How to Frame a Toilet

When installing a toilet, the proper framing is essential if you want your work to last a long time. Since a toilet requires a drain that fits through the floor, special joist framing is necessary. This type of framing will ensure the drainpipe does not shift or move when the toilet is bumped, which can loosen or even break the seal between the toilet and drain. Only a few basic framing skills are necessary for this basic installation.

Things You'll Need

Crowbar
Tape measure
Pencil
2-by-6 boards

Table saw
3-inch nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the floorboards in the bathroom by prying them up with a crowbar. If floorboards are not installed yet, skip this step.
- 2
  Locate the two flooring joists where the toilet drain will be installed. The drain is typically 12 inches (on center) from the nearest side wall in the bathroom. Measure out from the framed wall 12 3/4 inches on each joist to locate the center of your toilet drain. All toilet drains install 12 inches from the wall to allow room for the toilet installation. Make a mark on both joists at this measurement with a pencil.
- 3
  Measure six inches from the mark on the joist in both directions and make another mark. This mark indicates where you will install the toilet framing blocks.
- 4
  Cut two 2-by-6 boards to fit between the joists at the two marks you previously made with a table saw. Install the boards between the joists at your marks. Nail them in between the joists to create a box around the drain area with 3-inch nails and a hammer.

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