Yes. For a clean, professional finish and maximum water protection, you should install vinyl sheet flooring underneath the toilet. The toilet should rest directly on top of the new flooring rather than having the vinyl cut perfectly around its base.
Install vinyl plank flooring before setting the toilet to ensure a flush, level surface. Removing the old toilet first prevents damage to new flooring. After flooring is laid, reinstall the toilet using a wax ring or rubber gasket to seal properly. Tighten bolts evenly to avoid cracking the flooring.
If you are installing vinyl planks in a bathroom, you may need to temporarily remove the toilet, or you can install around it. Measure and prepare the subfloor.
Common Mistakes When Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cons of Sheet Vinyl:
Homeowners with great taste are opting for premium vinyl sheet over other flooring types for its winning combination of realism, on-trend stylishness and practical durability.
Yes, you can safely use standard Swiffer wet pads or a Swiffer WetJet on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors. Because LVP is water-resistant and durable, the light moisture from Swiffer pads falls well within safe damp-mopping limits, making it a great option for quick clean-ups.
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.
The cons of luxury vinyl plank flooring
It won't last forever; most vinyl planking lasts between 15 and 20 years, and since they can be refinished, like real wood, you have to replace them entirely. Because of this, LVP isn't the most eco-friendly material; depending on the brand, some LVPs aren't recyclable.
The healthiest flooring options prioritize natural, VOC-free materials that resist mold, dust, and toxic off-gassing. The safest choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivities are solid hardwood, ceramic/porcelain tile, natural linoleum, and cork.
Yes, the toilet flange should sit on top of the finished vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl flooring can be resistant to stains and spills, including pet urine, but it is not completely pee-proof. If pet urine is left on vinyl flooring for an extended period, it can potentially stain or discolor the flooring.
The optimal sequence involves laying the flooring first, followed by installing the toilet, vanity, and other fixtures. This ensures durability and an aesthetically pleasing finish where everything fits together seamlessly.
Yes, you should remove the toilet. While you technically can cut rigid or sheet flooring around a toilet, removing it ensures a seamless look, prevents trapped moisture, and avoids trapping the toilet. It also accommodates the new floor height.
Yes, mold can absolutely grow under vinyl plank flooring. Because vinyl is waterproof and non-porous, it does not allow air to pass through. If moisture gets trapped underneath, the flooring acts like a plastic lid, trapping water and creating an ideal, dark breeding ground for mold.
For a professional and long-lasting result, install vinyl flooring before the toilet and shower, ensuring proper sealing around edges to prevent water ingress. However, if you're working with click-lock vinyl planks, installing after may be preferable, as heavy fixtures can damage floating floors."
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.
Vinyl flooring, primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), carries several health risks due to the chemicals used in its production. The primary dangers include off-gassing toxic VOCs, endocrine disruption from plasticizers, and potential respiratory irritation.
What flooring never goes out of style?
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.
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.
The most popular flooring in homes today is wooden flooring – like luxury vinyl, laminate, or hardwood floors.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for vinyl floors, but only if heavily diluted. It is excellent for cutting grease and grime, particularly in kitchens. However, using too much can leave a cloudy, dull, or sticky film behind.
The best mop for vinyl plank flooring is a microfiber flat mop (or a gentle spray mop). It cleans without scratching the wear layer and allows you to control moisture, preventing standing water from seeping into the joints and causing planks to swell or warp.
To quickly tell if your floor is vinyl or linoleum, look at the pattern and thickness. Vinyl is a synthetic plastic with a printed, glossy design. Linoleum is an all-natural material (made of linseed oil and wood flour) with a matte finish and a solid color that goes entirely through the material's thickness.