How to Cut a Cork Floor Around a Bathtub and Toilet

Cork flooring consists of ground-up bark from the cork oak tree, according to the Build Direct website. After grinding, manufacturers compress particles together tightly and then bake them at high temperatures to create the solid flooring sheets. Cork flooring is appropriate for many rooms in the home, including bathrooms. When installing a cork floor in the bathroom, you must cut the flooring pieces to fit around obstacles such as toilets and bathtubs.

Sponge or old towel
Wrench
Utility knife (optional)
Putty knife
Pencil
Table clamp
Protective eye wear
Jig saw
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water supply to the toilet by locating the water shut-off valve behind it and turning it counterclockwise to shut off the water. Flush the toilet to remove most of the water in the tank.
- 2
  Lift the lid off of the tank and sop up any remaining water using a sponge or an old towel.
- 3
  Look behind the toilet where the flexible water supply line attaches to it. Place a wrench around the nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it and then pull the line away from the toilet.
- 4
  Look at the bottom of the toilet base and locate the two bolts. Place the wrench around the nut on top of each bolt and turn it counterclockwise to remove them.
- 5
  Examine the bottom edge of the toilet to see if caulk is present; if so, cut through it with a utility knife.
- 6
  Grasp the toilet on both sides and pick it straight up. Set the toilet out of the way and stuff an old rag into the floor pipe. Scrape off the old wax ring using a putty knife.
- 7
  Install the cork flooring all the way up to the toilet opening using the manufacturer's instructions.
- 8
  Lay a piece of cork flooring directly next to the last installed piece, so that it overhangs the toilet opening. Draw a curved line on top of the cork using a pencil indicating the curve that needs to accommodate the toilet.
- 9
  Put on protective eye wear and secure the piece of cork flooring to a work table using table clamps. Make sure the cut line hangs freely over the edge and cut along it using a jig saw.
- 10
  Repeat the process with additional pieces of cork flooring to create additional curved cuts using the jig saw to accommodate the toilet.
- 11
  Continue installing the cork floor according to the manufacturer's instructions until reaching the bathtub. When you have installed the last row that fits without cutting, measure the distance between the edge of the row and the bathtub. Then subtract 3/8 inch to allow for expansion.
- 12
  Transfer the measurement to the number of cork pieces required to complete the final row and mark the cut lines using the pencil. Cut each straight line using the jig saw and install the flooring.

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