Many homeowners often hesitate to replace their toilets due to the cumbersome installation and removal process, along with the complexity of accurately measuring dimensions, which can lead to additional shipping costs if not done correctly. Therefore, it is crucial to consult relevant measurement guides and implement accurate measurements before purchasing a new toilet. In this article, Giving Tree Home will briefly introduce standard toilet dimensions and measurement methods. Let’s get started!
Standard Toilet Dimensions
When installing a toilet, the most important dimension is the rough-in size, which is the distance from the toilet's anchor bolts (drain location) to the back wall. The standard rough-in size is 12 inches, which is suitable for almost all American households and is the standard size for all toilets from Giving Tree Home. However, for some older homes, the rough-in size may be 10 inches or 14 inches. If your toilet has a rough-in size of 14 inches, it may not fit snugly against the wall, but it can still function properly. On the other hand, a 10-inch rough-in means you cannot install a toilet with a larger rough-in size without modifying the plumbing, which can be quite cumbersome.
In addition to the rough-in size, other important dimensions include the toilet's width and depth. The width typically ranges from 14 to 16 inches, and it is recommended to leave at least 15 inches of space on one side of the toilet to ensure comfort and convenience. The depth usually ranges from 24 to 30 inches, and the shape of the bowl may vary. If the aisle space allows, consider an elongated toilet, which is 2 to 3 inches longer than a round bowl, providing a more comfortable seating experience.
Measuring the Entire Toilet Dimensions
Step 1: Gather Tools
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pen and chalk
- Paper or notebook
Step 2: Height Measurement
When measuring the height of the toilet, two aspects are primarily considered: overall height and seat height. The measuring method is straightforward; simply pull the tape measure from the floor to the top of the toilet. However, the focus is on the seat height, as this directly affects seating posture during use. When measuring, ensure the seat lid is down.
When choosing a toilet seat height, you can refer to standard height or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) height. Standard seat heights typically range from 15 to 17 inches, suitable for most households. For homes with elderly or disabled individuals, it is advisable to consider ADA seat height, which usually ranges from 17 to 19 inches. This higher height can reduce the knee bend angle to less than 90°, decreasing pressure on the knees and lowering the risk of injury. Additionally, higher seats make it easier for users to get up.
Step 3: Space Measurement
In this step, the dimensions to measure include the toilet's width, depth, and surrounding space. The width measures the distance between the endpoints of the bowl on either side, determining the seating area. Depth measures the distance from the tank to the front edge of the bowl, and together, these dimensions determine the toilet's footprint.
Once the footprint is resolved, focus on the surrounding space. Ensure that after the toilet is installed, there is at least 15 inches of space on both sides of the toilet center. Additionally, there should be approximately 24 inches from the front of the toilet bowl to the aisle to ensure comfort and convenience during use.
Step 4: Rough-In Size Measurement
The rough-in size is closely related to the toilet installation, and since toilets with different depths may have varying drain locations, it is advisable to measure after removing the old toilet. The specific measurement method is to measure the distance from the center of the drain to the back wall.
If your toilet is still in good condition and you prefer not to remove it temporarily, it is suggested to measure 1/3 out from the wall side of the toilet rather than measuring from the center of the base to obtain a more accurate rough-in size.
Ending
Accurately measuring the dimensions of the entire toilet is crucial for selecting and subsequently using it, making this process meticulous and careful checks necessary to avoid any errors. Once you complete your measurements and consider purchasing a new toilet, we recommend choosing Giving Tree Home. We offer a variety of standard-sized toilets, including one-piece and smart toilets, providing a wider range of style options compared to other brands. Click the link below to start shopping!
| ⬅Smart Toilets | One-Piece Toilets➡ |
