Yes, the toilet should be removed and the vinyl flooring should be installed underneath it. This gives you a clean, professional finish, hides rough cuts, and prevents trapped moisture that can cause unsanitary conditions or damage the subfloor.
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
The best underlayment for sheet vinyl in a bathroom is 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch exterior-grade luan or marine plywood. Because sheet vinyl is flexible, any texture or imperfection in the subfloor will telegraph through. Plywood creates a smooth, flat, and stable foundation that prevents seams from popping and moisture from damaging your floor.
The best bathroom underlayment depends on your final flooring, but waterproof uncoupling membranes (for tile) and rubber or closed-cell foam (for vinyl or laminate) are the top choices. They prevent moisture damage, stop mold growth, and ensure your bathroom floor lasts for years.
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.
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 flooring is designed with a waterproof core, meaning it won't swell, warp, or peel when exposed to moisture. This characteristic makes it a reliable choice for bathrooms, where water can easily damage other types of flooring, like hardwood or carpet.
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.
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."
Yes, in most cases, installing flooring before fixtures like toilets and vanities ensures a polished and cohesive look. This approach also simplifies cleaning and avoids gaps that could trap dirt or moisture.
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.
The absolute best bathroom flooring balances total water resistance with slip resistance, durability, and budget. The top materials are porcelain or ceramic tile for ultimate durability, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or tile (LVT) for affordability and DIY ease.
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.
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.
Blonde oak, greige (gray-beige), and sandy tans are the most popular vinyl flooring colors. These versatile, natural wood tones brighten rooms and pair easily with both warm and cool decor, making them go-to choices for homeowners across the US.
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.
Neither is universally "better," as they serve different needs. Vinyl plank (LVP) is the superior choice for high-end aesthetics, easy DIY installation, and simple repairs. Sheet vinyl excels in superior water protection, lower budgets, and covering large spaces quickly.
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 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.