There are several benefits to choosing a one piece toilet, and a two-piece toilet has its own set of advantages. One is not necessarily better than the other because it is influenced by a number of variables. However, hopefully, this post will assist you in making an educated decision.
In general, I recommend a one piece toilet to anyone who wants a modern, stylish and low maintenance toilet. I recommend a two piece toilet to anyone that is looking for a more budget friendly option. Whether you like the look of a one piece or a two piece toilet is a personal decision and for sure you can find fabulous looking toilets in each design.
Both toilets have their advantages, and I will outline the differences below.
One Piece Toilets Are More Expensive
From my experience, it is rare to see a one piece model that is cheaper than a similar style two piece toilet. On average, a one piece unit will be $100 to $200 more expensive than a two piece.
This price difference is across the board, so if you really like the look of one piece toilets, then you have to pay that little bit extra.
It is worth remembering, a toilet is a long term investment that will last for several years, so it is important that you choose one that you really like. You will visit this toilet multiple times a day, so it is important to choose the right one for you and your bathroom.
Two Piece Toilets Are Easier To Install
This statement is debatable and depends what you rank as easier. Why I believe a two piece toilet is easier to install compared to a one piece is because it comes in two parts.
A one piece arrives as a single unit, making it quite heavy. In fact, most one piece toilets weigh over 100 lbs. When you have to lift this weight into place, it can take some effort and could injure your back.
On the other hand, some people may find a one piece toilet easier to install because there are less parts. A two piece toilet may be lighter to lift into place, however it does have a separate tank and bowl to install.
Two Piece Toilets Are More Prone to Leaking
Well it makes sense that a two piece toilet will have a greater chance of leaking compared to a one piece. A one piece toilet does not have a gap between the toilet tank and bowl, therefore is far less likely to leak.
However, modern two piece toilets are far more advanced now, compared to the two piece toilets of old.
One Piece Toilets Are More Modern
Choosing a new toilet for your bathroom is a personal decision. There are many shapes, colors, sizes and designs to choose from, and a one piece or two piece is one of these choices. Personally, I prefer a one piece toilet.
I find single piece toilets to be a lot more modern and stylish looking. I think a one piece toilet will compliment a modern bathroom well and will give it a more contemporary feel.
That being said, I have found many attractive two piece models that are very stylish and will look great in any bathroom.
One Piece Toilets Are More Compact
This may be the case for some one piece toilets. Many two piece units have bulkier tanks and are just not as neat and compact as the modern one piece.
Many modern one piece toilets have a sleek design with a narrow toilet tank.
One Piece Toilets Are Easier To Clean
There is no denying this one. The more nooks and crannies an area has, the more chance of bacteria growing on it. The gap between the tank and toilet bowl of a two piece toilet is a haven for bacterial growth, dirt and grime.
Sure, this can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance, however this means a two piece will need extra cleaning.
On the other hand, a single piece toilet does not have this gap between the toilet tank and bowl, meaning less bacteria will grow there. A wipe with a damp cloth every now and again should keep this area looking as good as new for a long time.
In my opinion, a sleek, compact one piece toilet will be a lot easier to keep clean and maintain.
One Piece Toilet: Pros & Cons
- Modern & Stylish
- Smaller Footprint
- Easier To Clean
- Less Likely To Leak
- Heavy To Install
- More Expensive
Two Piece Toilet: Pros & Cons
- Less Expensive
- Lighter To Install
- More Prone To Leaks
- Will Need Extra Cleaning
- Usually Bulkier
So Which One Will Suit Your Bathroom?
If you are still unsure if a one piece or two piece toilet will suit your bathroom better, then maybe you should decide by these criteria:
- Price – If you are on a budget then you can still get a great looking two piece toilet for $100 to $200 cheaper.
- Size – If you have a small bathroom, then a one piece toilet will be more compact and will have a smaller footprint.
- Style – Depending on your bathroom’s decor, a one piece toilet will look more modern and give your bathroom a more up to date, contemporary feel.
- Convenience – If you want less toilet maintenance and cleaning, then a sleek skirted, one piece toilet will be a lot more convenient for you.
Size and Weight Difference
One-piece and two-piece toilets are available in a variety of sizes and can be bought from the same manufacturer. Kohler, TOTO and American Champion all have a choice of one and two piece toilet models. Due to their more space efficient toilet design, most single piece toilets take up somewhat less space than two piece toilets.
The tank and bowl are molded together as one, which saves space both in length and height.
However, the majority of one piece toilets are made to accommodate certain height requirements, which means that the toilet bowl sits at 17″ rather than 15″.
Two piece toilets come in both standard and comfort height sizes and will fit various bathroom designs.
One piece toilets are a lot heavier because the whole toilet is a single piece. Because a two-piece may be separated into two pieces, it is a lot easier to lift and install.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to ease of installation, the two toilets are quite comparable. A two piece toilet is easier to lift, move and handle, but it will need bolting together.
Single piece toilets are more difficult to transport but do not require any assembly.
Both toilets are installed the same way and are both bolted to the floor. The only difference is that the one piece toilet has to be lifted straight up and slid into place. So if you are going to install the toilet by yourself, make sure you are able to lift the whole unit.
Whichever one you choose, always keep in mind the size of your bathroom and how much space you have to spare. Remember that even though two piece toilets are cheaper, a sleek skirted one piece toilet will look more stylish and modern in almost any bathroom.
Cost
Two piece toilets are generally less expensive than one piece toilets. This is due to materials required in production and ease of assembly during manufacturing. The lower price makes two piece toilets appealing to customers who want to buy a new toilet but are not willing to spend upwards of $400.
Flushing Power and Performance
The majority of modern toilets have a wide variety of different flushing technology, and have the same features. Both one and two piece units are also available in water efficient versions, and have a powerful flush.
Materials and Maintenance
The material used is an important factor in determining the weights and prices of toilets. The toilet is almost always made out of vitreous china, and glazed to give it a glossy look.
When it comes to cleaning this glossy toilet there is only one winner. The one piece toilet is far easier to maintain. The one piece toilet design not only has a sleek look but it also means that cleaning is quick and easy because you can simply wipe down the whole toilet with a damp cloth.
The two piece toilet does not have this advantage, because it has crevices between the tank and bowl that are difficult to reach. Germs and bacteria can build up in these crevices which can cause toilet odors and unsightly stains.
Cleaning a two-piece is also more time consuming as you may have to use a toothbrush to reach these crevices, whereas one piece designs make it easy to reach around the whole toilet with a cloth or sponge.
One Piece vs Two Piece Toilets: The Verdict
While two piece toilets are generally cheaper and are often easier to install, compared to a sleek modern one piece toilet, some people find they look outdated .
With skirted designs being so popular now, it is debatable which toilet types give you the best look.
The one piece toilet wins in this battle because older two piece toilets are often bulkier than their one piece counterparts, meaning they ultimately take up more space.
So when deciding between one piece and two piece toilets for your bathroom, the difference in price may still very well make a two piece toilet your best option.
But make sure you choose a modern skirted design to get a sleek look that will stand the test of time.
Overall, there are plenty of great looking one and two piece toilets available to choose from. For me, I would choose a one piece, however I do believe many two piece models are very popular.
If you are thinking of replacing your old toilet, I hope this one piece vs two piece toilet comparison guide helped you decide the right toilet for you.
