Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Which is Superior?
An elongated vs. round toilet is not an easy thing to compare. It may be fun to talk about showers and tubs, but it can be embarrassing to talk about different types of toilets. But that’s silly.
We need to normalize the discussion of everything. The more that we learn, the better our lives will be. About everything in life, yes, even toilets! So today, let’s learn about the differences between an elongated and round toilet.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet
There are two primary shapes of toilet bowls. There is a round toilet that is circular and an elongated toilet that is quite a bit longer than the standard. Choosing between the elongated vs. round toilet can be difficult.
Learning the differences between them isn’t as simple as recognizing that they are different shapes. Learning the differences can help you find other ways to be more confident in your decision for a toilet.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Size
Elongated toilet bowls are oval-shaped and have a length of about 18.5 inches while round toilet bowls are circular with a length of about 16.5 inches. This can vary but these are the common lengths.
When it comes to width, the elongated vs. round toilets are the same. Around 15-inches is common with this not varying very much. This is for the toilet bowl, not the bottom of the toilet which varies greatly.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Family
Consider your family when picking out an elongated vs. round toilet. If you have a house with adults, then an elongated toilet is more comfortable for your family. But if you have kids, things will be different.
Round toilets are more comfortable for kids. They are also lower to the ground which makes them better for kids in general. But you won’t notice a huge difference either way with comfort.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Aesthetic
Which toilet do you like the look of the best? This may be just as important as anything else. Because each bathroom has its own needs and each family has its own design preferences. Both of these need to come together.
Not everyone believes that round toilets are better for farmhouses or elongated toilets are better for modern houses. It all depends on what you feel goes well with each design style and which toilet you like.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Space
Both toilets are the same width, give or take, but they are different lengths. If you have a small space then you may want to consider a round toilet. If you have more room then an elongated toilet could work well.
But it isn’t just more or less space that matters, it’s the type of space. Keeping things symmetrical can be important. If you have a lot of other oval or rectangular shapes in the bathroom, a round toilet may not look as good.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Price
The price of the elongated vs. round toilet aren’t all that different. The average price for the elongated toilet may be around $200 with the average price for a round toilet being less but possible around $150.
That said, you can get either of them for under $100 if you go to the right stores. So this all depends on the stores and the brands that you shop for because the shape won’t make too much of a difference.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Surround
If you are building in your own home, then there shouldn’t be any regulations. But to give you an idea of what the ADA recommended, let us take a look that the rules for non-residential buildings regarding toilet space.
At least 21 inches of free space between the toilet bowl and the front wall is needed. This is when the extra space for the elongated toilet may not be ideal. Because you also need two inches behind the toilet.
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Installation
Installing an elongated toilet is just like installing a round toilet. In fact, you can replace one with the other. The ring underneath will be the same so you can choose one toilet and change your mind later.
When it comes to installing a toilet, it is almost always best to hire a plumber. Although plumbers can be expensive, this is a one-time job that shouldn’t cost more than a couple of hundred dollars to get done.
Other Toilet Considerations
There are a few other things that you need to think about whenever you buy a new toilet. Some of these things are upgrades while others are options that are equal to the original standard toilet.
Let us take a look at some of these options. While most toilets come with a full set, if you are buying the price-efficient option, you can customize your own toilet to become perfect for your family.
Lever
The toilet lever can make a huge difference in the aesthetics of your toilet. But it’s more than that. A stronger lever can ensure that your toilet flushes great each time. Replacing it can do your toilet wonders.
But of course, it is the unique look that it adds that inspires people to change them. Levers come in all shapes and sizes, some with best-selling amazing designs, some with custom designs that you create yourself.
Bidet
Bidets aren’t just for rich houses anymore. These unique contraptions are now affordable for families with any budget. There are many different types of bidets and most of them work wonderfully, even for skeptics.
Because a lot of people are skeptics, you have to try them for yourself before finding out if you like them or not. You can’t say that you don’t like them until you try them. That’s when you can make your decision.
Lights
Lights in the toilet bowl or even near the floor can come in very handy during the nighttime hours. This is important for kids who struggle to use the bathroom at night or those who are frightened at night.
Lights can make the experience exciting and can also help when you clean the bathroom. Not to mention, the right type of toilet bowl lights can look amazing. Just be careful to ensure they don’t look tacky.
Flusher
The flusher shouldn’t be confused with the lever. When I say flusher here, I mean the flushing mechanic of the toilet. Some flushers are gravity flushers while others are pressure-flushers. There are about a dozen different types.
Most of the time, this doesn’t matter. But did you know that toilets are meant to be closed when you flush them? Because many droplets of bacteria can spring out from the bowl when you flush with a normal flusher.
Skirting
Toilet skirting can refer to two things. A literal skirt that is placed around the toilet to make it look nice and seal it. Or, what we are referring to today, the style of the bottom of the toilet, which looks like a skirt.
The skirting of the toilet matters due to your own personal preference. Some people like toilets that are square and come straight down from the bowl while others prefer a definite curve.
Mounting
Many people are deciding to mount their toilets for many reasons. Mounted toilets take up less space than toilets that aren’t mounted. They also are easier to keep clean because you can sweep and mop under them.
You will see mounted toilets often in public restrooms. But don’t let that deter you. There are also some rather nice, high-end toilets that can make your bathroom look much nicer than it would with a standard toilet.
Hands-Free
Going hands-free is one of the best ways to stay clean and protected from germs. Hands spread more germs than anything else in your house could. So going hands-free with flushing and closing the lid is perfect.
You can do so by getting a remote-compatible toilet. These can be quite pricey, but they are cheaper than smart toilets that do the same thing. An even better way to stop the spread is to get an automatic toilet.
Other Shapes
Although these two types of toilets are the most popular, elongated and round toilets aren’t the sole options. You can get square toilets and reverse-oval toilets which aren’t popular but are unique.
But if you want to stick to the standard, safe toilet then go with the round or elongated. These can match any type of design style and are very affordable. They are also available at any store that sells toilets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Elongated Vs. Round Toilet: Which Is Better?
This depends on your priorities. If you want to save space, the round toilet is better. If you want something higher-end then the elongated toilet is better. But this still comes down to preference.
Can I Replace A Round Toilet With An Elongated One?
Yes, you can. You may need to adjust the rough-in, but a plumber won’t have any issues doing this. So call a plumber and ask them to switch your toilet out right away and they can help compare the elongated vs. round toilet rough-in.
Is A Round Toilet Or Elongated Toilet More Popular?
Comparing the elongated vs. round toilet popularity is easy. The round toilet is still more popular and always has been. But the elongated toilet is growing in popularity faster. It may take over as the most popular toilet soon.
Is The Round Or Elongated Toilet More Comfortable?
For most people, the elongated toilet is more ergonomic. So if comfort is the most important factor for your family then the elongated toilet is the better toilet.
Should I Get An Elongated Or Round Toilet?
Your final decision is up to you. You can use these tips to help guide you but in the end, go with your instincts because they are correct. Information can change instincts, but make the new instincts more prominent.
So take this information and decide what you think is best for your home. You may want an elongated toilet that is classy and mounted. Or you may want a simple round smart toilet that comes with a bidet.