The toilet is a fixture in every home, but while we tend to forget about its functionality, the height it is set at can play a crucial role in accessibility and user comfort. Toilet height is not just about aesthetics but choosing the right one for your health.
While standard height toilets are the most common, there are comfort or chair height toilets. But what are the real differences between all these types of toilets? In this article, we will reveal the difference between chair height, comfort height, and standard height toilets so you can make the best choice for your bathroom upgrade.
What is a Standard Height Toilet?
The right toilet height for your bathroom will depend entirely on the needs of your household. Standard toilets are typically the default style installed during construction or remodeling. The height of a standard toilet is 14.5 to 16 inches when measured from the floor to the toilet seat.
This is a comfortable height for most adults, particularly if you are of a shorter stature. They can also be a good choice for families, since a standard height toilet is easier for children to use, particularly if you don’t want to have a step stool in your bathroom.
Standard toilet heights are also used as a guide for many bathroom accessories and features. It will influence the height of toilet paper holders and any shelving mounted above or around the area.
Understanding Comfort Height/Chair Height Toilets
Comfort Height & Chair Height are the Same
Many people can feel a little confused by the differences between comfort height and chair height toilets, but the terms are actually interchangeable. Chair height and comfort height are the same thing, but some manufacturers or retailers of toilets may choose one or the other names, but the functionality is the same. It’s simply marketing. The phrase “comfort height” tends to be marketed towards domestic installations while “chair height” tends to be more specifically marketed in relation to mobility and mobility aids. It also tends to be the preferred term for retailers selling to commercial uses such as hospitals or public restrooms where wheelchair accessibility is important.
What Gives Their Names
Comfort/chair height toilets are typically a couple of inches taller compared to a standard toilet, ranging from 17 to 19 inches in height. “Comfort” refers to their ergonomic design which is designed to align with the ADA accessibility standards. These toilets are available in round and elongated bowl configurations, which allows the flexibility to choose according to your personal preferences. You can also find them in multiple designs and finishes to complement your bathroom decor. Similarly, the word "chair height" come from being a similar height to a standard dining table chair. But again, as they both are the same thing, it's simply a marketing tactic by retailers.
Styles and Benefits
They are available in modern designs with various shapes, such as round, square or elongated to fit into a variety of bathroom styles and aesthetics. Comfort/Chair height toilets are beneficial for those with back issues or joint pain as the added height provides easier access to sit down and stand up, reducing the strain on the lower back and knees. They are a good choice for seniors who may have limited mobility, and can work well for wheelchair users, minimizing the effort needed to move between the chair and the toilet.
Chair/Comfort Height Toilets vs Standard Height Toilets
To determine which toilet height will work best for you, you’ll need to assess a number of considerations. These include:
Mobility and Health:
If you have serious mobility limitations, a chair/comfort toilet tends to be a better option, as the additional height allows a safer and easier transition between sitting and standing. It can also improve posture and, as the name suggests, enhance your comfort.
Physical Characteristics:
If you’re over six feet tall, a comfort/chair height would provide a more natural and comfortable sitting position. However, if you’re shorter or have small children in your household, a standard height toilet may be preferable, particularly if you’re potty training youngsters.
Functionality
Obviously all types of toilets are designed for the same function, and chair/comfort height toilets are available with many of the same features you’d find on standard toilets to enhance your home and the durability of the bathroom. This includes features such as dual flush systems to save water and ceramic finish for a clean and sleek aesthetic.
Design
You will also need to think about your bathroom layout and how the new toilet will work in the space. Standard toilets tend to be more widely available in a variety of design styles, which may make it easier to find a model that works well in your space. However, comfort/chair height toilets are also available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can match it to your existing bathroom fixtures and aesthetics. Just bear in mind that while standard toilets tend to be the most space efficient as they tend to be more compact, it is possible to find comfort or chair height toilets that can fit in bathrooms with limited space.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Toilet
Before making your final purchase decision, there are some additional factors you will need to consider.
Budget: Standard toilets are typically the most readily available and budget friendly. Installation: Both chair and comfort height toilets can be easily installed, but there may be a slightly higher installation cost compared to standard toilets due to the larger size. The standard rough in for water connections and drainage for both standard and chair/comfort models is 12 inches, but there are 10 inch and 14 inch options available. You will also need to ensure that the toilet height will align with the existing plumbing set up in your home, which is likely to be more compatible with a standard fixture. Maintenance: Comfort/chair height toilets can be one piece models that are easier to clean due to the seamless nature compared to two piece (tank and separate bowl) toilets. Flush System: There are usually a variety of flush options including dual flush, pressure assisted and gravity fed, but you will need to check whether the chair/comfort height toilet is available with your preferred option.
Key Takeaways: How to Choose the Right Toilet
The toilet is an important fixture in any bathroom, so it is important to choose the right one for your family. While standard height toilets are the most common, it is possible to find one that is better suited to the needs of you and your household. Standard heights tend to be a better choice for homes, particularly when you have average height adults and children in your household. Comfort/chair heights can be a good option for those with severe mobility issues or if adults are well above average height. You will need to evaluate the needs of your household considering mobility, age, bathroom size and your aesthetic preferences to determine which is best for you in the chair/comfort height vs standard toilets debate. Ultimately the right choice will come down to the layout of your bathroom, accessibility and your user comfort preferences.