How to Lay Tile Around a Toilet

Laying tile in your bathroom is one sure way to upgrade its decor while increasing the value of your home. Many do-it-yourselfers find that laying tile around the toilet can be the trickiest part of the entire process.

Things You'll Need

• Tiles Wet saw Thin-set mortar Cement backerboard

Instructions

1. Remove the toilet. Shut off the water valve and flush the toilet. Disconnect the water supply from the toilet tank, then remove the nuts holding the toilet to the flange on the floor. Stuff a damp rag into the the flange opening to prevent sewer gas from leaking out.

2. Measure the diameter of the flange drain hole. Draw its dimensions onto a piece of paper using a compass and cut it out.

3. Position two tiles closest to the wall on the floor, centering them with the drain hole. Trace your paper template onto these two tiles with a pencil.

4. Use a wet saw to cut your dimensions onto these two tiles. Repeat the process for the other two tiles that surround the flange drain hole.

5. Finish by cementing the tiles in place. Assuming you have already installed the cement backerboard, mix and apply a thin-set mortar to the floor and underside of the tiles. Place the tiles on the floor and space them apart with at least 1/4-inch spacers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that you will need at least a day for tiles to dry to the thin-set mortar. You may need to allow another day for drying time after applying the grout. Only then can you re-install your toilet and other furniture/accessories.