materials, stealth-wealth luxury, and integrated, functional smart tech to create an inviting in-home spa.
Chipped tiles, stained grout, and brightly colored porcelain tubs and toilets (think avocado green, mustard yellow, or bubblegum pink) instantly make a bathroom look neglected. No matter how clean the rest of the space is, damaged surfaces or retro fixtures give off a dated vibe.
Sustainability is central to flooring choices in 2026. The trend emphasises materials that are both stylish and environmentally responsible: – Wood & vinyl: Reclaimed or responsibly sourced. – Carpet: Wool and recycled‑fibre carpets are gaining popularity for their natural feel and eco‑credentials.
Yes, you can install a toilet on top of vinyl plank flooring. In fact, it is the recommended practice for a clean look. However, because most vinyl plank is a "floating floor" that can expand and contract, you must take special precautions to prevent cracks, wobbling, or sewer leaks.
Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
Here's what usually happens: During flooring installation, baseboards sometimes need to be removed to ensure a seamless fit for your new floor. In other cases, installers can undercut (trim beneath) the baseboards, so they don't have to take them off fully.