Emilie Meyer
Tiling around a toilet pan can be a tricky task that requires careful planning and precision. It is generally recommended to install floor tiles under the toilet rather than around it, as this provides a more consistent appearance and simplifies future replacements. However, if you are confident in your DIY abilities and want to tile around the toilet, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method involves creating paper templates to determine how the tiles need to be cut, while another involves removing the toilet, tiling the floor, and then reinstalling the toilet. In this article, we will explore the different methods for tiling around a toilet pan and provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
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What You'll Learn
Advantages of tiling under the toilet
Tiling under the toilet has several advantages. Firstly, it provides a more consistent and aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially when compared to the potentially ugly look of tiling around the toilet, which can leave open holes if the toilet is replaced. Tiling under the toilet also simplifies future toilet replacements, as different toilet models may have varying base shapes. By tiling under the toilet, you avoid the need to retile the entire room if you change the layout or experience leaks.
Additionally, tiling under the toilet can prevent rocking or leaking by providing a stable and level surface. This helps to avoid the issue of unseen wet flooring, which can lead to expanded, cracked flooring and damaged tiles. Tiling under the toilet also allows for the toilet flange to be secured with bolts, as recommended by toilet manufacturers.
Furthermore, tiling under the toilet can make repairs or replacements easier. In the event that you need to replace your toilet, you won't have to deal with mismatched tile and toilet bottoms. Tiling under the toilet also ensures that any liquids from the toilet remain on top of the tile rather than seeping underneath.
It's worth noting that the type of tile you're using may impact your decision. For example, thinner vinyl tiles may not be suitable for placement under the toilet due to the weight they need to bear. In such cases, tiling around the toilet may be preferable. However, with ceramic tiles, tiling under the toilet is often recommended.
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Removing the toilet vs tiling around it
Tiling around a toilet pan is a challenging task that requires careful planning and precision. While it is possible to tile around an existing toilet, removing the toilet beforehand has several advantages and is generally recommended by experts.
Removing the toilet is a straightforward process that involves turning off the water supply, flushing and draining the toilet, disconnecting the water line, unscrewing the bolts at the base, and carefully lifting the toilet. This provides access to the entire floor area, making it easier to lay tiles and ensuring a seamless, professional finish. Removing the toilet also allows for better tile alignment, improved waterproofing, and future-proofing in case of toilet replacement. Additionally, it enables inspection and repair of any water damage or plumbing issues.
On the other hand, tiling around the toilet requires precise and intricate cuts, which can be challenging and time-consuming. It may result in gaps or an uneven finish, and the toilet may need to be raised to accommodate the new tile height. Tiling around the toilet can create a "`footprint"' that may not match future toilet models, leading to an unattractive appearance. However, tiling around an existing toilet may be preferred in some cases, especially if the base rests flush against the wall, simplifying the tiling process.
To tile around the toilet, one must visualise how each tile will fit, estimate cuts, and create paper templates for each tile. This involves cutting parallel slits in the paper, laying them around the toilet base, and creasing the slits for accuracy. The process requires patience and precision, and it is crucial to plan the tile pattern and create grid lines to minimise angular or circular cuts.
In conclusion, while tiling around a toilet pan can be achieved with careful template-making and tile-nipping, removing the toilet beforehand offers numerous benefits. These include a more seamless finish, improved waterproofing, future flexibility, and easier access for plumbing repairs. Weighing the advantages of each approach will help make an informed decision, ensuring a successful tiling project.
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Planning the tile pattern
Visualize the Tile Pattern:
Start by visualizing how each tile will fit around the toilet base. Consider the shape and size of the tiles and estimate which parts will need to be cut away to accommodate the toilet's shape. It's important to take your time during this step to ensure accurate measurements and a well-planned layout.
Create Paper Templates:
Cut pieces of paper to the same size as your tiles. Lay these paper templates around the toilet base, ensuring they fit snugly against it. Cut slits in the paper where they will need to be adjusted to fit around the toilet. These slits should be about 5-10mm wide and slightly longer than the obstruction. Crease the paper along these slits, following the contours of the toilet base.
Transfer the Template to Tiles:
Remove the paper templates and carefully cut along the creased lines. Secure each paper template to a new tile using tape. Trace the cut-out shape onto the tile using a pencil or pen. This will create a clear guide for cutting the tiles to fit perfectly around the toilet pan.
