Can one replace bathroom flooring without removing all the fixtures?

[Fayrazzled]

Our bathroom was put in by the previous occupants and other than painting we haven't done anything to it. Unfortunately they chose a cheap laminate for the floor and it's starting to lift in places, and generally look nasty. I don't want to spend a fortune on new flooring as I'd like to do the bathroom, although realistically we won't have the money for probably two years. I can't live with the laminate that long though and would like to replace it with a vinyl in the meantime until we do the bathroom properly. I don't want it to be a massive headache though. Is it possible to remove the laminate and put in vinyl without removing all the bathroom fixtures?

Many thanks.

[Ponders]

was the flooring laid before the fixtures, or fitted round them?

[nannyl]

it is normal for vinyl to be laid UNDER the fixtures... especially the loo

if you cut it round the loo and have boys with less than perfect aim then in time, the wee will creep under the vinyl and your bathroom will smell of public toilets wee... and it could soak into the floor boards.

i imagine it will take time to get really bad though, and if you are re-doing the whole room in 2 years, it may not be too gross by then? (especially if you keep on top of it and bleach around the bottom of the bowl regularly)

[Ponders]

you can seal the edges round the loo with silicone though.

[Fayrazzled]

Thanks for your responses. The present flooring was laid before the fixtures. Hmmmmm I think it might be worth giving it a go, especially if it only has to last 2 years. I guess it will also depend on if the fitter is happy to do it that way.

[Ponders]

the loo is your main issue then - a pedestal can be taken out & put back fairly easily.

but laminate is quite a bit thicker than vinyl, so I would guess replacing it under the loo is possible - with a bit of wedging - good luck

[Pootles2010]

We have just had padded vinyl fitted. Wasn't laminate before though - was like vinyl-y stuff, but in sticky squares if that makes sense?!

We ripped it up, and the fitters put the vinyl in round the loo etc. Bit concerned now about what others have said! The fitters never even mentioned it being a problem!?