How to choose the right toilet

Admit it. The toilet isn’t high on your list when you’re thinking about your bathroom remodel. It’s not something you discuss excitedly with your friends as you talk about your bathroom makeover. A toilet has a function. Period. So does a faucet, but there are many different types of that plumbing fixture.

Before you brush off the toilet as a purely utilitarian item, consider your options so you’ll know how to choose the right toilet.

Onesie or two-piece?

A toilet is comprised of two components: the tank and the seat base. The two-piece toilet has reigned as the throne of choice for a long time, but the one-piece toilet has gained in popularity in recent years. A two-piece toilet is easier to move, but a one-piece commode has no seams where germs can hide. Both are available in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. The one-piece toilet tends to be more expensive.

Preferred seating

Toilets bowls come in a choice of round or elongated. The round is less expensive, but the oval shape is generally deemed to provide a more comfortable seat. In bathrooms where a few inches make a big difference, a round toilet is smaller and can save space.

A higher hopper?

The standard height for a toilet is approximately 14 inches, and that’s fine for most people. If you’re taller than average, you might opt for the 17-inch or 19-inch “comfort height’. This taller toilet seat is also ideal for elderly or handicapped people who are maneuvering from a wheelchair.

Push or pull flushing?

A toilet with a handle for flushing is a common choice. A push-button on the top of the toilet tank gives a more stylish flush feature. It might cost a bit more than the lever-style toilets, but also gets less handling and is easier to clean.

Low-flow or high-powered?

Energy efficiency is important to today’s homeowners. Twenty years ago, toilets used 3.5 gallons of water for every flush. Newer low-flow toilets reduced that usage to just 1.6 gallons per flush, but many people complained this gravity-based technology was no-go on the low-flow. New toilets offer different types of flushing technology. A pressure-assisted flush uses the low-flow quantity but adds power, which leads to a cleaner toilet bowl.

Toilet, toilet, on the wall

You also have the option of a wall-mounted toilet. It’s more difficult to install, but enables easy cleaning underneath (a job no one enjoys). An in-wall toilet shows only the toilet seat emerging from the wall. The tank is hidden inside the wall. Installation requires a pro, but the sleek profile and simplicity is a great choice for certain bathroom styles.

While it might not be the most exciting seat in the house, the toilet will always be sought-after, so make sure you know how to choose the right toilet.