There is one element that cannot be left out of any bathroom design: the toilet! This design necessity is found in the smallest powder room or the largest master bath design. Here are 6 things to consider when selecting a toilet for your new space:
Location, location, location
The toilet is a key part of the bathroom design layout. Ideally, the toilet should be positioned in such a way that it is not immediately visible when the bathroom door is opened. Depending on the style and size of your bathroom, you could also separate it by a door in an adjacent toilet room, or perhaps include a dividing wall to afford some privacy. Another option is to use a vanity cabinet as a dividing wall and place the toilet next to it.
Plan your space
Like other bathroom fixtures, toilets have guidelines regarding the minimum distance they should be from a surrounding wall or other obstacles. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends where possible to allow a minimum of 36” of space at the front of the toilet for greater comfort when sitting, but the minimum guideline is 24”. Likewise, there should be no obstructions on either side, with a minimum of 15” space allowed at the sides. Think about where the main door will swing, how the shower enclosure opens, and the space needed for opening vanity doors and drawers, and make sure they do not interfere with the clearance space around the toilet.
They are not all the same!
You might think all toilets are equal, but they are not. There is a wide array of toilet styles, including one-piece, two-piece, tankless, and wall-mounted. Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl following a more traditional design, while one-piece have an integrated bowl and tank making them easier to clean. Tankless styles conceal the tank behind the drywall, while wall-mounted toilets hang on the wall and do not touch the floor. Both styles offer a sleek appearance and clear floor space, making it easier to clean around the toilet. Check with your remodeling professional to make sure the installation requirements fit your space.
Find the right shape
Toilet bowls also come in different shapes. These include rounded, elongated, or compact elongated. While rounded take up less space, the elongated bowls are a more comfortable option for adults.
The highs and lows
Toilet heights differ, and the right height for your bathroom design depends on your individual household. Standard height toilets are 15” high, with comfort height measuring at least 2” higher at 17-19”. Comfort height make it easier for taller people or those with mobility issues to sit down and stand up, and are often ADA-compliant. Standard height toilets may be better suited to a children’s bathroom design or one designed for use by people of different heights.
Water usage and flushing options
The average toilet is flushed about 2,000 times per year. That’s a lot of water going down the drain! Your choice of toilet can greatly influence how much water is used. Modern toilets are generally more efficient with a better flushing mechanism, therefore using less water. A water saving toilet is not only good for the environment, it can also reduce water usage and therefore help save you money.
Do you want to learn more about which toilet is the best choice for your next bathroom remodeling project? Contact us on (781) 871-0881 to get started on your bathroom design and to discuss the product choices that will help you achieve your ideal space!
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