Do you tile or toilet flange first?

Author: Prof. Everett Kertzmann MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Toilet manufacturers have weighed in on this discussion to recommend that you place tiles beneath the toilet flange.

Do you install a toilet flange before or after tile?

the flange should be installed on the top of the finished floor (tile, vinyl, wood). as far as acceptable range, too high by even a little bit will prevent the toilet from setting on the floor (it will rock). the lower the flange, the thicker your wax ring or rings will need to be.

Should you tile before or after fitting a toilet?

We recommend having your tiles fitted before installing a sink, shower, bath and toilet. This means your bathroom suite can sit on top of the tiles, providing a better seal and finish.

What order should I tile my bathroom?

tile your walls first, then install the bath,sink and toilet, check for any leaks, when you are sure there is no leaks THEN tile the floor, and the adhesive you are planning to use, take it back to where you bought it and buy some proper adhesive and grout mate.

Do you install toilet or flooring first?

Install the new floor first before installing the toilet. This ensures a proper and stable flooring surface, and it makes it easier to position and seal the toilet later.

HOW TO CHANGE TOILET GOES WRONG!

Should flooring go under a toilet flange?

A best practice is to install the toilet flange on top of the finished floor. If you install the toilet flange flush with the finished floor, or even below the finished floor, leak paths will form, because the flange won't be at the correct height to accept the horn at the bottom of the toilet.

In what order should I install my bathroom?

How to Remodel a Bathroom in 7 Steps
  1. Remove Bathroom Fixtures. ...
  2. Install the New Shower or Tub. ...
  3. Lay the New Flooring. ...
  4. Hang Drywall and Start Painting. ...
  5. Install Cabinets and Vanity. ...
  6. Update Lighting. ...
  7. Hook Up the Plumbing.

Does tile go down before toilet?

The short answer to the question "should toilet sit on top of tile?" is simple - if you've opted for ceramic tiles, then you should tile them under the toilet, if you've opted for vinyl tiles on the other hand, then you should go with tiling them around the toilet.

Do you tile before or after plumbing?

Plumbing should be roughed in before tiling, meaning the basic plumbing lines and placements are set. Once the tiling is complete, final plumbing connections and fixture installations can proceed. Proper coordination ensures that tiles accommodate plumbing fixtures without issues.

Do you tile the bathroom floor first or last?

If you start with the walls and finish with the floor, you will be able to use your bathroom or kitchen again sooner rather than later. However, some professional tilers are against tiling the floor first as tile, adhesive and grout can fall onto your newly tiled floor, causing damage.

Should you caulk around a toilet flange?

According to the International Plumbing Code (2012 edition) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (2009 edition), sealing the joint where fixtures meet the floor is required. Failing to caulk your toilet could result in noncompliance with these codes, which may lead to issues during home inspections or resale.

Where do you lay tile first in a bathroom?

Begin laying tile in the center of the room and work your way out. Lay a single row of tiles in both directions without mortar. Start at the center point and work outward. This dry layout will make sure your finished project will be centered.

How high should a toilet flange sit above the floor?

The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor, which should be finished. Always install the floor before the toilet flange, making sure it is level to prevent leaks or a rocking base. This height will work with pretty much any type of wax ring, allowing a good seal.

What is the proper way to install a toilet flange?

  1. Cut pipe. If installing a new flange, start by measuring and cutting the pipe to the desired height. ...
  2. Dry fit flange onto the pipe. Place the flange onto the pipe to ensure a proper fit and check for interference.
  3. Apply primer. ...
  4. Apply cement. ...
  5. Install flange onto pipe. ...
  6. Secure flange with screws or anchors. ...
  7. Install Johni-Bolts.

Does a toilet flange go inside or outside a pipe?

These flanges install on the outside of either 3" or 4" pipe and can be used without needing access from below. To install an Oatey Cast Iron Closet Flange: Place it over the pipe so the gasket secures to the pipe. Tighten the integrated fasteners to the pipe to secure the closet flange.

What if toilet flange sits too high on concrete floor?

If the flange is too high, you can carefully trim it to the correct height. This can be done using a hacksaw or an angle grinder.

What order do you tile a bathroom?

The tile installation principle is that the tiled wall 'hangs' over the tiled floor. The best way to achieve this outcome is by first tiling the floor so that the wall tile will then seem to be 'sitting' on the bathroom floor.

What goes down before ceramic tile?

Install a cement-based backer board following the manufacturer's instructions. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Backer board panels typically measure 3-feet by 5-feet and can be trimmed as needed.

Do you install a bathroom vanity before tile?

Seamless Look: Tiling the entire floor or wall before installing the vanity ensures a seamless and continuous tile pattern, providing a clean and cohesive appearance.

Do you tile before plumbing?

Ask any professional Tradesperson and they'll tell you that wall and floor tiles should go in first, before installing your fixtures and fittings. This allows for a more professional finish, and means avoiding awkward tile cuts to fit around fixtures.

Should flooring go in before toilet?

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.

How far from the wall is the toilet flange?

1-The Distance Between the Toilet Flange and the Wall Behind It: In order to get started, you'll need a tape measure. The water closet flange's centre should be 12 inches from the back wall. When taking this measurement, make sure you're measuring from the finished wall and not the base moulding.

What is the correct order to remodel a bathroom?

  1. Gather Tools and Materials. First things first, you need to have the right supplies on hand before starting your project. ...
  2. Plan and Budget. ...
  3. Choose a Bath Design. ...
  4. Demolition and Removing Bathroom Fixtures. ...
  5. Plumbing. ...
  6. Electrical. ...
  7. Install Exhaust Fan and Ventilation. ...
  8. Update Lighting.

Do you install vanity or toilet first?

Installing the Toilet and Vanity

With the flooring in place, the toilet is the next fixture to install. This step is followed closely by setting up the vanity, complete with plumbing for the sink and faucet. Proper installation is crucial to avoid plumbing issues later.

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