How to Cut the Armstrong VCT Around a Toilet

Remove the toilet from the floor by closing the water shut-off valve behind it and then flushing the toilet to drain out the bowl water. Detach the water tube from the toilet back using a wrench. Then remove the two floor nuts with the wrench and raise the toilet from the floor.

Stuff a rag into the center drain hole in the floor or sewer gas might enter the home.

Install the Armstrong VCT from one edge of the bathroom until reaching the toilet area. Install tiles starting at one wall and spreading a quarter inch of Armstrong vinyl tile adhesive over the bottom using a notched trowel. Press the tiles on the floor as close to each other as possible. When placing tiles, ensure all arrows printed on the bottom face the same direction. Roll the top of the tiles with a 100-pound roller to remove air bubbles.

Place a new vinyl composite tile into the area so that it sits flush with the last installed tile and hangs over the toilet drain opening. Trace the curvature of the drain opening using a pencil to indicate the cut location on the tile.

Place the tile on top of a piece of scrap plywood and hold it down firmly with one hand. Cut along the pencil line using a utility knife, bearing down hard. Grasp the excess portion of the tile and snap it downward to break it off.

Clean up the cut line using tile nippers to remove any remaining small portions.

Place the vinyl composite tile into the installation location to ensure it fits around the toilet opening but leaves a half inch gap between the edge and the actual start of the flange.

Turn the tile face down and apply a quarter inch layer of epoxy-based tile adhesive to the back using a notched trowel.

Turn the tile so the adhesive faces downward and press it into place. Wipe off any excess adhesive using a damp sponge

Repeat the process to cut and install any additional Armstrong vinyl composite tiles around the toilet opening and then reinstall the toilet.