Toilet Seating Heights & Bowl Shapes Explained

Toilet Seating Heights & Bowl Shapes Explained

The height of a toilet is one of the most important considerations for a bathroom. It not only dictates how easily people can use the toilet, but also if they feel comfortable using it. When choosing a new toilet, you should consider what height will fit your bathroom and any special needs or personal preferences you or anyone living in the home may have. Here’s what to know.

Toilet Height Options

Generally, there are a few options when it comes to toilet heights – regular height, comfort height, or tall height. The standard height in the United States is around 14.5” from the floor to the top of the toilet bowl. Comfort height or ADA height toilets are a little bit taller and stand about 16.5” tall from the floor to the bowl. Tall height toilets are, of course, the tallest of the choices and stand about 19″ from the floor to the bowl. Keep in mind when considering toilet heights that the seat will add some extra height onto the measurement from the top of the bowl.

Toilet Bowl Shapes

In the late 1800s, toilet bowl shapes were more like a funnel. This made it easier for people to clean their toilet bowls and flush them. However, this shape was not very aesthetic and most people preferred a more round shape.

But the shape of a toilet bowl is not just for looks. It can have a significant impact on how well the toilet performs. Now, the shape of the toilet bowl is largely determined by the type of flush mechanism used and the need to contain water within the toilet bowl.

An elongated or oval bowl, for example, is the most common shape but can make less efficient use of water because it doesn’t cover as much surface area as other shapes do. Modern flushing technologies can usually combat this shape’s increased water usage so that the toilet still meets efficiency guidelines. A square or rectangular toilet bowl has more surface area than a round one and so it uses less water per flush – but they also have more crevices and corners to scrub out, so they’re harder to clean.

How to Choose the Right Toilet Height & Bowl Shape

Choosing the right toilet height and bowl shape is a very important decision. It will affect your comfort, the cleanliness of your bathroom, and even the resale value of your home. The height of your toilet should be at least 16 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. A 19-inch or taller toilet would be considered “extra large” and would be most suited for a person over 6 feet tall or those with accessibility concerns.

You should also take into consideration any special needs of people who may be using your home. A person with mobility issues may need more space for their feet when sitting down on a low toilet seat and may need to use grab bars for support when standing up from a high toilet seat.

When selecting the bowl shape, you can choose between round, elongated, or more uniquely shaped, depending on your preferences. Choose a bowl shape that is easy to clean and works for the aesthetic of your bathroom.

How a Toilet Installation Professional Can Help

Choosing the right toilet height and bowl shape is not an easy task. It requires a lot of research and knowledge about the different types of toilets available on the market. A toilet installation professional can help you choose a toilet by providing you with all the necessary information about each type of toilet.

At Toilet King, we can help guide you through your decision-making process and make sure that you are selecting the best option for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

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