Do you tile under or up to the toilet?

Author: Onie Hagenes  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

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.

Should I tile under or around the toilet?

Always tile under the wc, if in the furture it needs replacing you will not have a problem replacing the tiles if the wc is a different shape,any plumber should get over this problem,but it should have been pointed out in the first place,this is one thing I always check before starting any work.

What is the 3/4/5 rule for tiling?

To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.

Should flooring go under or around toilet?

For the Best Look, Remove the Toilet First

Here's the truth: you're going to want to remove the toilet first and then install the flooring in order to get the best look. Getting a perfectly rounded cut around the edges of a toilet can be incredibly challenging.

What do you put between a toilet and a tile floor?

I would agree with caulking with silicon around the base to the tile. It secures the base of the toilet to the tile. Lots of toilet flanges are not strong enough to prevent rocking from a heavy user. Silicon is a little bit harder to remove, but well worth having a toilet not rock and breaking its wax ring seal.

How to Tile Around a Toilet with Wickes

Should a toilet be caulked or grouted?

Toilets should be caulked at the floor.

Do you put toilet on top of flooring?

A best practice is to install the toilet flange on top of the finished floor.

What goes between toilet and floor?

The toilet flange or toilet floor flange is located between the floor and the bottom of the toilet. Also known as a closet flange, this fitting connects to the house drain pipe and allows you to secure the toilet to the floor with bolts and nuts.

Which way should flooring run in a small bathroom?

Frequently Asked Questions. Which direction to lay vinyl plank flooring in a small bathroom? In a small bathroom, lay the vinyl planks parallel to the longest wall. This approach helps elongate the space, making it appear larger and more open.

What are the golden rules of tiling?

The golden rule when installing tiles is install on a concrete floor where possible and always ensure it's level by applying a levelling compound beforehand – watch this video to find out exactly how.

What is the easiest tile to install in a bathroom floor?

WPC Vinyl is a combination of wood, plastic and vinyl tile, and is considered the easiest to install. This is because it's waterproof and is much more flexible and easy to work with compared to porcelain or ceramic tiles, which are brittle.

Do you install a toilet before flooring?

Professional contractors generally recommend installing new flooring before placing the toilet.

How far up should tile go in the bathroom?

The classic design feature is usually between 34 and 54" high, with 36" being the average height. A traditional offset or straight set pattern in a standard field size tile works well for this wall height.

Is it code to caulk around a toilet?

Meeting Building Codes: One primary reason to caulk around your toilet is that it's code. 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.

What goes under a toilet?

A toilet flange securely attaches a toilet to the home's drainage system through an approved connection method. The flange is also anchored to the subfloor with a rust-proof screw keeping it stable and free from movement.

What goes between bathroom tile?

Grout is used to fill spaces in between tiles. Most grout product options come in powder form, but pre-mixed containers are available as well. Whichever option you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to mix grout.

Should I tile under the toilet?

Unless you are in a situation where it is impossible to redo the floor tile due to the flange already being put in, never put the tiles below the existing toilet and the flange. Having the tiles go under the toilet makes it much easier to do repairs or removals.

What do you put between toilet and floor?

You will want a high-quality, waterproof caulk specifically for bathroom use to meet the code. These caulks will withstand the extra moisture and wear of a bathroom. Silicone bathroom caulk tends to perform best for sealing toilets. It's water-resistant and flexible.

Does flooring go under a bathroom vanity?

Generally, flooring contractors prefer that the cabinets go in first so that there is less possibility of the floor getting scratched. Cabinet installers like the floor to be in place so that the cutting and dust from the floor installation will not damage the vanity.

Can I caulk between tiles instead of grout?

Using caulk instead of grout in areas where grout is traditionally employed is not advisable. This is because caulk lacks the structural stability and durability of grout. In tile installations, caulk cannot bear the same load as grout, and it is more susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic and cleaning.

Should you caulk around a toilet white or clear?

Most toilets are white and most bathrooms floors are white. Always chose white. White caulk will give your bathroom floor a seamless integration to the toilet which is what you want for your bathroom. Apart from time that, clear caulk tends to turn into a yellow color with time.

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