You might think a toilet is a pretty standard fixture and doesn't require much thought. But surprisingly, there are thousands of options when it comes to choosing a toilet for your bathroom. To keep you from going crazy, we'll break down the things you should think about when you're ready to choose a toilet.
Measure Your Rough-in
First things first, you need to know the measurements of your current rough-in. This is the distance from your bathroom wall to the middle of your toilet's flange bolts. Standard rough-ins measure 12 inches, but 10- and 14-inch models exist. It's always easier to choose a toilet with the same rough-in you already have (unless you're already planning on doing extensive remodeling).
Toilet Fit
The elongated toilet bowl is the most comfortable shape for most people. Simple choice then, right? Not so fast. If you have a small bathroom or a limited budget, you may want to choose a round toilet bowl. Round toilet bowls save about 3 inches of space and cost less than elongated bowls. In a small bathroom, this could make a difference in whether or not you can fully open doors and drawers.
The standard height for toilets measures 15 inches. But taller people may find taller toilets more comfortable. 17- or 19-inch toilets will be kinder to backs and knees, and they are also a better choice for people who have issues with mobility. The downfall is that these are harder for children and short adults to use.
Our best advice is to actually sit on the toilet in the showroom when you're shopping. Sure, you'll feel ridiculous. But how will you feel over the next 10 years if you hate the toilet you choose?
Toilet Style
Again, the standard two-piece toilet, with a tank that bolts on top of the bowl, is not your only style option. You can also opt for a one-piece toilet which looks sleek and is easier to clean.
Or how about a wall-mounted toilet? These are even easier to clean, and they add drama to the bathroom. They are more pricey than other models, however.
Bidet
Take some inspiration from the Europeans, and install a bidet instead of a standard toilet. These actually help with resale value and are good for people with mobility issues. You can often add a bidet feature to standard toilets.
Efficiency
If you're in the market for a new toilet, this is a good time to reduce your carbon footprint and select a toilet that uses less water. Low-flush toilets have come a long way in the past 20 years. Using a power-assisted flush or gravity, these toilets handle what they're meant to handle, but they use less water to do it. It's worth it to look into this option.
Before you buy, compare independent test results of the toilet's flushing performance against other models. Consumer Reports is a good place to find good reviews. And be sure to look into a rebate when you purchase a high-efficiency model.
Comfort Features
Comfort is important in all areas of life, so why not the toilet? You can choose comfort features like a heated seat. Or how about a soft-closing seat that ensures the toilet seat is never left up -- and never slammed? A foot warmer, self-deodorizer, automatic flush, nightlight, or Bluetooth capabilities? Smart technology has not left toilets out. You can upgrade and personalize your toilet in many innovative ways. Just beware that extra features are extra expensive to replace if they break.
When you're planning on remodeling your Santa Maria bathroom, talk to New Life Bath and Kitchen to help you make the best design, technology, and efficiency decisions. Give us a call at (805) 954-9101, or contact us online for a free consultation.