When you think about toilets (if you think about toilets), you probably consider them more for their function and less for their form. Let’s face it – when you’re in the process of remodeling your “throne room”, you’re likely thinking about what kind of tub and shower will provide you with the most relaxation, which countertop for your vanity will hold up the best and look most attractive, and what kind of tiles or flooring you will use to accent your beautiful new remodel. But when it comes to where you’ll do your business, you might be thinking that any toilet will do. In today’s market, however, there’s more than just your grandmum’s toilet available. To truly find your perfect “throne”, you’ll want to take a few factors into consideration.
Cost: A throne worthy of royalty probably costs a lot of money, right? Actually, you’re probably going to find that your toilet is one of the less-expensive items on your remodel list. You’re likely going to spend around $150-$200 for a good, brand name standard toilet. Costs begin to go up for elongated bowls, wall-mounted toilets and comfort height commodes.
Bowl: Bowls come in two shapes – round and elongated. Round bowls are standard. Elongated bowls offer a bigger seat, so they’re considered more comfortable by some. Elongated seats take up more room, so they might not be a great option if your bathroom is small.
Build: Toilets generally come in three basic builds – one-piece, two-piece or wall mounted. They all have their advantages. One-piece thrones have a more elegant look and are easy to clean, because there are fewer nooks and crannies to get into. Two-piece toilets are the most common, and the least expensive. Wall-mounted toilets are generally the most expensive and are not very common, but they are the easiest to keep clean.
Flush: Today’s toilets are built to be more water efficient, but that has also meant that sometimes to get the job done, you’ll have to flush a couple of times. Luckily, improvements have been made in low-flush technology, and some toilets now come with a dual-flush option that provides a big flush and partial flush, making water economy much easier.
Height: When it comes time to replace your toilet, you’ll probably hear “comfort height” often. What on Earth is a comfort height toilet? Actually, a comfort height toilet is simply one that meets American Disability Act standards of 17 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, which is a couple of inches taller that the standard commode. A comfort height toilet is a great choice for anyone suffering with joint or hip issues, and it’s always a good idea to think ahead – you might not need a taller toilet in your 30s, but might appreciate your own forethought as you age.
When it comes time to remodel your bathroom, don’t play the game of thrones by yourself – let the team at Fahy Kitchens & Baths be your knights in shining armor. We can help you design a throne room fit for royalty! Please feel free to contact us at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens & Baths is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.