When it comes to toilets, there are three main types of heights that you can choose from: chair height, comfort height, and standard height.
Each type offers different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision.
This article will discuss each type in detail to help you decide which is right for your bathroom.
Chair Height Toilets
Chair-height toilets are the shortest of the three types and are typically about 15-17 inches from the floor.
This type is ideal for those who have mobility issues or are looking for a more wheelchair or elderly-friendly toilet.
These toilets also provide users with a greater sense of control due to their lower heights, making them easier to use and clean.
The downside of this type is that it can be uncomfortable for taller individuals, as they may find themselves having to squat in order to reach the bowl comfortably.
Comfort Height Toilets
Comfort height toilets stand 17-19 inches off the ground and offer improved accessibility over standard height models.
They are designed to make sitting and standing easier for those with mobility issues, but they can also be more comfortable for taller individuals. The downside of this type is that it may be too high for small children or those who are short in stature.
Standard Height Toilets
Standard-height toilets are the tallest of the three types and stand 14-16 inches from the floor. They do not offer any additional benefits in terms of accessibility but can be a better choice for taller users as they provide more room between their legs and the bowl.
Additionally, these toilets are generally cheaper than chair or comfort height models. On the other hand, shorter users may find them uncomfortable to use.
Chair Height vs Comfort Height
The main difference between chair height and comfort height of toilets in their respective measurements.
Chair-height toilets measure 15 inches from the floor to the top of the bowl, while comfort-height toilets measure 17 to 19 inches high.
This extra 2 to 4 inches in a comfort-height toilet can make a big difference in terms of user experience.
For instance, if you’re tall or have restricted mobility, you may find it difficult to sit down or stand up from a traditional chair-height toilet seat.
With a comfort-height toilet, however, this issue should be eliminated as it offers more room for your legs and feet when seated on it.
Additionally, many people find that they’re able to better balance themselves on a higher toilet seat than on a lower seat due to less effort being required when transitioning from sitting to standing.
Pros & Cons
Both chair-height and comfort-height toilets offer advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences.
Chair-height models tend to be easier to install because they require less clearance space underneath them than comfort-height models do.
Additionally, because they are shorter in stature, these models can also provide more legroom when used with smaller bathrooms as well as greater stability when compared with taller models—making them ideal for children’s bathrooms or any other area where stability is paramount.
On the downside, these models may not be as comfortable for taller individuals who will likely find themselves having difficulty both sitting down and standing up from these models due to their low profile design.
Conversely, while comfort-height models do require more clearance space underneath them during installation, many people find that their higher profile makes them much easier to use due to the increased amount of legroom provided by their design—especially for those with limited mobility who have difficulty getting up from lower seats or those over 6′ tall who need additional room beneath them when seated on the toilet bowl itself.
However, some people may consider these models too tall for small bathrooms where legroom could be an issue or even potentially dangerous if someone were prone to slipping off these higher seats due to instability issues associated with their increased size/weight ratio caused by their larger profile design relative to chair-height models.
The water consumption rate also varies depending on whether you choose either type; chair heights use 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) while comfort heights generally use 1.28 GPF—saving 20% more water!
Designs & Features
Nowadays, there are many different designs and features available for both types of toilets that can enhance your bathroom experience even further—such as dual flush capabilities, hands-free flushing systems, or adjustable seats!
Some models even come with built-in bidets, heated seats, and air dryers so you can customize your bathroom experience just how you like it!
There’s something out there for everyone regardless of their budget and needs so take some time browsing through all your options before making a final decision on which one would best suit your home’s decor style as well as your lifestyle needs!
Chair Height vs Standard Height
Chair height toilets are taller than standard height toilets, typically measuring 17” from the floor to the bowl rim, compared to a standard 15”.
This extra 2” makes it easier for people with mobility issues or limited range of motion to sit down and stand up from their toilet without having to strain or over-exert themselves.
It also gives them more stability when they are seated, as they have less distance to reach down in order to stand up again.
In addition, chair-height toilets are designed with comfort in mind.
Their shape is wider and curved, providing more support and stability than standard-height toilets.
These features make it easier for those with physical disabilities or limited mobility to use the toilet without assistance.
The other type of toilet is the standard height toilet which measures 15” from the floor to the bowl rim.
This type of toilet is designed for users who don’t need extra support or stability and can easily move in and out of the seat without assistance.
However, even if you don’t have any physical limitations, a standard-height toilet can still be beneficial as it takes up less space in your bathroom due to its lower profile design.
Standard Height VS Comfort Height Toilet
The followings are the list of differences between a Standard Height Toilet and a Comfort Height Toilet.
