When deciding whether to tile under or around a toilet, there are several factors to consider. If you plan on using large-scale tiles such as 12×12 or larger, it’s best to tile around the toilet to give you accurate measurements and more control when cutting the tiles.
Smaller tiles such as 6×6 or 4×4 can easily be tiled under the toilet, as the amount of space that needs to be cut is smaller.
When tiling around a toilet it’s best to leave at least a ¼” grout line between the toilet flange and the tile, to allow for any expansion and contractions of the toilet due to temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Take care to leave enough room between the back of the toilet and the wall to prevent any pieces of tile from blocking the back of the toilet. Additionally, install a tile riser or layer of thinset mortar underneath the toilet on the floor, to provide enough space and elevation to allow for the wax ring sealant to do its job.
Before installing the tiles, make sure to condition the floor by cleaning and roughening the surface to allow the adhesive to stick securely and form a durable bond. Follow all other necessary preparation steps such as laying a concrete board or mortar bed to create the proper base, and then apply the adhesive and begin laying the tiles.
You’ll want to make sure to match grout colors to the tile to create a cohesive look. Lastly, apply sealant to the grout lines as extra protection against moisture and erosion.
What comes first toilet or tiles?
When it comes to renovating a bathroom, the order of installation is important. Generally, it is best to install the toilet first and then the tiles. This is because it is much easier to ensure that the toilet pans are level and securely fastened to the floor before covering them with tiles.
Additionally, the grouting is much easier to apply and ensure a watertight seal if the toilet is already in place. If the tiles are applied first, it will be more difficult to manoeuvre the toilet into position, as the floor will not be even and the toilet base may rest on top of the grout.
Once the toilet is securely installed, the wall and floor tiles can be applied around it. Before laying the tiles, the lining paper must be applied to the wall and the floor must be levelled and prepared.
This will provide a smooth surface for the tiles to be laid, which will result in a professional and neat finish. The grout must then be applied to secure the tiles and complete the look. Finally, the bath or shower tray can be installed.
Essentially, the toilet should always come first when it comes to renovating a bathroom. This will ensure that the toilet pans are secure and level, and will make the installation of the tiles much easier.
Do toilets sit on top of tile?
Yes, toilets do often sit on top of tile. This is particularly common in bathrooms with tiled floors since the toilet must be mounted on something. When installing a toilet, the waste outlet is connected to the main drainage system, and the toilet is secured to the floor.
The toilet is then placed on top of the tile, and sealed with caulk. This ensures that the tile does not absorb any moisture from the toilet. In some cases, the tile may be laid before the toilet is installed, which requires additional steps during the installation process.
Do you put flooring under toilet?
Yes, it is generally recommended to put some type of flooring under a toilet. Not only does it protect the flooring beneath the toilet itself, it also helps to keep the bathroom looking neat and tidy.
Most commonly, a thin piece of plywood is used to cover the entire area of the floor where the toilet will sit. This type of flooring helps prevent any water that may leak out of the tank from damaging any other flooring in the area.
Additionally, using a plywood base provides a solid foundation that helps to keep the toilet level, which is important to ensure the toilet is properly installed and functioning. Finally, in some cases, such as when tile or hardwood flooring is present, the plywood will help to provide a smooth transition between the different underlayment materials.
What do you put between tile and toilet?
When installing a tile near a toilet, it is important to install a flexible waterproof membrane before laying down the tile. This waterproofing membrane will ensure that any water or moisture that seeps underneath the toilet, such as that from a leak, does not damage the tiles.
It also helps ensure that any moisture in the air, such as from steam or condensation, doesn’t seep behind the tiles and cause mold growth or other damages. Additionally, the waterproof membrane will help with noise isolation since the slab underneath the tiles and toilet should be soundproofed.
Generally, what materials are used in the waterproof membrane depend on the type of flooring. For example, you can use a waterproof mat for ceramic tiles and epoxy compounds for stone tiles. Waxed paper or kraft paper may be used as an extra layer of protection underneath the membrane depending on the type of floor you are installing.
In order to properly prepare the area, clean the floor well and let it dry completely before layering the waxed paper and membrane on top. After the waterproof membrane is properly installed, you can lay down the tile.
Applying the right kind of waterproof membrane between the tile and the toilet is an essential step in protecting your bathroom and avoiding costly repairs later on.
Does toilet flange go under tile?
No, a toilet flange should not be placed under tile. Toilet flanges should always be installed on top of the finished floor surface so that it can be sealed in using a wax or silicone sealant. Additionally, the flange should always be securely fastened to the floor so that the toilet is held in place firmly when it is installed.
It is also important that the flange is slightly above the finished floor surface in order to allow for proper drainage. If the flange is placed under the tile, it can cause the toilet to rock when sat on and the drainage of wastewater may be affected.
How high can a toilet flange sit above tile?
The maximum height for a toilet flange above tile or other finished flooring is 12 inches. The flange should be level with or no more than half an inch lower than the finished flooring. While having a toilet flange higher than 12 inches is not recommended, it may be possible in some cases.
However, it is important to note that flanges higher than 12 inches may require a special toilet support assembly to ensure the toilet remains safe and secure. Additionally, having a toilet flange higher than 12 inches may cause difficulty when installing a toilet and the efficiency of the wax seal between the toilet and flange can be reduced.
How do you extend the toilet flange after tiling?
To extend the toilet flange after tiling, you’ll need to first measure the difference between the flange and the finished tile surface. Once you know the difference you can use a PVC toilet flange spacer to bridge the gap.
The spacer is a plastic ring with several different sized sections, so you can find the one that fits the gap you need to bridge. Place the spacer underneath the toilet flange, then use stainless steel screws to attach it to the toilet flange.
