Ceramic tile cut around toilet flange? We are tiling our bathroom. Toilet has be removed. Hardibacker...
We are tiling our bathroom. Toilet has be removed. Hardibacker has be cut closely around the tiolet flange. Is it a MUST that we cut basically that same circle or can we only square it off closely arounfd that circle? In other words, forget the idyllic circle and make the tiles rest surrounded by a sqaured off circle? Hope that make sense! We know we need a different wax ring/ bolts, etc. as first we have vinyl, then 3/4" wood flooring where on earth we had to carry a thicker wax ring and longer bolts. Now with the terracotta tile, we have to walk back to a thinner wax ring and shorter bolts. Just unsure if a square is pleasing cut out around the actual flange. It seems I saw that on some home alteration show and they said that was fine, merely wanted to know what others thought. Thanks
Answers: As long as the footprint of the toilet covers it up, it isn't noteworthy that you cut a perfect circle, but I would try to capture it fairly close.
A tile nipper is an unforced tool to use. You just win your line (or curve) and nip away at it. If you own a Rotozip, you can cut a perfect circle as long as you own a steady hand.
Also, kind sure that your mortar squeezes outside the edges of the tile. If the tile is floating, it can crack, but it can also potentially get some of this gamble away water. Cleaning up excess mortar is smooth (a wet sponge).
BTW, you can double up a wax ring to ensure that you hold a good stamp. When you're changing the elevation of the toilet, it's other a good theory and the ring is only a couple of bucks.
As long as the tile cuts are covered by the bottom of the toilet, it's fine. Many ancestors try to tile around the toilet base, afterwards later replace the toilet and obligation to find replacement tiles that match since the contemporary toilet is a different shape or size. Your idea is fine.