Standard Height
- Lower than the average height of 17 inches
- Generally designed for children and people with short stature
- Most common type of toilet installed in homes
- Designed with a bowl that has an increased water area over traditional models
Comfort Height
- Higher than the average height at 17 to 19 inches
- Designed for tall individuals and those who have difficulty standing up from a lower sitting position due to age or physical disability
- It requires less effort to sit down and stand up, making it possible for seniors, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, etc. to use the toilet with more comfort.
- Usually has a smaller water area as compared to standard height toilets.
- May require the use of a seat cushion or raised toilet seat for more comfort.
In general, Standard Height Toilets are more economical while Comfort Height Toilets provide greater accessibility and comfort for taller individuals or people with special needs. Ultimately it is important to find the type of toilet that best meets your requirements in terms of functionality, design, and price.
Chair Height vs Standard Height vs Comfort Height
The average standard height toilet typically ranges between 15”-17” from the ground to the top of the seat. This is the most common type of toilet in residential homes. It may be helpful for those who have difficulty getting up or sitting down due to age or certain physical limitations.
Standard height toilets are great because they offer a more comfortable seating position while still providing adequate clearance underneath for cleaning purposes. It also makes it easier for children and people with short legs to use them without having to climb onto the seat. Standard-height toilets also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles that can match any bathroom design aesthetic.
Comfort height toilets typically range between 17”-19” from floor to seat level. These types of toilets are becoming increasingly popular due to their higher seating position that makes it easier for adults and seniors to sit down and stand up without having to strain themselves as much as with standard-height toilets.
This type of toilet also offers greater clearance under the bowl which allows for easier cleaning access. However, comfort-height toilets may not be ideal for small bathrooms or children as they require extra legroom in order for users to comfortably fit on them.
What are the differences between installing toilets with different heights?
That differs by toilet type and is based on the range of heights that the model supports.
Floor-mounted toilets, wall-hung toilets, and bidet combinations may have different recommended heights and installation specifications.
Generally speaking, floor-mounted toilets are installed at 15” to 17” from the finished floor to the top of the seat, while wall-mounted units usually require a height between 17” to 19”.
Bidet combinations, which combine a toilet with a sink or washing station, can be higher than standard installations, usually between 20-22 inches in height.
For accessible bathrooms where wheelchair users need access to fixtures with ease, it is generally recommended that toilet bowls should be installed at least 18” off of the finished floor.
It is important to ensure that you read the installation manual for your toilet model before beginning the installation process.
This will give you specific instructions on what type of height and range of sizes are suitable for your product, ensuring that your finished installation is safe and comfortable.
Does Toilet Height Ease Constipation?
Constipation is a common digestive issue, and it can be uncomfortable or even painful. Toilet height may have an effect on constipation in some cases.
Generally speaking, sitting at a lower angle can help ease constipation because it helps the anus relax more than when seated at a higher angle.
Lower toilet heights increase the angle between your thighs and stomach area, which allows for easier evacuation of waste by promoting relaxation of the rectal muscles.
Moreover, squatting while using the toilet may also help alleviate constipation symptoms since this body position encourages better colonic transit time as well as improved pelvic floor muscle coordination.
Squatting has been found to reduce straining during bowel movements by helping gravity do more of the work for you rather than relying solely on your abdominal muscles.
Although toilet height may offer some benefits for constipation, there are other aspects of the toilet environment that can have a greater impact.
It’s important to make sure your bathroom is a comfortable environment and free from distractions.
Reading material and playing music while using the restroom can help relax the body and reduce stress, which in turn can also help improve constipation symptoms.
Additionally, drinking enough fluids and eating high-fiber foods are key components to managing constipation as well.
Comparison Chart
| Chair height | Standard height | |
| Toilet Height | Seatless: 16 – 18 inches; seated: 17 – 19 inches | Seatless, 14 or 15 inches; seated, 17 to 19 inches |
| Other Names | Chair heights, ADA compliant heights, universal heights (Toto); right heights (American Standards) | Regular height |
| Advantages | Toilets that comply with ADA standards are easily accessible to elderly, disabled, and tall people | A more natural position is shown; prevents constipation for kids and shorter individuals |
| Disadvantages | Dangling feet can affect blood circulation; may result in constipation in short adults and children | Inconvenient for tall and elderly people to stand up from it |
| Price | The price is a bit lower than those of other models from the same company | Costs more than similar toilets |
| Ideal for | Individuals over four feet tall, the elderly, and those with disabilities; all building, office, and semi-public restrooms | Guests rooms and common bathrooms that are occupied by different heights of people, including short adults and kids |
Conclusion
Choosing a new toilet can be overwhelming with all the different shapes, sizes and heights available on the market today – but don’t worry! By understanding the different types of heights available (chair height vs standard vs comfort) you can make an educated decision about which one will work best for your home’s needs and style preference. So don’t stress over which one looks better – all three look great! All that’s left now is finding a model that fits both your budget and bathroom design aesthetic!
