Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by acechapman
All toilets may not be created equal. Some toilets seem to have a longer length than others seem more comfortable than others, and need more space than others. However, toilets can be either elongated or round, with each type having its own benefits and drawbacks. This guide will explain everything you need to know about elongated vs round toilet designs.
Elongated vs Round Toilet Designs
Elongated toilet bowls are generally considered more comfortable and easier to use, as they provide more space and are often easier to sit on. They are also often considered more aesthetically pleasing, as they have a more modern and streamlined appearance. They are typically around 2 inches longer than round toilet bowls, which can make a noticeable difference in terms of comfort.
Round toilet bowls, on the other hand, are generally smaller and take up less space in the bathroom. They are often a good choice for small bathrooms or powder rooms where space is at a premium. They can also be a good choice for children’s bathrooms or other areas where a smaller toilet may be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the choice between an elongated and a round toilet bowl will depend on your personal preference and the specific needs of your bathroom. Both types of toilet bowls have their own set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
The most common toilet design in America is round and elongated. There are many types of toilets in Europe with different bowl shapes. These include:
- Toilet bowls with D-shaped shapes
- Square toilet bowls.
If you live in the United States, however, round or elongated toilets are the best options.
Round Toilets Pros And Cons
What makes round toilets better than elongated ones? Why should you choose to buy a round toilet instead of an elongated one? To help you make the correct decision, let’s look at the pros and cons of round toilets.
Pros
- Space efficient
- Easy to clean
- Children will find it more convenient
- It’s affordable
- More comfortable for some people
Cons
- It is not convenient for adults
- Old and traditional design
Elongated Toilets Pros And Cons
These pros and cons will help you decide whether or not to purchase an elongated toilet.
Pros
- It’s more convenient for adults
- Modern architecture
- There are many options to choose from
- It’s easy to keep clean
- Less prone to clogs
Cons
- It is not convenient for children
- Costly
- Requires large spaces and heavy
Overall, buying a toilet to fit your bathroom is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Before you commit your money to one toilet, it’s important that you consider all options. A toilet that is intended for children’s use may not be the same as one for adults or handicapped bathrooms.
There are also statutory requirements that toilets and washrooms must comply with for government agencies. There are many factors that will influence your choice to buy a long or a round toilet.
How to Measure Elongated and Round Toilets?
It is not difficult to determine if a toilet has an elongated or circular shape, but it is worth double-checking. This could be a great help if you need to replace a toilet seat. You won’t have to buy the wrong size.
When measuring the dimensions of a toilet, you must know three dimensions that are important. These dimensions are the bolt spread, width, and length. The most important dimension is however the length.
The bolt spread dimension in the United States is usually 5.5 inches. The bowl’s thickness determines the toilet bowl’s width. Measure your toilet bowl starting at the center to get the exact dimensions.
The distance between the center of the toilet seat holes (the middle) and the bowl’s front is called the length. First, remove the toilet seat. Place the tape measure’s edge in the middle of each hole. Next, stretch the tape measure toward the bowl’s front. The longest toilet bowls are usually oval-shaped with a length of around 18.5 inches. Round toilet bowls have a circular shape and a length of approximately 16.5 inches.
Comparison of Elongated And Round Toilets
Let’s now look at the differences between round and elongated toilets. This will help you to choose the best unit for your bathroom.
Requirements for Regulation
Before installing your toilet in a municipal space, there are certain regulations you must follow. The minimum distance between your toilet bowl and the front door of most public buildings is 21 inches. It must be at least 21 inches from the front door if it is an ADA-compliant toilet. The toilet bowl should also be at least 48 inches from the front wall. If you have a small bathroom, the round toilet is best.
Size
Elongated toilets are 2 inches shorter than round toilets. Round toilets measure 16.5 inches in length, while elongated toilets measure 18.5 inches. It is therefore impossible to replace an elongated toilet seat with a circular one. An elongated toilet, on the other hand, can be replaced by a round one. This is possible by ensuring that the rough-in measurements are identical. You can choose low-profile designs in terms of overall height.
Bathroom Space
For those with small bathrooms, round toilets work best. These toilets are great for children’s bathrooms. If your bathroom is large enough, you can opt for an elongated toilet.
Luckily, the current toilet manufacturers produce elongated toilets which take up less space than the traditional round toilets. The comfort and rough-in dimensions of these elongated toilets are the same as ever.
Cost
An elongated brand is more expensive than a round brand that has similar specifications and features. Price is not only determined by the toilet’s shape but also by many other factors. However, regardless of whether the toilet is round or elongated, plumbers usually charge the same amount for installation.
Traditional vs. Contemporary Designs
Elongated toilets may look modern, but round toilets can still be considered traditional. Elongated toilets tend to be more popular in newer homes. Round toilets are more prevalent in older homes. Most people agree that round toilets look better than oval toilets.
It’s easy to clean
Because of its length, an elongated toilet is easier to clean than a normal toilet. This is not a major factor, but it is worth considering.
Comfort
This is perhaps the most important turning point for many of our clients. A longer toilet is more comfortable than a standard round one. Because of its length and shape, it offers a large area that is convenient for many people. Children prefer round toilets over elongated ones, as they are less likely to fall into the large bowl.
Design Options
It is obvious that it will be difficult to find a round toilet. There are many options for elongated toilets on the market today, which is why there are so many.
Round vs Compact Elongated Toilets
Round toilet bowls are smaller and take up less space in the bathroom, making them a good choice for small bathrooms or powder rooms where space is at a premium. They are also often more affordable and easier to clean, as they have a smaller surface area.
Compact elongated toilet bowls are a type of toilet bowl that is similar in shape to an elongated bowl but is smaller and takes up less space. They are often a good choice for small bathrooms or powder rooms where an elongated bowl would be too large, but a round bowl would not be as comfortable.
Both round and compact elongated toilet bowls have their own set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and the specific needs of your bathroom. For example, if you have a small bathroom and space is a major concern, a round toilet bowl or a compact elongated toilet bowl may be the best choice for you. If comfort is your top priority, an elongated toilet bowl or a compact elongated toilet bowl may be the better choice.
Here are some examples of the most compact and long-lasting toilets available:
- Toto Eco Ultramax
- Saniflo Sanicompact
- Kohler Santa Rosa
- Toto entrada
- Swiss Madison St Tropez
Wrapping up
Hopefully, you learned something about the elongated vs round toilet comparison. Elongated toilets have been replacing round toilets as they are less popular. Old toilets that are round and old can be found in older homes and institutions. Compact, elongated toilets are an alternative to traditional round toilets. Wall-mounted, elongated toilets are also available. They look great and take up very little space in your bathroom.
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