Renovating your bathroom or building a new home involves countless decisions, and one of the most crucial is selecting the perfect toilet suite. While not necessarily an exciting element of your bathroom, it's a fixture you'll use every day, so functionality, comfort, and style are all paramount.This toilet suite buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your space and needs.
Understanding the Basics: Types of Toilet Suites
Before diving into specific features, it's essential to understand the different types of toilet suites available. Each offers unique benefits depending on your bathroom layout and preferences:
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Close-Coupled Toilet Suites: This is where the cistern is directly coupled to the bowl, creating a neat and integrated look. Depending on the unit, they can be easier to install and are often more affordable.This has been the most popular in the past but now Back-to-Wall Toilet Suites are taking off.
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Back-to-Wall Toilet Suites: These are now the most popular type of toilet. The pan sits flush with the wall making it easier to clean than close coupled toilets and, having the pan concealed, makes for more flexibility with plumbing so these toilets are great when replacing an old toilet to create a more modern look.
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Inwall Toilet Suites: These suites have the cistern concealed within the wall cavity or a furniture unit, resulting in a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and easier cleaning. Installation can be more complex and may require additional plumbing work. The overall look is very premium and high-end.
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Wall-Hung Toilet Suites: Offering a modern and space-saving solution, wall-hung toilets are mounted to the wall with the cistern concealed. They create an illusion of more floor space, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. However, they require a sturdy wall frame for support and can be more expensive to install.
Key Considerations - Functionality and Features
Beyond the style, several functional aspects should influence your toilet suite selection:
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Water Efficiency: In an increasingly water-conscious world, choosing a water-efficient toilet suite is crucial. Bathware Direct only sells Australian approved models which include WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) ratings.
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Flushing Mechanism: Different flushing mechanisms impact efficiency and noise levels. Gravity-fed systems are common and reliable, while pressure-assisted systems offer a more powerful flush, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
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Trap Type: The trap is the S-shaped or P-shaped pipe that connects the toilet bowl to the drainpipe. S-traps are used for floor outlets, while P-traps are for wall outlets. Ensure the type of the toilet suite matches your existing plumbing. P Trap measurements are usually standard (180mm from the floor to the centre of the pipe) but S Trap measurements can vary by a lot so make sure you measure from the wall to the centre of where the pipe needs to go to make sure you have the correct size (this is called the ‘set out’)
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Seat and Lid: Consider the material and features of the toilet seat and lid. Soft-close seats prevent slamming and reduce noise. Quick-release hinges make cleaning easier. Some models even offer heated seats or bidet functions.
Finding the Right Size
Bathroom size is a significant factor in choosing a toilet suite. If you have a smaller bathroom, exploring compact toilet suites for small bathrooms is essential. These models often have a shorter projection (the distance from the wall to the front of the bowl) to maximise available space. Wall-hung and back-to-wall options can also contribute to a more spacious feel in compact bathrooms. Always measure your available space carefully before making a purchase. As they say “measure twice, install toilet once”. (Maybe it’s just us who says that?).
Style and Aesthetics
While functionality is key, the toilet suite should also complement the overall style of your bathroom. Consider the shape of the bowl (round or elongated), the design of the cistern (if visible), and the finish. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look, Bathware Direct offers a wide range of styles to suit every taste.
Installation and Plumbing
Always used a licensed plumber. Your warranty will be voided if you choose to install a toilet without using a licensed plumber.
Budget Considerations
Toilet suites are available at various price points. Determine your budget beforehand and explore the options within that range. Remember that investing in a higher-quality, water-efficient model can save you money in the long run. Take advantage of our sales team, who can help you find a selection to consider that suits your budget.
Making the Right Choice with Bathware Direct
Choosing the right toilet suite doesn't have to be daunting. By understanding the different types, considering the key functional features, accounting for your bathroom size, and aligning the style with your overall design, you can confidently select the perfect fit. At Bathware Direct, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality toilet suites to meet every need and budget.
Explore our range today and flush away your bathroom renovation worries! (Sorry, we just had to make that joke!).