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Can I Install Laminate Flooring Under A Bathroom Toilet And Sink?

by Bestlaminate
Published: Last Updated on 23 comments 10 minutes read

Installing laminate flooring in a bathroom may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! With the proper preparation and know-how, you’ll know exactly how easy it is to install laminate flooring under a toilet and sink in your bathroom. Laminate flooring is a fantastic choice for bathrooms as it’s budget-friendly, long-lasting, and simple flooring solution to maintain. No grout lines to worry about here! While it’s not waterproof, we’ll guide you through the installation process to minimize water damage.

In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to install laminate flooring under toilets and sinks, throughout the whole bathroom, and helpful tips and tricks for a stunning and practical floor. Get ready to transform your bathroom with confidence!

First, Remove the Bathroom Toilet and Other Fixtures

Before you begin installing the laminate flooring, you must remove any fixtures in your bathroom, such as the toilet or pedestal sink. If you have a cabinet built into the bathroom, you will leave it and install flooring around it. Be sure to turn off the water and properly remove each fixture.

Once the flooring is installed, the toilet and other fixtures will be placed back on top of it. Removing these fixtures makes the installation process much easier and ensures a better fit.

Next, Prepare Subfloor for Laminate Flooring Installation

The subfloor is the foundation upon which the laminate flooring will be installed. If the subfloor has any defects or is not level, it can cause problems down the line, such as buckling or warping. To prepare the subfloor, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the subfloor: Remove any old flooring, moldings and sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Check for defects: Look for loose boards, squeaks, and other defects in the subfloor. Fix any issues before proceeding.
  3. Check for levelness: Make sure the subfloor is level. If there are any high spots, sand them down, and if there are any low spots, use a leveling compound to even them out.
  4. Check for structural integrity: The subfloor must be able to support the weight of the laminate flooring and any furniture or fixtures. If there are any structural issues, such as rot or shifting, they must be addressed before installing the laminate flooring.
  5. Check for moisture: Moisture can cause serious damage to laminate flooring. Check for moisture in the subfloor and take appropriate measures to mitigate it if necessary.

Select Laminate Flooring Suitable for Installation in the Bathroom

Now that your subfloor is ready, it’s time to select laminate flooring suitable for your bathroom. With its wide range of styles and colors, you can find one that perfectly matches your aesthetic. Not only does laminate flooring come in beautiful finishes and styles, but it also offers unbeatable durability. Plus, it’s much more budget-friendly compared to hardwood floors. Laminate flooring is resistant to fading, wear, stains, burns, scratches, and even moisture. That means it can handle even the busiest bathroom spaces.

If moisture protection is a top priority for you, look for laminate flooring with increased moisture resistance. The latest generation of laminate flooring can withstand up to 72 hours of water exposure. Alternatively, you may also want to consider 100% waterproof vinyl flooring. It comes in an incredible variety of types and styles, offering another great option for your bathroom flooring needs.

Trust us, the right laminate or vinyl flooring can transform your bathroom into a stylish and durable space. Follow our guide to learn more about laminate flooring.

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Select and Install Laminate Flooring Underlayment

Underlayment is a must-have for reducing noise and protecting against moisture damage. It will also help keep the laminate flooring from getting cold and be more comfortable underfoot. Before you choose an underlayment, consider these important factors depending on what type of laminate you select.

Follow these installation tutorials for easy, step-by-step guidance to installing underlayment. When it comes to installing around a toilet, you will want to leave a small gap between the flange and underlayment for the silicone protective seal.

Installation around the Bathroom Sink, Cabinets and Vanity

If you’re installing cabinets or a vanity that is fixed to the flooring, you will install these first before the flooring. If you have a floating vanity cabinet, you will install the floor first. Follow our recommendations here. 

Follow these installation tutorials for easy, step-by-step guidance to installing underlayment. When it comes to installing around a toilet, you will want to leave a small gap between the flange and underlayment for the silicone protective seal.

How to Install Around Toilets and Drains?

