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TOILET BOWL SHAPES: ROUND V. ELONGATED

Are you building a new home or bathroom, or simply looking to replace an existing toilet? When it comes to installing a new toilet in your home, there are several factors to be looked at. From shape and size to location and type, your personal preferences and budget all play a part in choosing which kind of toilet is best for you. Today, we are going to talk about one of the most important factors looked at when buying a toilet, shape. The importance of a toilet’s shape should never be overlooked, as it is ultimately responsible for determining the comfort level of your toilet. Generally, there are two types of toilet shapes seen: round and elongated. Below, we dive into further detail explaining the two, along with listing each toilet’s advantages and disadvantages.

Elongated Toilets

Elongated toilets come in the shape of an oval. In most cases, an elongated toilet seat will measure about 18 ½ inches from the holes of the seat fasteners to the tip of the seat, the toilet’s longest dimension. However, exact measurements for elongated toilets can vary, as different manufacturers have different designs and styles. In general, elongated toilet bowl seats will measure about 2 inches longer than round ones.

Pros

  • Many users prefer the shape and modern look of elongated toilets
  • Can be easier to use for taller individuals
  • Easier to clean
  • Several options to choose from
  • Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in public bathrooms

Cons

  • More costly than toilets with round bowls
  • Takes up more space, doesn’t fill in all bathrooms
  • Typically, less comfortable for kids

Round Toilets

Like the name suggests, round toilet bowls come in a round, circular shape. This calls for the toilet to take up less space in the room. In most round toilets, the distance from the seat bolt holes to the front tip of the bowl is about 16 ½ inches – about two inches less than an elongated toilet. Several people end up choosing this option to save money, space, or accommodate for children.

Pros

  • Able to fit in smaller spaces
  • Relatively cheaper than elongated toilets
  • Easier for children to use

Cons

  • Not as aesthetically pleasing
  • Smaller profile/build may cause difficulty for larger adults to sit down and stand back up
  • Old design
  • Fewer options to choose from

Round toilets are best known for being affordable, space efficient, and comfortable for children. However, along with elongated toilet bowls, both options are ideally known for their durability, ease of installation, and ease of repair.

Which is best for you?

As you can see, elongated and round toilets each offer their own set of exclusive features and benefits. At the end of the day, it is up to you to determine what is most important to you when installing a new toilet in your home. Are design and comfort the most important factors to you? Then you might want to consider installing an elongated toilet in your home. Concerned about space, ease of access, and price? Then round toilets might be the best fit for your home.

Choose BEST Plumbing to Install a Toilet in Your Home!

Are you looking to install a round or elongated toilet in your home? We recommend calling a licensed plumbing professional before doing so. At BEST Plumbing, we’d be happy to go through the list and help you figure out which toilet shape is best for your home! Need a plumber in Cincinnati? Contact us today to get started!

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