Maybe you’re renovating your bathroom. Maybe your old toilet has finally broken. Or maybe you’re just making some upgrades around the house. In any case, you’re shopping for a new toilet and you’re not exactly sure what you want to get.
There are several major toilet brands worth considering, and you can find a selection of these toilets almost anywhere, including at your local hardware store and online. However, with so many options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the list and ultimately make the decision that’s best for you and your family.
So how do you make the right choice for your needs?
Round vs. Elongated Toilets
One of the most important variables you’ll need to consider is the general shape of your toilet. Both round and elongated toilet models are available.
Round toilets offer a handful of advantages, including:
Space Efficiency
Many people still love round toilets because they’re highly space efficient. Unlike elongated toilets, which can sometimes encroach on the rest of your bathroom space, round toilets are very compact and easy to fit into almost any reasonably sized space.
Cost Efficiency
People also prefer round toilets in part because they’re more cost-efficient. All other factors being equal, round toilets tend to be cheaper than elongated ones. If you’re on a tight budget, this might be enough to break the tie.
Classic Aesthetics
Round toilets are classic. Most of us grew up with round toilets in the house, and may not have seen elongated toilets become commonplace until we were in our teens or until we reached adulthood. If you’re looking for something with a more classic style, round toilets are naturally preferable.
More Comfort
Some people do enjoy using round toilets more than their elongated counterparts. For children and people with petite frames, round toilets are often more comfortable.
For anyone who isn’t a child or someone with a small frame, elongated toilets are more comfortable. The weight distribution is broader and there’s simply more room to do your business.
Elongated Toilet Benefits
As long as you have the budget for them, elongated toilets arguably offer even more advantages:
Less Splash
The shape of these toilets reduces the potential for splashing. In turn, elongated toilets are more hygienic.
Bidet Positioning
If you’re a fan of using bidets instead of toilet paper, elongated toilets have a much more appropriate shape for accommodating bidets.
Accessibility
Elongated toilet seats are also ADA compliant and more accessible overall. Even if you don’t need to make your house ADA compliant, it’s still good to have an accessible bathroom.
Modern Aesthetics
Round toilets are classic, while elongated toilets are modern. They’re a great choice if you’re striving for more modern stylistic elements.
Budget
Obviously, you’ll also need to consider your budget. Bigger toilets and those with more advanced features tend to cost more money, but for many toilet shoppers, these features are worth the extra money. Consider setting a firm budget in advance, so you can plan around it; many of these features aren’t truly necessary, and can easily be cut.
Total Dimensions
No matter what, make sure you take accurate dimensions of the space you need to fill. The last thing you want is to have a toilet that’s too big or too awkwardly shaped for the space you need. Also be sure to check the height of the toilet you buy.
Features
You may also shop for additional features like:
WaterSense Certifications
Certified toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. If water conservation or environmental friendliness are important to you, you may prioritize buying a toilet with this certification.
Soft Close Seats
Nobody likes the sound of a toilet seat slamming shut. That’s why soft closed toilet seats exist.
Heated Seats
Heated seats are a taste of luxury, especially if you live in an area with bitterly cold winters. Just keep in mind that you can also purchase heated toilet seats separately.
Antimicrobial Coatings
Very advanced modern toilets come with antimicrobial coatings to reduce the spread of infectious illness. However, these can significantly increase the price of your toilet.
Other Considerations
When shopping for a toilet, don’t forget to buy a seal, a wax ring, flanges, and tools for the job if you need them. And of course, if you don’t feel comfortable installing a new toilet yourself, contact a local plumber to arrange for installation.
Shopping for a new toilet isn’t exactly fun, but there are more options (and more interesting options) than most people realize. With proper planning and a thorough review, you should end up with the perfect toilet for your bathroom.
Share
