What is the best flooring under a toilet?

Author: Adam O'Kon  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular flooring options for bathrooms. It offers a clean, classic look that's also extremely durable, waterproof, and stain-resistant.

Should flooring go under the toilet?

The flooring should not be installed so it goes up to the toilet. In the long run it is actually easier to remove the toilet and reinstall as the cuts in the flooring where it will be under the toilet don't have to be all that precise since the toilet will cover the cut ends.

What is the most water resistant bathroom flooring?

Top 6 Water Resistant and Waterproof Flooring Options
  • AquaGuard® Engineered Hardwood. NEW and exclusive to Floor & Decor, AquaGuard® Wood is real water resistant hardwood. ...
  • AquaGuard® Bamboo. ...
  • NuCore® Waterproof Flooring. ...
  • DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • HydroShield®

Do you put vinyl sheet flooring under a toilet?

Yes, you can install vinyl plank flooring under a toilet. Here are some key points to consider: Preparation: Before installation, ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If the toilet is already installed, you may need to temporarily remove it to properly lay the vinyl plank.

What is the most suitable material for a toilet floor?

Water-resistant ceramic tiles are a great choice for your bathroom floor. They are glazed, resistant against stains, and water damage. Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for bigger bathrooms, as they are affordable, hard-wearing, and easy to cut and shape.

What Kind Of Flooring Should I Use In My Bathroom?

Which is most suitable for toilet floor?

The best flooring options for bathrooms are floors that can withstand moisture and humidity, aren't slippery when wet, are easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot. In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options.

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.

Do you have to remove toilet to install vinyl plank flooring?

If you are installing vinyl planks in a bathroom, you may need to temporarily remove the toilet, or you can install around it. If the subfloor is not level, you can fix low spots with a self-leveling product and sand or grind down high spots. Tip: Do not try to sand down old vinyl flooring, as it may contain asbestos.

Do you need a moisture barrier under vinyl sheet flooring?

Typically, moisture barriers are needed when vinyl flooring is installed on top of a concrete subfloor or crawl space. Please refer to the manufacturer guidelines, installation instructions, and warranty information for more details.

Can you put a toilet on floating vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, you can use LVP in bathroom, but don't let the water sit on it for too long or get under it. It may cause mold growth or bad smell and you won't know where it's coming from. So protect the edges and make sure to install it properly. If you decide on a floating floor, tell the contractor about this.

Which flooring is 100% waterproof?

Unlike other products that claim to be waterproof — and are actually water-resistant — Aquatec Flooring® truly is 100% waterproof from our bottom EVA Rubber Padding to our topmost UV Wear Layer, and every layer in between.

What is the lowest maintenance flooring for a bathroom?

6 Low-Maintenance Flooring Options that Will Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
  • #1 - Ceramic Tile. Ceramic tile is one of the best choices for low-cost and low maintenance. ...
  • #2 - Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • #3 - Natural Stone. ...
  • #4 - Hardwood. ...
  • #5 - Porcelain Tile. ...
  • #6 - Linoleum. ...
  • Enjoy Your Home Without the Hassle.

What is the best flooring to avoid mold?

Waterproof vinyl's defense against moisture

Waterproof vinyl flooring is engineered to be completely impervious to water, meaning spills and splashes stay on the surface and don?t seep through to the subfloor, where mold can thrive. This characteristic is especially valuable in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Where should you not use laminate flooring?

Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided. This also applies to bathrooms and laundry rooms; however, kitchen installation is more feasible.

Do you have to remove a toilet to install laminate flooring?

Step-by-Step Laminate Flooring Fitting Guide. Step: Remove any existing flooring, baseboards, and fixtures (such as toilets). Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.

Should I tile under my toilet?

Toilet manufacturers have weighed in on this discussion to recommend that you place tiles beneath the toilet flange. What they recommend is to put the flange on top of the tile, ensuring that the bottom of the flange touches the surface of the tile.

Can mold grow under LVP flooring?

Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.

What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a moisture barrier?

Both are designed to keep moisture out of your home and can be made from various materials. But there are a few key differences, the most apparent being that moisture barriers are better at keeping out liquids, and vapor barriers are better at keeping out water in its gaseous state.

Is felt or foam backed vinyl better?

Choosing between felt or foam-backed vinyl flooring ultimately comes down to personal preferences, alongside the specific needs of the space where it will be installed. Felt-backed vinyl offers an enhanced underfoot experience that's warm, comfortable, and forgiving of minor subfloor irregularities.

Do you put flooring under a toilet?

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.

What is the difference between LVT and LVP?

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.

Does vinyl go under toilet?

Fitting vinyl around toilets and basins

Use scissors to cut in from the edge in a straight line to the centre of the pedestal. Next, make a series of cuts in the vinyl around the base of the pedestal or toilet until the sheet lies flat. Be careful not to cut too far in, or tear the vinyl.

What goes under the 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.

Should you replace the floor or toilet first?

After the wet area is addressed, the next step in your bathroom remodel is installing the new flooring. Flooring in a bathroom should extend under all the fixtures, including the toilet and vanity, to ensure a seamless look and easier maintenance.

Previous article
How to help someone who doesn't clean their house?
Next article
What should a freezer refrigerator be set at?