For standard alcove tubs (tubs fixed between three walls), install the tub first. For freestanding tubs, install the flooring first.
Protection against Damaged Floors
However, if you have the flooring installed first, it can easily get scratched, cracked, or even completely ruined by trying to place a heavy object such as a bathtub on it, so it's often best and more convenient to place the tub first and add the new flooring afterward.
In What Order Should You Renovate A Bathroom?
Flooring is usually installed after completing plumbing updates and wet area installations but before adding fixtures like toilets and vanities. This timing allows for a tightly integrated and professional finish.
The short answer is yes, you should install bathroom flooring under a freestanding tub. Unlike alcove bathtubs, which are installed first and then surrounded by flooring and walls, freestanding tubs require the floor to be completed first.
Here are the top 5 common errors people make when installing baths:
The rule of 3 in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three different flooring materials throughout a home to maintain visual cohesion. This guideline helps you create intentional transitions between spaces without overwhelming the eye.
Professional contractors generally recommend installing new flooring before placing the toilet. This approach creates a cleaner, more polished look and helps prevent future maintenance issues. Here's why flooring should come first: It creates a seamless appearance without visible gaps.
This year's spa-inspired flooring trend is all about turning your space into a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Matte finishes offer an understated elegance, while natural wood and stone-look designs bring warmth and a touch of luxury.
The 135 rule means horizontal drain pipes cannot connect using a fitting that creates more than a 135-degree change in direction. In plain terms, you cannot use a standard short-turn 90-degree elbow between two horizontal drain lines. Plumbers use two 45-degree elbows, a long-sweep 90, or a wye-and-eighth-bend instead.
Bathroom trends for 2026 are characterized by the resurgence of untreated natural finishes, including stone. Together with handmade and textured tiles, the look is more rustic. This gives a warmer and more organic feel. The most popular bathroom tiles for 2026 are those inspired by limestone and travertine.
Inadequate Space Planning: Poor space planning can result in cramped and uncomfortable bathrooms. Make sure fixtures like the toilet, shower, and vanity are appropriately spaced to allow for easy movement and functionality.
A successful bathroom remodel generally follows a strict sequence: planning and permits, demolition, structural rough-in (plumbing/electrical), wallboard, waterproofing, tiling, painting, and fixture installation. Following this order prevents damage to new materials and ensures proper waterproofing.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
More design options: Not installing flooring under cabinets provides more design options. For example, you can choose a flooring material that requires an expansion gap and install the cabinets over the gap. Cons: Unfinished appearance: Not installing flooring under cabinets can result in an unfinished appearance.
Tile Gone Wrong: Top Tile Mistakes to Avoid By Chip Wade
For example: 🛁 A bathroom sink and toilet that are on the same drain line can share a vent, as long as the sizing is correct. 🚿 In a kitchen, multiple sinks or a dishwasher can be vented through a shared pipe.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Pull-push rule is used for measuring the exact distances of pipe fittings and fixture in the plumbing system in doing the final lay out. It is used in measuring the length of the pipes before cutting. 5. Inside caliper is used to measure the inside diameter of a pipe.
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.
For those drawn to richer hues, navy and forest green are also gaining traction, and their classic colors are great for offering a pop of color if you just want a hint of it among neutrals. Soft pastels are also making a comeback, adding a gentle, uplifting energy to any bathroom space.
Timeless flooring relies on natural materials, neutral color palettes, and classic laying patterns. Because they outlast short-lived trends, options like hardwood and porcelain add long-term value to your property.
Plumbing and Labor Take the Biggest Bite
Labor in general is the single largest category in most bathroom remodels, typically accounting for 40% to 60% of the total budget. That includes plumbers, electricians, tile installers, carpenters, and any specialty tradespeople.
If you aren't too concerned with the finished look, then you might be able to install flooring with the toilet in place, just don't expect a picture-perfect finished look. However, if you want the best final result, take the extra step of removing the toilet first. It's worth it in the end.
Forgetting To Tighten the Toilet Bolts
One common DIY toilet installation mistake is forgetting to tighten the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. Loose bolts can result in the toilet shifting over time, which may cause leaks or damage.