How to Tile a Bathroom Without Removing the Toilet

Whether you’re renovating a new home or setting up a bathroom in your existing home, it is entirely possible to tile your toilet. You may want to save the hassle of disconnecting the toilet, or it could be a challenge for you to remove it.

There are essentially two ways to tile your bathroom without removing the toilet. The first option is to cut the tiles to fit around your toilet. This method requires some skill and patience to cut the tiles properly without breaking them. The second option is to use peel-and-stick tiles, which is a simpler alternative that I will cover in this article.

Read on to learn how to quickly remodel your bathroom without dismantling the toilet. These tips will save you time and hassle. I will also suggest why removing the toilet is not such a bad idea!

1. Cut Tiles to Fit Around Your Toilet

With a little patience and the right technique, you can easily cut tiles to fit around the base of your toilet.

First, what type of tile are you working with? There are 13 different types of bathroom flooring, and each has its pros and cons.

So, if you’re cutting tiles for the first time, keep in mind that some tiles are easier to cut than others. Ceramic tiles are among the easiest, while porcelain presents a greater challenge.

Use a Paper Template to Transfer the Shape to Your Tile

A paper template is necessary to cut your tile into the correct shape. This technique works for the toilet floor and for other obstacles you want to tile around.

Here’s a YouTube video:

Follow these simple steps, making sure to wear protective gloves:

1. Cut a piece of paper or thin cardboard to the same size as the tile. Lay it over your tile to ensure it matches the dimensions.
2. Cut slits (or fringes) into your paper. They should be about ¼ inch (6.35 mm) wide. Make the slits slightly longer than the object you are tiling around. Place the paper against the toilet to ensure the slits are long enough.
3. Place your paper template against the toilet. Remember to account for a gap for the grout.
4. Fold your paper slits against the toilet. Carefully slide and bend the paper, causing it to fold at the bottom of your object.
5. Use a marker to draw a line along the shape of the toilet. Where the paper is folded to fit the shape of the toilet, you can now draw a thick line across the fold.
6. Remove the paper and cut along the drawn line. You now have a paper template for your tile.
7. Ensure the template fits properly. Place the paper next to the toilet and check that the shape and dimensions match.
8. Adhere the template to your tile and transfer the line. Trace along the line of the paper template with a pencil and transfer it to the tile.
9. Cut along the pencil line using a tile scorer. Tile scorers like the General Tools Carbide Scriber (available on Amazon.com) make it easier to score along the line.
10. Use a tile nipper to chip away the tile. Tap the tile and be cautious and create smaller chips as you get close to the line.
11. Smooth the edge with sandpaper and a tile file. Then wipe away any residue from the tile.
12. Fit the tile to the base of the toilet. Once satisfied, add adhesive and press the tile to secure it.

You can also use a tile saw or carbide rod to cut the tile. Although it is easier to cut straight tile lines, the above method will also give you a smooth curve.

2. Use Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Looking for an inexpensive way to renovate your bathroom without moving the toilet? Peel-and-stick tiles could be the solution for you.

They are a cost-effective and attractive way to remodel your room. And like ceramic tiles, they come in many shapes, sizes, and patterns.

These self-adhesive vinyl tiles could be suitable for you if you’re looking for the following benefits:

• Easier to cut and install around your toilet.
• Easy to install and replace.
• Cheaper than other materials (such as ceramic, porcelain, and marble).
• Easy to care for and low maintenance.
• Very durable.
• Attractive designs.

As inspiration, check out these Yipscazo wall tiles and these Dureidos floor tiles (both available on Amazon.com). They are durable and easy to install.

Cutting vinyl tiles to fit around your toilet is quite simple:

1. Measure the dimensions of your toilet as described above. Cut strips into your paper and lay the sheet on the surface. Bend the strips downward. Place the piece onto the vinyl and draw the transfer line where the fringes are bent.
2. Carefully use a utility knife to score the vinyl. You may need to do this a few times. Remember to wear gloves.
3. Bend the vinyl until it snaps off. The vinyl will break off quite easily.

Now you can fix the peel-and-stick tiles in place.

Benefits of Removing the Toilet Before Tiling

Many sources recommend removing the toilet before tiling your bathroom. It can save you the time and effort of measuring and cutting tiles, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Tiling under your toilet can also make future renovations smoother.

Here are some excellent reasons to tile under your toilet (instead of around it):

• It will be easier to repair and replace the toilet. If repairs need to be done or you want a new fixture in the future, having tiles under the toilet will make it easier.
• It makes cleaning easier. With a well-fitted toilet on your tiles, there is less chance of leaks and easier cleaning.
• The tiles may look better. You may achieve a nicer end result by tiling under the toilet instead of around it.
• It can be difficult to find the right dimensions. Depending on your skills and level of experience, it could be easier to remove the toilet before tiling.
• Most tilers recommend removing the toilet before tiling. Most professional tilers will advise you to remove the toilet before tiling.
• Toilet flanges work best on the tiles. Most WC flange manufacturers and home renovation experts suggest that WC flanges should sit on the tiled floor.

Important Notes

As discussed in this article, it is entirely possible to tile your toilet quickly and easily. You can choose to cut your traditional tiles (such as ceramic, porcelain, etc.) to fit around the base of your toilet, or you can opt for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.

You can make a beautiful bathroom look without having to remove the toilet while renovating.