How to Lay Vinyl Flooring in a Bathroom: Step-by-Step Guide

Bathroom flooring needs to handle moisture, splashes, and daily wear, and vinyl flooring is one of the most practical, stylish options. Whether you are updating an ensuite or giving your family bathroom a refresh, laying vinyl flooring yourself can be a straightforward project with the right preparation.

Here is your expert guide on how to lay vinyl flooring in a bathroom, including how to cut around toilets, pipes, and tricky edges for a professional looking finish.

Why Vinyl Flooring Works Well in Bathrooms

Your bathroom deals with constant moisture, condensation, and regular cleaning, so you need flooring that can cope.

Vinyl flooring is ideal because it is:

Water resistant or waterproof
Comfortable and warm underfoot
Easy to clean and maintain
Safe for wet areas when textured
Available in wood, stone, and tile effect styles

It gives you the look you love without the worry of water damage.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Vinyl flooring sheet vinyl or click vinyl
Utility knife or vinyl cutter
Measuring tape
Pencil and straight edge
Scissors for flexible sheet vinyl
Double sided vinyl tape or adhesive depending on floor type
Tube of silicone sealant
Spacers and a tapping block for click vinyl

Step 1 Prepare the Subfloor

Good preparation is essential for a smooth long lasting finish.

Remove old flooring if required
Ensure the subfloor is clean and completely dry
Fix any loose floorboards
Fill dips or gaps and sand down high spots
Use plywood or a smoothing compound if the surface is uneven

A perfectly smooth base will prevent bumps from showing through your vinyl.

Step 2 Measure the Room

Bathrooms often have irregular shapes so careful measuring is important.

Measure the longest and widest points
Add extra around the edges to allow for trimming
If using click vinyl calculate how many rows you will need and plan your layout

Take your time at this stage because it makes everything easier later.

Step 3 Cut and Dry Fit the Vinyl

Before you commit it is best to place your vinyl loosely in the room.

Unroll sheet vinyl and position it roughly
Check design direction especially for wood or tile patterns
Trim roughly leaving plenty of excess around edges and fixtures

Dry fitting helps you visualise the final result and avoid mistakes.

Step 4 Lay the Vinyl Flooring

For Sheet Vinyl

Secure with adhesive spray.
Smooth the vinyl from the centre outward to remove air bubbles

Step 5 Cut Around Toilets Pipes and Curves

This is the part most people worry about but with the right approach it becomes easier.

Around Toilets

Create a paper template by pressing paper around the base
Transfer this shape onto your vinyl
Cut slightly inside the line to ensure a neat fit
Once laid seal around the base with silicone to prevent water getting underneath

Around Pipes

Cut a small slit in the vinyl to slide it around the pipe
Trim neatly to fit
Finish with a bead of silicone for a clean water tight edge

Around Curved Edges

Make small relief cuts that allow the vinyl to bend smoothly
Trim carefully once the vinyl is sitting flat

Small gradual cuts are safer and more precise than trying to cut one big curve.

Step 6 Finishing Touches

Once your vinyl is in place

Trim off any excess around walls
Fit or refit skirting boards or scotia beading
Apply silicone sealant in all moisture prone areas
Reinstall toilets units and fixtures if removed

Taking care at this stage is what really gives your bathroom a professional finish.

Final Note A Bathroom You Will Love

Laying vinyl flooring in a bathroom is a rewarding project that can transform your space quickly. With the right preparation careful cutting and attention to detail you can achieve a beautiful water resistant floor that lasts for years.

Whether you prefer a classic wood look modern stone tones or bold patterned tiles vinyl flooring makes it easy to create a bathroom that feels clean stylish and welcoming.