Finally, secure the flange to the floor using screws. Be sure to use enough screws to keep the flange in place. If the flange has a wax seal, use a putty knife to remove it before securing the flange.
Once the flange is secured, you can connect the bolt caps and test the plumbing system to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Should I caulk around the toilet?
Yes, caulking around the toilet is important to maintain a watertight seal. This helps to protect against water leaks that could occur from cracks or other damage to the joint between your toilet and the floor.
Most toilets come with pre-installed wax seals that sometimes need to be replaced periodically. Caulking can be used to provide an extra layer of protection and help fill in any gaps between the wax seals and the toilet.
It’s important to use the right type of caulk that is safe for use in bathrooms and that is moisture-resistant. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your caulk adheres well to both the toilet and the floor.
After caulking, it’s recommended to give the caulk adequate time to dry. Following these steps will help ensure a watertight seal and help you to avoid potential water damage.
Is it OK for toilet flange to be lower than floor?
No, it’s not OK for a toilet flange to be lower than the floor. The toilet flange should be level with the floor, or slightly higher. If the toilet flange is lower than the floor, it can cause issues with the toilet seal not forming a tight seal against the toilet bowl, resulting in water leaking onto the floor.
Even a small drop in level of the flooring near the toilet may reduce the seal enough for water to escape, creating a mess and potential for water damage of the floor and/or subfloor. Additionally, if the flange is below the top of the finished floor surface, it could interfere with proper installation of the toilet itself, leading to further problems.
It’s best to get professional advice and assistance with repairing or replacing the toilet flange to ensure that your gathering is installed in a proper and safe manner.
Does toilet flange have to be glued in the pipe?
In most cases, the toilet flange should be glued to the pipe in order to create a secure, watertight seal that will last for years. This is especially important with PVC pipes, as the plastic can easily crack or break.
The glue or adhesive used will vary depending on the type of pipe being used, but can typically be found at most hardware stores.
When installing a toilet flange in a pipe, it is important to make sure that the flange is not bigger than the pipe. If the flange is too big, it can prevent the pipe from fastening properly and create a weak seal.
It is also important to make sure that the flange sits flush against the pipe, as any gaps or uneven surfaces can create leaking over time. Additionally, the surfaces must be completely clean prior to applying glue in order to ensure that the adhesive adheres properly and forms a strong bond.
Once everything is ready, the glue or adhesive should be applied generously and evenly on both the flange and the inside of the pipe and then hand-tightened to ensure it is secure. Once properly attached, the flange should be able to securely hold the toilet in place and form a water-tight seal that will prevent any leaks or water damage over time.
How far below tile can toilet flange be?
The toilet flange, which is the small fitting beneath the toilet that connects the bowl to the drain pipe, should be installed no more than 1/4-inch below the finished tile. This is to ensure a proper seal and to avoid any problems with water leaking onto the floor.
It’s important to use the most accurate measurement possible when installing the flange, as going too low could cause a seal issue and too high could result in an unstable toilet. The flange should also be properly sealed to avoid any leaks, using a non-hardening sealant such as mineral oil or paraffin wax.
Additionally, the flange should have a reinforcing gasket or specifically made sealant to protect it from water damage.
Do you tile before or after toilet install?
The standard practice when installing a toilet is to tile around it after it has been installed. This will keep the toilet securely in place and prevent it from potentially moving when subjected to weight.
Furthermore, it is easier to get a tight seal when tiling around the toilet after the installation, as the toilet will already be the correct height and shape.
To begin tiling around the toilet, you should first use a painters tape to make a template of the shape of the toilet. Once you have the template, mark on the floor where the edges of the toilet will be, being sure to leave a gap of about 8-10mm around the entire rim.
It is important to use this template to have an even distance around the toilet.
Before actually tiling, use a sealant tape to seal any joints where the material meets the toilet edge. This will add an extra waterproofing layer to ensure the area is properly sealed. Then, lay the tiles carefully starting from the center and working your way toward the edges.
When finished, grout and let the tiling settle before installing the toilet.
Once the tiles are fully dry and the grout is set, you are ready to begin the toilet installation. This can usually be done by yourself, however if you have any doubts it is best to call a professional.
After the toilet is properly set, grout and tile around it to get a snug fit.
Overall, the standard practice when installing a toilet is to tile around it after it has been installed for a secure fit and a better seal.
Can you put ceramic tile directly on subfloor?
The short answer is no, you should not put ceramic tiles directly on subfloor. Ceramic tiles need a rigid surface for proper support and should be applied to a level, clean and smooth underlayment such as cement backerboard or an adhesive-backed backerboard.
Installing a substrate such as cement backer board or an adhesive-backed backer board as underlayment for ceramic tile provides additional strength and rigidity to help prevent cracked tiles. Additionally, adding a waterproofing membrane between the ceramic tiles and the substrate will help protect the subfloor and help to prevent moisture from entering the subfloor.
What order do you install a bathroom?
When it comes to installing a bathroom, the order you should follow largely depends on the specific pieces and materials you’re working with. Generally, however, the process should go as follows:
1. Start by setting up the main fixtures, like the toilet, sink, and shower. Install the drain lines, water lines, and other necessary connections before actually placing them in the bathroom.
2. Once the main plumbing is finished and the fixtures are set in place, begin installing the walls and floor. Start by laying out a vapor barrier, followed by the subfloor and walls. Make sure to adequately support the walls and seal any connections.
3. Next, you’ll need to do electrical work, including running cables and installing outlets, light fixtures, and other electronics.
4. Once the walls and floors are in place and the electrical is set up, you can begin installing the cabinetry. For example, hang the vanity, place the storage cabinets, and attach the mirrors and toilet tank lid.
5. Finally, complete the bathroom by applying caulk around the sink, shower, and toilet; installing towel rods; and touching up any other details like grout.