Flooring Tile - tiling around toilet

Do I have to remove the toilet or can I just tile right up to it? What about my pedestal sink? Would I have to remove that too?

Lady Caroline,
Yes you should definetely remove those fixtures before tiling.
Garrison

but why?

Fixtures should be removed. If you are installing over wood subfloor concrete underlayment board is recommended. When you reinstall the toilet you may need to double up on the wax rings and go with longer bolts.

Go to www.doityourself.com/ceramic on this website for helpful installation information.

I will be installing over vinyl, should I pull up the vinyl first?

Shortcuts cost, they never pay.:)

The vinyl should be removed also, this would include the 1/4" underlayment that should be under the vinyl.

Installing ceramic tile over vinyl is a do at your own risk project. If it is non-cushioned back vinyl, then perhaps the project may succeed, but I would not take the chance. The surface would have to be thoroughly stripped of all waxes, oils, soils and then scarified so thinset could properly bond. The major issue will be movement that can result in grout failure and possibly cracked tiles. Installing over cushioned back vinyl will produce movement. Installing cement underlayment board over vinyl will provide a smooth, clean, nonabsorbent surface on which to install the tile. And, it tends to reduce movement beneath tile.

just in case you are not convinced about removing fixtures before tiling..... we have had one bath done professionally with the fixtures removed - it looks wonderful... our other bath was done without the fixutres removed and it is UGLY - imagine square tiles running up against the base of the toilet and then grout all around to fill in the space YEK - we are in the process of having it redone - right this time!:)