It may appear quite simple to purchase a toilet. You’ll think all you have to do is go to the hardware store, look for something on sale, give your credit card, and wait for delivery. When selecting a toilet, there are a few aspects you might want to consider.
How unnerving a natural function may feel on a lousy toilet is strange. Maybe for that reason, so many people prefer doing their toilet business at home.
The height of your toilet is one factor that affects your posture when using the restroom. It could feel as though your knees are making contact with your chest if you are tall and use a low toilet. On an elevated toilet, your feet can merely dangle and never touch the floor if you’re short.
Generally, two types of toilets exist regarding toilet height: standard height and comfort height toilet. Unlike the typical 15 inches of a regular toilet, today’s so-called “comfort height” or “proper height” toilets have a toilet bowl ranging from 17 to 19 inches in height.
Both standard and comfort toilets are great choices; however, they depend on who is making the decision. In this article, you’ll discover the benefits of each type of toilet and learn certain tips to consider when choosing which is best for you.
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What is a standard height toilet?
Ever since the development of contemporary flushing toilets, these toilets used to be the standard toilet height. Since the nineteenth century, it has been in use. With the toilet seat, a standard height toilet stands 14 to 15 inches tall.
Children and adults who are shorter than normal in height will find them more comfortable. A standard height toilet is also called a regular toilet or a right height toilet.
Features of a regular height toilet
1. When measured with a raised toilet seat, a right height toilet has a minimum height of 14 inches and a maximum height of 15 inches.
2. With their toilet seat, standard toilets have an average height of 15 inches. They could have a maximum height of 16 inches.
3. Standard height toilets are more traditional and are primarily found in homes.
4. They are more expensive and encourage a natural sitting position when using the toilet
5. Standard height toilets are better suited for shorter individuals and kids because of how low the toilets are.
PROS AND CONS
Pros of standard height toilets
1. Ideal for short people and children
Individuals with a small stature and a height of between 4-5 feet prefer standard height toilets. This is also the same for children who are often less than 4 feet tall.
2. Allows for proper blood flow and relaxed muscles
When short people and children use a standard toilet, their legs can comfortably touch the ground giving their veins room for proper blood flow. Using standard toilets also helps relieve the muscles from the tension that would have been present if their legs were left dangling when seated on the toilet.
3. Great if you are prone to constipation
If you are prone to constipation, using a toilet that makes you stay in a position where your hips are lower than your knees can help you pass stool more quickly and easily.
4. Offers a natural defecating position
According to the Queensland government, the best position to pass stool is by “sitting with your knees higher than your hips,” “leaning forward and putting your elbows on your knees,” “relaxing and bulging out your stomach, and “straightening your spine.”
With these directives and the low height of standard toilets, you are more likely to maintain a healthy position when passing stool.
5. Can fit in tight spots
A Standard toilet is generally smaller than comfort height toilets. For this reason, it is easier to fit them into tight corners, especially if you have a small bathroom.
Cons of standard height toilets
1. They are costlier than comfort height toilets.
Standard height toilets are generally costlier than comfort height toilets. Even though the difference is not very significant, it can still be a burden for someone on a budget.
2. They can be difficult to stand from if you are tall.
Taller individuals may find it challenging to use standard height toilets because they are low. It could make their knees hurt or be uncomfortable for them.
3. They can be stressful for aged individuals.
Aged folks, especially those with arthritis and other joint problems, can find regular toilets challenging to use because of their low level. The short height of the toilet can make standing up very difficult for them.
What is a comfort height toilet?
A comfortable height toilet is any ADA-compliant toilet that has either a single or dual flush. These toilets are part of a contemporary toilet created with the user’s comfort in mind. From the floor to the toilet seat height is between 17-19 inches. This is comparable to a chair’s height.
There are several names for these toilets on the market, including ADA height, universal height, ADA toilet, and the correct height. Actually, several brands created and used these various names for marketing objectives.
The comfort height toilet is required to be installed in all public areas in the US under the American standard, which goes by the name “correct height.” They are considered to be more comfortable, especially when used by taller individuals.
Features of Comfort height toilet
1. Comfort height toilets have an average chair height of 17 inches without their seats and 18inches with their seats.
2. They are mostly used in commercial places where people with special needs can access them. Individuals also buy them for home use
3. They are a modern toilet option and are a bit less expensive when compared with standard toilets.
4. Comfort toilets are most suitable for tall individuals and people with special needs due to their convenient height; however, they are not ideal if you are prone to constipation, as they can make your bowel movement more challenging.
Pros and Cons
Pros comfort height toilets
1. They are great for taller individuals and the elderly
Simply put, it is simpler to sit down and stand up, thanks to the tall toilet seat. The discomfort that results from crouching down and cocking the knees out to the sides is reduced by the elongated toilet seat.
A comfort height toilet can be up to five inches taller than a conventional toilet, making it easier for elderly persons and individuals with limited mobility to sit down comfortably. This is why they are often called chair height toilets.
2. They are cheaper compared to standard toilets
A Comfort toilet typically costs less than standard height toilets. Even though there isn’t much of a difference, it might be more beneficial to go for a comfort height toilet because it is cheaper. Shorter individuals can use a squatty potty to make up for the extra length.
3. They are mostly ADA compliant
Comfort height toilets are compliant with the “Americans with disability act” because they are built adhering to some of the standards set by ADA.