Now it’s time to install the laminate flooring. Precision cutting is key in this type of installation. You will need to cut the flooring around the drains fairly close to the hole. This will require a jigsaw to cut the flooring in a circular pattern. An easy way to get the size correct is to use a piece of paper as a template and trace onto the flooring boards.

When you install the toilet, screw it down snugly, but not overly tight. If you’re installing a pedestal sink, while it’s heavy, the floor should still be able to expand and contract properly.

The most important thing is not to push the baseboard too tight to the floor, and to leave the proper expansion gap when you install the flooring and molding. This is what allows the floor to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

Since this is a moisture rich space, you can add waterproof glue to the locking system joints while installing, as well as around the edges of the toilet and sink. This will help create a more water-tight seal between planks, which is where the floor will be the most prone to water damage.

Finishing Touches

Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your new bathroom floor. Install any necessary molding to cover the expansion gap around the edges of the room. This will give your laminate flooring a polished and professional look.

We understand that choosing the right type of moldings can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve gathered all the necessary information to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Reinstall the Toilet, Sink and Other Fixtures

After moldings are added, you can reinstall any other bathroom fixtures. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the toilet and other fixtures. If you’re installing a pedestal sink, make sure that the base is secured to the wall.

In conclusion, installing laminate flooring in a bathroom and under a toiler and sink is a manageable DIY project that can add style and functionality to your space. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve a beautiful and durable bathroom floor that will withstand daily use. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate measures to mitigate moisture damage. Good luck and happy renovating!

If you have additional questions on how to properly install laminate flooring in a bathroom, feel free to ask them in the comment section below! We would love to help you!

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23 comments

Rollo Boster February 21, 2023 - 12:35 pm

I have installed a walk in tub in a bathroom remodel. Should the vinyl click flooring be installed under the feet of the tub or cut around because of weight?

Reply
Rachel Vahcic February 22, 2023 - 8:57 am

Thanks for your question, Rollo. We would suggest cutting around the feet of the tub so that your floating floor can expand and contract properly.

Reply
Tammy West April 24, 2021 - 9:30 pm

We have a cabinet that has a decorative piece and the kick plate sits about 5 inches back behind the decorative part. Should we install the floor first? I’m using a quartz top on the vanity.

Reply
Vanessa June 25, 2021 - 1:55 pm

Hi Tammy, With the weight of the quartz countertop, we’d recommend you install the cabinet and then the flooring. You do not want to put too much stationary weight on the floor because you may end up pinching the floor to the subfloor, making it unable to expand and contract.

Reply
nicole April 20, 2021 - 5:58 pm

hi just wondering do i leave a half inch gap when i install my laminate flooring near my kitchen cupboards if i dont put them underneath the cabinets ?

Reply
Vanessa June 25, 2021 - 2:26 pm

Hi Nicole. Yes, you would leave a quarter of an inch expansion gap all the way around the room, including up to the cabinets.

Reply
todd April 20, 2020 - 10:00 am

doing bathroom remodel, using the vinyl plank flooring.
when running the flooring do you run flooring then set vanity. vanity rest on the floor or do you set vanity then trim flooring to fit vanity.
toilet, flange is set from previous flooring do I need to get a spacer to raise it to flooring level. do you run the flooring 1st up to flange then set toilet or set toilet then trim the flooring. What is the proper install.

Reply
Alana Kane April 21, 2020 - 10:14 am

Hi Todd, thanks for the question. If the vanity is like a cabinet and will not have space between it and the floor, you will install the vanity and then install flooring around it. If it will simply sit on top of the flooring with legs, then the flooring will go throughout the whole space. As for the toilet, you will want to get the flange to floor level. You will run the flooring up to the flange and set the toilet on top.

Reply
Lynne February 6, 2020 - 7:13 am

Hi we are installing vinyl click style vinyl plank in our half bath with laundry. Will the washer and dryer cause issues with the floating floor?

Reply
Alana Kane February 8, 2020 - 12:17 am

Hi Lynne, thanks for your question. No, they should be ok over the vinyl. Just add cushion around sharp edges.

Reply
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