Are you stuck deciding between a round or elongated toilet? To help you make the right choice, this guide offers an in-depth comparison of two types of toilets to help you decide which one is more comfortable.
You’ll find out the differences between each and how to choose the one that meets your needs.
Choosing a toilet is a personal decision, and it’s important to consider the comfort factor when making your selection. Most toilets come in two different shapes—round and elongated—and each has its own unique benefits. To help you determine which style is most comfortable for you, let’s take a look at the differences between round and elongated toilets.
We’ll discuss factors such as size, appearance, quality, ease of use and cost so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Explanation of the topic
Before deciding on a toilet, it is essential to understand the difference between a round and an elongated toilet.
Round toilets have been the most popular design for many years. They are circular in shape, making them more compact than elongated toilets, ideal for small bathrooms. The downside is that they are less comfortable than an elongated model because of their size.
On the other hand, elongated toilets have a longer bowl which allows for a more comfortable seating position. They are also slightly wider than round models but not as wide as projecting toilets or corner toilets, making them ideal for most bathroom sizes. Another benefit of this style is that they can help reduce odors in the bathroom since they trap more air inside the bowl.
Brief history of the toilet
Toilets have been around for centuries and are believed to date back as far as 1596–97. A man named John Harrington was credited with inventing the modern flush toilet. Over the next two centuries, various different designs were developed, with models in France resembling chairs and those in England featuring a bulky design on the floor which required furniture to hide it.
The invention of the porcelain S-trap marked a milestone in toilet design history, as it allowed one-way flow of wastewater that reduced odors, meaning users no longer had to fear that the waste they were flushing away would return up through their fixture while they were using it. The S-shaped pipes also held back small amounts of water after each flush, helping to keep the pipes sealed between uses, which again helped reduce bad smells coming from elsewhere in the house. This also made it easier for manufacturers to produce multi-flush devices that could be used with greater efficiency than earlier models before them.
Modern toilets have been designed using innovative materials such as vitreous china for easy cleaning and plastic cistern systems which are lightweight and require less maintenance than cast iron designs used previously. Different shapes began to be produced too – including round or oval seat designs which offered comfort while still being able to fit into existing plumbing systems without major alterations or expensive repair work.
Anatomy of a Toilet
To understand the differences between round and elongated toilets, it is important to understand their anatomy. A toilet is made up of a bowl, a tank and a seat. The most noticeable difference between round and elongated toilets is the shape of the bowl. Round shaped bowls are shorter and more compact while elongated bowls are longer, helping to provide more room during use. The tank holds several gallons of water which are released into the bowl when flushed. Along with providing comfort, an additional difference between the two types of toilets is cost – it may be cheaper to purchase a round model.
Toilets come in different designs – one-piece or two-piece models – but function similarly no matter their construction type. One-piece models have all parts connected together in one unit, making them easier to install compared to two-piece sticks which require separate installation for each part; This could increase installation time but also adds a touch of elegance when used as part of your bathroom décor.
Bowl shape
When considering the shape of a toilet bowl, there are two main designs: round and elongated. The round bowl design is circular and requires less space; while the elongated bowl shape is oblong, which provides more comfortable seating but uses more space.
Round Toilets
Round toilets are generally found in smaller bathrooms and provide a standard, economical option for users. These bowls measure about two inches shorter than elongated bowls, making it better suited for compact bathrooms where space utilization is an important factor. Round toilets also provide a tight seal between the toilet seat and the basin, which helps to reduce potential spills or water leakage from side-to-side rocking.
Elongated Toilets
The popular choice for most bathrooms is the elongated toilet shape. This type of bowl measures 2 inches longer than a round model, providing users with more room to sit comfortably on the seat. Its longer shape also creates an improved flush due its larger water surface area at the front of the basin that can help eliminate waste with greater ease in fewer flushes each time it’s used. As an added benefit, some users may find that this specific flat configuration offers outward stability because it prevents slipping backward on a slippery surface after sitting down on it.
