With so many varieties of toilets available on the market, it can be difficult to choose which type of toilet is right for you. A round or elongated bowl, 1.28 vs 1.6 GPF, one-piece or two-piece toilets, the list goes on.
However, another important choice to consider is whether a Comfort height toilet or a Standard toilet is the right height toilet for your bathroom. Both are very popular choices and both have pros and cons. Hopefully after reading this Comfort height vs Standard height toilets article, you will be able to make a more informed decision on which size toilet will be best for your home.
What is the Difference Between Standard Toilets and Comfort Height Toilets?
A toilet seat height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. However, not all toilets are the same height. Most toilets measure anywhere from 15” up to 19”. Standard height toilets will measure less than 17”, where as a Comfort height toilet will measure 17” or more.
Let’s have a closer look at each type of toilet to see what they offer and to whom they may benefit.
Comfort Height Toilets
Comfort height toilets are a popular choice toilet for tall people. They are designed to make the toilet experience that little bit more comfortable for tall men and women, however it is not only tall people that can benefit from a comfort height toilet.
Although standard height toilets are fine for the average person, it may be a little small for the elderly and disabled. If the average Comfort height toilet measures 18” and the average standard toilet measures 15”, that is a 3” difference. An elderly person may struggle to stand up and sit down, so that extra 3” in height could make using the toilet a lot more comfortable.
Comfort height toilets are also ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. An ADA approved toilet must have a height of between 17” to 19” from floor to seat. ADA compliant toilets are suitable for not only the elderly but also the disabled. The extra height on a Comfort height toilet will make sitting, standing and transferring by wheelchair a lot easier.
There are a few different names given to Comfort height toilets. Although, Comfort height is one of the most common names, different toilet manufacturers use their own version. You may come across names such as: Chair height, Right height or Universal height. All are the same and will measure between 17” and 19” from floor to seat. You can even find a toilet that measures 21” from floor to seat, called the Convenient height toilet.
Pros and Cons of Comfort Height Toilets
- A suitable choice for tall adults, elderly and the disabled
- ADA compliant
- Similar in price to regular toilets
- Too high for children and uncomfortable for shorter adults
- For some, feet may not reach the ground which could lead to thigh pain and loss of circulation
- A taller toilet may make bowel movements a little more difficult
Standard Height Toilets
Standard height toilets are regular sized and are the most common toilets found in most homes, especially bathrooms with older models. On average, Standard height toilets will have a 15” toilet seat height. This height is fine for an average size person and also suitable for smaller adults and children.
Many short adults complain that when they sit on a Comfort height toilet, the toilet seat cuts into their thighs. Their legs are not supported by their feet on the ground, which leads to an uncomfortable toilet experience.
Children will also face this problem and will also find it difficult to balance on a tall toilet with their feet dangling over the edge. For kids and short people, a standard toilet is the more suitable choice.
Pros and Cons of a Standard Height Toilet
- Perfect for Children
- More Comfortable for Short People
- Shorter toilets will make bowel movements easier
- Not ideal for the disabled
- Makes using the toilet more difficult for the elderly
- Too short for tall people
Comfort Height vs Standard Height Toilet: Quick Comparison
Comfort Height
Standard Height
Measurements
16" to 18" (No Seat)
17" to 19" (With Seat)
14" to 15" (No Seat)
15" to 16" (With Seat)
Suitable For
Tall People, the Elderly and the Disabled
Average Height to Short People and Children
Price Difference
Similar Price
Similar Price
Pros
ADA Compliant
More Comfortable for Tall People, the Elderly and Disabled
Bowel movements easier
More Comfortable for Short People and Children
Cons
Not ideal for children
Will Make Bowel Movements Harder
Not Ideal for the Elderly and Disabled
Less Comfortable for tall people
What is the Best Height for a Toilet?
This question can only be answered by who will use the toilet. A Comfort height toilet is a convenient toilet for people that find using a regular toilet difficult or uncomfortable. If your household, has tall people, elderly or disabled people, then a Comfort height toilet will be the best choice.
However, if there are small children in the house, then maybe a Standard toilet will be a more suitable choice.
If there is a mixture of all in the house and you have two bathrooms, then a choice of a Comfort height and Standard height toilet in either bathroom, may be a good solution. This way everybody can use the bathroom without any issues.
How to Make a Standard Height Toilet Taller
If you have a standard toilet and unsure whether to change to a Comfort Height Toilet or not, then you could also try a toilet riser. There are several brands that make this inexpensive product that will add several inches to the toilet bowl height. Toilet seat risers will boost your toilet bowl height like a Comfort height, without the need to purchase and install a whole new toilet.
Conclusion to Standard Toilets vs Comfort Height Toilets
Comfort height toilets and Standard height toilets have their positives and negatives. Neither toilet is better than the other however on will be more suitable for certain people more than the other. The problem arises if there is a mixture of people in a household that may benefit from using one more than the other. If this is the case, then hopefully there is a choice of bathrooms to use so that there can be both standard and comfort height toilets available.
Hopefully, this Comfort height vs Standard height toilet article has helped you decide which toilet has the ideal height for your home.
