The New Buyer's Guide to Picking the Perfect Toilet

Description

When it comes to upgrading your bathroom, it’s very easy to focus on those high-profile items: the whirlpool bath, the wash basin, the shower, and so on. But there’s one thing in your bathroom which you may not consider upgrading very often – despite using it every single day – and that’s your toilet. Whether you’ve already decided that a new loo is for you, or you haven’t yet considered what an upgraded toilet could offer, today’s guide will be right up your alley.

With this perspective in mind, let’s discover what you should look for when picking out a new toilet.

The (surprisingly varied) types of toilet

Did you know that not all toilets are created equal? It’s true; and while it’s easy to assume that one loo is the same as another, there is actually quite a lot of variety in their design. There are two core designs which you’ll find most commonly:

• The close-coupled toilet is the toilet design you’ll see most frequently in the UK. In this setup, both the cistern and the toilet bowl are closely connected, with the former standing behind the latter. While common, close-couple toilets do project quite far into the bathroom due to the required location of the cistern.
  
• The back-to-wall toilet is similar to the close-coupled, but with the added benefit of the cistern being concealed from view. With this setup, the toilet bowl can sit flush (pun intended) to the wall, lending even more space to the bathroom itself. For many people, the back-to-wall is also a more aesthetically pleasing option – but that’s really up to you.

Most of the toilets you’ll find will be either close-coupled or back-to-wall, but there are other options too, including wall-hung, low-level, short projection, and more. Before picking your perfect toilet, be sure you know exactly which type you’re buying and decide if it’s suitable for your bathroom.

What to consider before installing your new toilet

Now that you’re something of an expert on toilet shapes and designs, it’s time to consider the installation of your new toilet. This is perhaps the most important aspect of the buying process, because it’ll give you the details you need to make an informed purchase and ensure your new toilet is a perfect fit. Here’s what to consider when browsing new toilets:

• Dimensions. It’s one thing to fall in love with a certain design of toilet, but it’s all for naught if it won’t fit in your bathroom. That’s why you should always measure the precise horizontal and vertical space you have in your bathroom to ensure the toilet you choose fits perfectly. 
• Existing plumbing. Of course, one of the main functions of a toilet is to eliminate waste, and to do that it needs plumbing connections. If this isn’t something you’re sure about, it’s definitely worth consulting with a plumber or other professional who’ll be able to advise you exactly which connections you’ll need to keep in mind.
  
• The logistics of installation. Toilets aren’t just bulky – they’re heavy, too. For that reason, it’s important to plan the installation of your new toilet carefully. Consider how you’ll get the new unit to the bathroom, as well as to manage briefly without your bathroom. Generally, installation of a new toilet will take 2-3 hours, but it depends on experience and expertise.

Thinking about aesthetics 

Now that you’re familiar with the technical aspects of installing a new loo in your bathroom, let’s take a moment to consider the more aesthetic side of the process. After all, regardless of function, the visuals of your bathroom play a big role in the experience – so you want them to be right and to suit your tastes. It’s important to remember that toilets often come as part of a collection, or suite, so in many cases it’s a matter of picking the loo which matches the set. For example, we stock the Amryis Collection from Moods, which offers not just back-to-wall or close-coupled toilets, but also a selection of wash basins. If you’re looking for consistent aesthetics (and who isn't?), it’s a good idea to match your toilet with your existing suite.

We hope you now feel more prepared to make a smarter buying decision for your next toilet. If you’d like to put your new-found knowledge to the test, you can explore our full range of toilets now. Or, if you still have questions about buying a new toilet, contact us today.