Dimensions
Dimensions are an important factor when deciding between a round and elongated toilet. While round toilets usually measure around 28” in length and 21” in width, their elongated counterparts are typically 30” long with a width of 18”. It is important to note that the extra length of an elongated toilet doesn’t strictly limit it to the back half of the bathroom — some models can fit comfortably in places with limited space.
Round toilets need little floor space, making them ideal for powder rooms and other small bathrooms. Elongated toilets provide greater comfort, but take up more space than their shorter counterparts. However, you should remember that both configurations come in a variety of sizes. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and how much room you have available. In any case, you would be wise to mark out the exact dimensions of the chosen toilet before purchasing and installing it in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Round Toilets vs. Elongated Toilets
The debate over round toilets vs elongated toilets is a contentious one. While both types of toilet provide adequate sanitation, there are subtle differences between them that can make one more comfortable than the other. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one better suits your needs.
Round Toilets: Round toilet bowls have a shorter length than their elongated counterparts, making them ideal for small bathrooms with limited space. Their shorter length also makes them easier to clean, as they are less likely to accumulate dirt and grime in tight spaces around their sides and at the back. On the downside, some feel that round toilets don’t provide as much comfort as elongated ones — especially for individuals with larger body frames — due to their reduced seating area.
Elongated Toilets: Elongated toilet bowls have a longer length than round ones, making them more comfortable because their greater seating area provides more room for people with larger body frames to sit comfortably. However, their extra length means less efficient use of bathroom space and higher costs for installation–especially in small bathrooms where an elongated toilet may not fit–and tighter spaces around the sides and at the back where grime accumulation can occur.
In conclusion, when considering round vs elongated toilets, it’s important to take into account your own personal size, hygiene habits and existing bathroom space before deciding which type is best for you. For those who want comfort along with spaciousness in a bathroom or powder room – or who have constituents who prefer this type of toilet – an elongated model may be worth considering; while those seeking efficiency or smaller washrooms might find that a round model is best suited to their needs.
Definition and characteristics of round and elongated toilets
Round and elongated toilets are the two primary shapes for modern toilets. The main difference between these two types of toilets lies in their size. Round toilet bowls have a circular or oval shape and measure approximately 16 to 18 inches across, while elongated bowls are slightly wider and measure up to around 28 inches. Although there are benefits to both designs, the most significant difference is that people tend to find elongated bowls more comfortable than round ones, since they provide added room in which to maneuver.
Round toilets generally use less water per flush than elongated models since they have a smaller surface area, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run. Additionally, due to their smaller size and shape, they may be better suited for smaller bathrooms where space is limited.
On the other hand, an elongated toilet bowl provides several advantages compared to a round bowl. These often include greater user comfort due to the extra room it offers for sitting down on and maneuvering off of; as well as enhanced flushing capacity when paired with larger tanks or more advanced flushing systems. Furthermore, elongated models typically require plumbing pipes set in place at a deeper level than round toilets do — making them somewhat more difficult to install but ultimately providing improved structural integrity and reduced risk of leaks from seams at the base of the bowl caused by deformation over time.
Pros and cons of round toilets
Round toilets present some unique advantages and disadvantages when compared to elongated toilets. It’s important to consider your preferences before making a choice.
Advantages of Round Toilets:
- Generally more space efficient than elongated models, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms.
- Lighter in weight than elongated models, making installation and transport easier.
- Easier to clean since there is less area where dust or debris can build up in the corners.
- Cost effective, due to their simple design and smaller size.
Disadvantages of Round Toilets:
- Reduced comfort level; round bowls are shorter, which may leave some users feeling cramped as they sit down and stand up from the toilet.
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as an elongated variety; many people find the curved shape of an oval bowl more pleasing than a simple circle.
Space-saving design
Round toilets are space-saving by design and are ideal for bathrooms that are smaller or have limited space. The tank is compact and the bowl is perfectly circular, which can make it easier to fit into almost any bathroom design. Since the design of these toilets is smaller, many people find that they take up less area, making them better suited for half- or quarter-bathrooms.
