Tiling and Toilets

If you’re undertaking a bathroom renovation project or are installing a new bathroom in your self-build home and intending to tile the space, then it’s useful to know which order to do things in. A common question is whether you should tile floors before installing the toilet – and whether the toilet should sit on top of the tiles or if it should be tiled around instead.

The following blog will subsequently answer these questions, so read to the end to find out more …

Tiling under the toilet is recommended if you’re using porcelain or ceramic.

Should I tile under or around the toilet?

When it comes to tiles and toilets, the type of tiling you choose for your bathroom will determine what way you lay the tiles and whether the toilet is placed on top of them. As ceramic and porcelain tiles are thicker and much more robust than the likes of vinyl and laminate flooring, they can easily withstand the weight of a toilet on top. Tiling underneath also provides a more watertight finish, which is always preferable, so if you’re using these types of tiles, you can go ahead and tile underneath the toilet.

For example, the Calacatta White Rectified Polished Tile is a large rectangular wall and floor tile made from hard-wearing porcelain, so is ideal for placing underneath your toilet. With a striking marble-effect design and smooth gloss finish, it also has rectified edges, so the tiles can be laid more closely together, minimising grout lines and creating a seamless aesthetic.

The Calacatta White Rectified Polished Tile is made from high quality porcelain, which can be used under toilets.

Once you’ve laid your chosen tiles and the toilet is in place, you should also put caulk around the base, to seal the joints and protect against water seepage.

If you’re renovating and there’s already a toilet in place, then this will obviously need to be removed and the tiles laid underneath before fitting the new toilet. It also means that, should you decide to change your toilet later on, your tiles will match – and you won’t be left with any unsightly gaps on the floor. Wall-mounted toilets, for example, float off the floor, so if you changed to one of these in the future, then the floor would be exposed underneath – and it would be ideal to already have tiles in place.

Should you tile before fitting the toilet?

As mentioned above, if you’re using ceramic or porcelain floor tiles then it makes sense to place the toilet on top of these. With that in mind, you’ll subsequently need to lay the tiles before fitting the toilet. This will ensure a better seal and will also avoid having to cut the tiles around the base of the toilet – particularly handy if you’re doing the tiling yourself.

The end result will be a better finish overall and a more stable base for your toilet.

Tiling under toilet flanges

Another area to consider when tiling around toilets is around the flange, which is the pipe connecting the toilet to the drainage system. Again, it’s recommended that you should tile underneath the flange, so it can be securely bolted to the floor.

You'll find a wide range of tiling at Tileshack, including patterned designs.

If you need new tiles for your bathroom, then you’ll find a wide range of high-quality options at Tileshack, with porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles all available, along with a variety of finishes and designs. Whether you’re looking for large-format styles, mosaic, patterned, plain or any other type of tiling, our extensive selection has something to suit all tastes.

Our expert team is also happy to assist with any queries you might have – both online or in-store – so be sure to drop in to see what we have, or check out the full range on our website.

To view our full range of tiles, visit Tileshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.