Estimate Tile Cuts:
When marking the tiles, it's essential to overestimate the area to be removed rather than underestimate it. Leave some extra "wiggle room" in your cuts, especially when dealing with angular or curved sections. This will ensure that the final tiles fit snugly and can be adjusted as needed.
Plan Tile Installation:
Before cutting the tiles, it's advisable to plan the installation sequence. Install full tiles surrounding the toilet first, leaving at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space between the toilet base and the edges of the tiles. This will provide room for error and make the tiling process more manageable.
By carefully following these steps, you can effectively plan the tile pattern, ensuring accuracy and a professional finish when tiling around a toilet pan.
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Cutting the tiles
Cutting tiles around a toilet pan requires careful planning, template-making, and tile-nipping. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Visualize and Plan:
Start by visualizing how each tile will fit around the toilet base. Plan your tile pattern to minimize the number of angular or circular cuts needed. Ensure there will be at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space between the base of the toilet and the edges of the tiles.
Create Paper Templates:
Create paper templates that are the same size as your tiles. Cut parallel slits in these paper templates to represent the areas that will need to be cut away to fit around the toilet base. It is better to overestimate the area to be removed than to underestimate. Lay each sheet against the toilet base, creasing the slits, and ensuring they fit snugly, accounting for grout lines.
Transfer to Tiles:
Once you are happy with your paper templates, transfer the cut lines to your tiles. Use a tool like the RUBI shape-template to outline the dimensions and mark the areas to be cut. Don't forget to include extra space for the grout line between the toilet and the tile.
Cut the Tiles:
Using a proper tile-cutting tool, such as a RUBI electric tile saw with a diamond blade, carefully cut the tiles along the marked lines. If you need to cut curves or circles, score deep lines to create controlled breaking points for the tile. Always dry-lay your custom-cut pieces to ensure they fit around the toilet flange.
Seal and Install:
Before installing the tiles, consider using silicone caulk or grout where the tiles will meet the toilet to create a seamless transition and prevent leaks. Install the tiles around the toilet flange, ensuring they fit snugly and are level with the surrounding tiles.
Remember, it is generally easier to remove the toilet, tile the floor, and then reinstall the toilet. This gives you more room for error and simplifies the tiling process.
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Installing the tiles
Before installing tiles around a toilet, it is recommended to tile the rest of the room first and let the tiles dry. This is because tiling around the toilet is more difficult and time-consuming, and you will need to step on the surrounding tiles while installing them.
There are two main approaches to tiling around a toilet: tiling around the toilet or removing the toilet and tiling underneath it. Tiling around the toilet is more challenging and requires careful planning, precision, and template-making. It is also important to consider the future maintenance and replacement of the toilet, as tiling around it may result in an "ugly" look if the toilet is replaced with one of a different shape.
If you choose to tile around the toilet, start by creating a paper template. Cut a piece of paper to the same size as your tiles and then cut slits in the paper where it will need to be adjusted to fit around the toilet. Place the paper template on the floor, ensuring that it fits snugly against the toilet, and then secure it with tape. Use this template to mark and cut your tiles to the necessary shape.
When you're happy with the fit of the tiles, apply adhesive and press them into place. Repeat this process for all the tiles around the toilet, ensuring that they fit snugly and are level with the surrounding tiles.
Alternatively, you can remove the toilet and tile underneath it. This approach provides a more consistent appearance and simplifies future toilet replacements. It also creates a stable and level surface, preventing the toilet from rocking or leaking. However, this method may raise the height of the toilet, so you need to ensure that the fittings can accommodate this change.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to tile under the toilet rather than around it. This is because it provides a more consistent appearance and simplifies future replacements, as different toilet models may have varying base shapes.
First, tile the rest of the room and wait for the tiles to dry. Then, create a paper template by cutting a piece of paper to the same size as your tiles. Cut slits in the paper, place it into position, and crease the slits along the toilet base. Remove the paper, cut along the crease lines, and place the paper template back into position to check it fits. Secure the paper template to a tile using tape and cut the tile using the template as a guide.
Ceramic tiles are the most common type of tile used in bathrooms as they are easy to install, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and less prone to cracks or breakages.
It is usually recommended to remove the toilet before tiling, as this gives you more room for error. However, if the toilet base rests flush against the wall behind it, you may be able to tile around it without removing it.
