How to Lay Allure Flooring Around a Toilet
The Allure brand of resilient vinyl flooring -- made to look like hardwood plank flooring or tile --stands out from traditional hardwood and laminate flooring thanks to one key aspect: the flooring material is treated to be waterproof, which means that it can be installed in formerly restricted areas, including bathrooms. When you've installed the rest of your Allure flooring in the bathroom and you're facing the area around the toilet, you must allow for the ring around the toilet to be sealed from direct contact with the flooring, or you could be facing future structural issues. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Measure the distance between the last board of Allure flooring you laid and the base of the toilet. Subtract 1/4 inch from that measurement; this is the amount of space you must allow around the base of the toilet for sealant application.
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Cut a piece of Allure flooring to fit the gap you just measured. Mark the distance on the back of an Allure plank and score the marked line with a sharp utility knife. When you have made five or six passes, apply pressure to one side of the plank to snap it along the scored line.
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Glue the cut Allure plank in place using the same adhesive and methods you used to install the rest of the flooring in the bathroom. Repeat measuring, cutting and gluing for each area around the toilet, until the flooring is installed with a 1/4-inch gap between it and the toilet.
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Seal the gap between the flooring and the toilet with mildew-resistant silicone caulk. Apply the caulk to the gap and then smooth it over with a damp paper towel wrapped around your finger to ensure that is completely filling the gap. Do not leave any empty space, as this attracts moisture and mold. Allow the caulk to dry for at least two hours before exposing it to any moisture.
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Tips & Warnings
You do not have to remove the toilet for this installation, but it may help you to have a little more room to maneuver as you work in the area.
Read and follow all installation instructions that come with your Allure flooring for recommendations regarding adhesive, as well as any caulking product suggestions.
Wear safety goggles when cutting flooring, to protect yourself from any small pieces of flooring "shrapnel" that may result.
