1: Measure for the Right Fit
It might seem that toilets are one-size-fits-all fixtures, but there are different sizes. You need to know your rough-in size to choose a toilet that fits. A 12-inch rough-in toilet is standard, but some models need more or less space, so make sure you don’t buy a toilet that won’t fit. Measure from the center of one of the floor mounting bolts to the wall behind the toilet, making sure to include the thickness of your baseboard.
2: Choose a Bowl Shape
3: Pick Two Pieces or One
Choose between a two-piece toilet or a one-piece toilet based on cost and style as well as ease of installation and repair. Two-piece toilets — with separate tank and bowl components — are the standard design. They’re often more economical and make do-it-yourself repairs easier. One-piece toilets have a sleek look, are easier to clean and require less assembly. Both types are available in similar ranges of sizes and features.
4: Save Water With Every Flush
Older toilets can use from 3 to 7 gallons of water per flush, but new toilets use 1.6 gallons or less. Upgrading to a WaterSense® labeled model gives you a toilet that meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for both efficiency and performance. A dual-flush toilet lets you choose between a full flush and a water-saving partial flush. See our guide to low-flow toilets for tips on choosing efficient flushing.
5: Focus on Comfort and Accessibility
Height impacts both comfort and usability. Standard-height toilets are common and are especially useful in a child’s bathroom. A chair-height toilet can be more comfortable for many adults and might make sitting down and standing up easier. There are tall and custom height options as well. For enhanced accessibility, look for toilets compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and add-ons like seat risers and safety rails.
6: Consider a Luxurious Clean
A bidet toilet enhances hygiene, reduces paper waste and adds comfort. Look for features like heated seats, adjustable front and back water nozzles and warm air dry. Nightlights, touchless flush and deodorizing features are also available. Features and options like chair height, a soft-close lid, dual flush capability and the WaterSense® label are available as well. Just remember, bidet functions require a suitable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power outlet nearby.
These tips get you started on your toilet purchase but read our toilet guide for full details on types, sizes, features and more. Once you find the perfect model, learn how to install a toilet yourself with our how-to project. Note that not all toilets include seats, but our toilet seat guide helps you find the right fit.
Key Toilet Takeaways
Think about toilet design and features to find one you’ll appreciate for years to come. Remember:
- You need the right rough-in size.
- A round bowl saves space; an elongated bowl adds comfort.
- A one-piece toilet is easier to clean, a two-piece model is easier to repair.
- Dual-flush and WaterSense® labeled toilets save water with every use.
- The right toilet height improves comfort and usability.
- A bidet toilet gives you the ultimate in comfort and hygiene.
Shop toilets on Lowes.com by size, height, bowl shape and more to get the perfect model. Plus, find out how Lowe’s can install your new toilet. Or go to your local Lowe’s and find the perfect balance of style, comfort and features. Talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate for shopping tips and to discuss installation options for your new toilet.
FAQ for Choosing a Toilet
Use the answers to these common toilet questions to choose the best option for your family.
How Tall Is a Toilet?
Standard-height toilets usually range from 14-1/2 inches to 16 inches from the top of the bowl to the floor. Chair-height or comfort-height toilets typically measure between 16 inches and 19 inches. ADA-compliant toilets have bowl heights between 17 inches and 19 inches.
How Long Is a Toilet?
Round toilets typically have bowls 16-1/2 inches in length, measured from the seat bolts to the front of the rim. Elongated toilet bowls measure around 18-1/2 inches in length. Rough-in size measures the distance from the floor-mounting bolts to the wall behind the toilet. A 12-inch rough-in size is the most common, but you can find other options as well, including 10-inch and 14-inch sizes.
How Do I Choose a Toilet?
First, measure your existing toilet from the center of the floor-mounting bolts to the wall behind the toilet to ensure you get the right rough-in size. Choose a round toilet if space is limited or an elongated toilet for more comfort. Chair-height toilets are taller than standard-height toilets, so choose a height that maximizes comfort and accessibility. Finally consider features like water-saving flushes and bidet functionality.