Cons of comfort height toilets
1. Not encouraging for children and short-statured individuals
People who are less than 4-5 inches, such as short people and kids, may not find comfort height toilets encouraging because their feet can be left hanging in the air. This is particularly uncomfortable and can cause other health problems, especially when they remain in this position for a long time.
2. They can increase constipation
Custom toilets can make it more difficult for those who are constipated to pass stool. It is better to maintain a squatting position when you are constipated. You will be able to empty your bowel more easily.
3. Can restrict blood flow
Some specialists contend that the best way to emulate the “squat” our bodies desire is to adopt a lower posture. High seat heights may impede your legs’ blood flow if they don’t touch the ground. Comfort height toilets are also challenging for kids.
Similarities between standard and comfort height toilets
1. Appearance
Toilets in both comfort and conventional height have very similar appearances and are available in various designs and colors. Each design and color is available in both types of toilets. Since white or beige are better for the home’s market value, they are the most common colors.
2. Installation
Both toilet styles are fitted similarly for the most part, and professional installation yields the greatest results. The flapper and flush valve should be in good operating order, and the tank and bowl’s connections must be well sealed. Every water connection must be leak-free.
3. Toilet style
A comfort height toilet and a chair height toilet both come in similar styles. They both have a single piece design that links the toilet tank and toilet bowl together as one toilet piece. You can also find wall-mounted toilets among both types.
Which toilet should you choose? Standard or comfort?
Your taste for toilet height is wholly dependent on which one you prefer. Standard and comfort height toilets can both be used in a variety of settings.
The decision between the two is clear if your household has a higher proportion of elderly and adult members or if you need to purchase a toilet for ADA users. Choose a toilet that is at a comfortable height.
In contrast, the regular height toilet is the best choice for you if any household members are shorter in stature or if you have young children.
Get the comfort height toilet if you’re buying a unit for a location other than your home, such as your office or business, as the elderly and physically impaired folks would find it quite handy.
Factors to consider when choosing between comfort and standard toilet
1. Height
Choosing a toilet requires consideration of height. And we’re not referring to the restrooms! Your height will significantly influence your decision. Before purchasing any toilet, first, try to sit on it.
Sitting down on a conventional toilet could be a nightmare if you’re taller than average, and you’ll know this when you sit on a new toilet. Your legs may bend up to your chest, putting a lot of strain on your knees and joints.
Additionally, a comfort height toilet could be difficult for you if you’re short, especially if your feet are left hanging. This may cause numbness in your legs.
2. Feel
As it is, when you consider height, you also have to consider how you feel about a new toilet. Because you are not using the toilet while it is in a store, you may not immediately feel any pain or numbness that it may cause, but you will feel any discomfort that it may give you.
Please, do not ignore the extra effort it took you to get up from that toilet or the minor discomforts you experienced when you sit or stand up from a toilet in the store.
3. Digestive Health
Did you realize that your toilet posture directly impacts how comfortably you can empty your bowel? It is established that passing a proper stool becomes more manageable when your knees are higher than your hips.
This means that sitting on a higher toilet can make your constipation worse. When it comes to this, a standard toilet will prevail over a comfort height toilet. Due to this, you might want to think about your digestive health when choosing a toilet.
4. Special needs
Your specific needs are among the most crucial considerations when buying a toilet. If you or any family member is a senior citizen, you might consider installing a comfort height toilet. It is simpler to sit down and stand back up off the toilet due to the raised height.
A comfort height toilet is something people with unique mobility problems would want to consider. However, if you live with many children, you might want to continue with a regular-sized toilet.
5. Cost
This consideration may not be as necessary as the others listed above. Still, it is equally important to consider the cost of either toilet, especially if you live on a budget.
Generally, standard height toilets are slightly more expensive than comfort height toilets. This could be a deciding factor, especially if you live in a household where either of the two toilet types can serve. In such cases, the cost of the toilet could be the deal-breaker.
Top brands for standard and comfort height toilets
1. Kohler K-3999-0 Highline
One of the most well-known and identifiable brands in home improvement is Kohler. Finding a kitchen or bathroom without at least one Kohler fixture is not difficult.
The company sells a variety of toilets in different sizes and designs with cutting-edge features such as self-cleaning toilets, water-conserving toilets, one-piece toilets, two-piece toilets, wall-mounted toilets, comfort height toilets, intelligent toilets with hands-free use, automatic flush, and heated seat.
Additionally, replacement components and useful accessories are available from Kohler to make sure your toilet is functional for you. The business offers a purchase guide to help you choose from its remarkable selection of options, and it can put you in touch with a regional expert for installation.
2. American Standard toilet
Another industry standard that offers the best standard toilet and best comfort height toilet is American Standard. Antibacterial surfaces, self-cleaning functions, and auto-flush options are a few of the important features. They also have dual flush toilet options for those who are into water conservation.
Furthermore, there are four categories into which American Standard toilets fall. These are self-cleaning toilets, vormax toilets, cadet standard toilets, and champion toilets.
American Standard supplies replacement components and has a shopping guide similar to Kohler. There is a segment of the business dedicated to ADA-compliant products.
3. Toto toilet
TOTO is a well-known brand worldwide, but it all started with Kazuchika Okura more than a century ago in Japan. Okura started the business before his nation’s public sewage system became an issue because he saw that it was possible to live comfortably while preserving water for environmental protection.
Modern variants have dual-flush capability and low-profile designs, although ADA-compliant ones can also be chosen. You can also get comfort height toilets and standard height toilets from this brand.