Elongated toilets, on the other hand, may be more difficult to install in small or awkward areas due to their additional length when compared to round toilet bowls
Tips for Choosing the Right Toilet
Purchasing a toilet is an important decision, with many factors to consider. Below are five tips to keep in mind when choosing the right toilet for your home.
1) Measure Space: Before shopping, measure the area where your new toilet will be installed. This will help guide you towards toilets that fit correctly in the space and make installation easier.
2) Comfort: Comfort is important when choosing a toilet since it’s something you’ll use every day. Decide if you prefer a round or elongated shape based on which fits your body type more comfortably.
3) Style: Toilets come in various colors, styles, and designs ranging from traditional to contemporary looks. Pick out a style that matches the rest of your bathroom design for a seamless integration into your home’s aesthetic.
4) Efficiency: Types of toilet flushing systems range from traditional gravity fed systems to high efficiency dual-flush models that use less water. Determine which type best suits your needs and budget.
5) STYLE: Look for models with features like slow-close lids or self-cleaning surfaces to make upkeep easier and reduce noise levels from slamming or clanging. Simple features like height adjustment may also be helpful if this is necessary due to limited mobility.
Measure your bathroom space
Before deciding on a toilet, it is important to accurately measure your bathroom space. An elongated toilet takes up more space than a round toilet due to the shape. Measuring the diameter and depth of the bowl is also essential since this will determine how comfortable it can be for sitting and standing.
If you find that you have limited space in your bathroom, opting for a round toilet may be better since it can fit into tight spaces when an elongated model may not. Additionally, if you only plan to use the space for one user, a round toilet can prove to be more comfortable since it offers less depth and wider seats.
Try out different toilet shapes
In some cases, trying out different toilet shapes can be the best way to determine which one you are most comfortable with. Elongated toilets have a larger bowl than their round counterparts. This allows for more space and can result in a more comfortable sitting position.
If you plan on adding an adjustable toilet seat to your bathroom, this may be the best option for a more comfortable setup. On the other hand, round toilets take up less space and could be an easier fit for your existing layout in the bathroom.
Be sure to measure your bathroom before you shop so that you select the right fit for your space!
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between round and elongated toilets, it becomes clear that one isn’t necessarily better than the other — it all depends on personal preference. Those who prefer traditional aesthetics should opt for a round toilet while those who prioritize comfort should choose an elongated toilet.
Additionally, keep in mind that pricing varies depending on material, design, and additional features. Do your research to find the right toilet to fit your needs and budget.
FAQ’s
How do I know if I need a round or elongated toilet?
It depends on your personal preference and the shape of your bathroom. Round toilets are more space-efficient, while elongated toilets offer more comfort.
Which shape of commode is comfortable?
This is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some people find round toilets more comfortable, while others prefer elongated toilets.
Which is more comfortable round or elongated toilet?
Elongated toilets are generally considered more comfortable because they offer more surface area for sitting and a larger opening.
Do elongated toilets take up more room?
Yes, elongated toilets are usually longer and take up more space than round toilets.
What are the advantages of an elongated toilet seat?
Elongated toilet seats offer more comfort and support than round toilet seats. They also provide more surface area for sitting and are easier to clean.
How do I choose a toilet shape?
Consider the size and shape of your bathroom, your personal preferences, and the features of different toilet shapes. Round toilets are more space-efficient, while elongated toilets offer more comfort.
Which type of commode is best?
The best type of commode depends on your personal preferences and the features you value most. One-piece toilets are easier to clean, while two-piece toilets are typically less expensive.
Can I replace round toilet with elongated?
Yes, you can replace a round toilet with an elongated toilet, but you may need to adjust the plumbing or make changes to the bathroom to accommodate the larger size.
How much more space does an elongated toilet take up?
Elongated toilets are typically 2-3 inches longer than round toilets, so they take up slightly more space.
Which is better one piece or two piece toilet?
One-piece toilets are easier to clean and maintain because they have no crevices or seams, but they are generally more expensive. Two-piece toilets are more affordable but may require more maintenance over time.
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