Bathroom renovations have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more homeowners looking to transform a dated, uninspiring space into a modern, stylish, and functional one. Whether you’re considering a minor facelift or a complete overhaul, understanding the different bath fixtures is crucial to achieving the bathroom of your dreams.
When it comes to bathroom fixtures, toilets are a crucial element that impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. Selecting the right model for your bathroom renovation involves considering several important factors to ensure that it meets your needs, fits well within the design, and functions efficiently.
Type of Toilet
From two-piece models to single, seamless units, there are several types of toilets for sale to consider for your bath remodel. Choosing the right type of bathroom toilet should fit your bath’s design but also meet your practical needs for comfort, efficiency, and durability.
In-Wall
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In-wall toilets, also known as wall-hung, are an excellent choice for contemporary bathrooms due to their sleek and compact appearance. They have two main parts, the bowl and the concealed tank. Unlike traditional models, the tank is hidden within the wall, leaving only the bowl visible. Since the tank is hidden, this type of bath toilet is perfect for smaller spaces where every inch counts.
Next, in-wall models are known for their minimalist look. With only the bowl visible and the plumbing concealed, they offer a cleaner, more streamlined appearance that can be a major aesthetic enhancement in modern bathroom designs. Furthermore, their streamlined design simplifies the process of maintaining cleanliness. Without a tank on the floor, cleaning around a wall-mounted toilet is easier.
On the downside, installing an in-wall option is more complex than a traditional one, often requiring additional support structures and modifications to the wall. Also, repairs or maintenance may be more challenging.
Wall-Mounted
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With the bowl elevated off the floor, wall-mounted toilets create the illusion of floating above the floor, lending a contemporary and minimalist appeal to any bathroom space. They are the perfect choice for luxurious bathrooms, boasting sleek and minimalist lines that can optimise the space and make it look bigger.
One of the unique features of wall-mounted models is their ability to be installed at a height that suits the user, allowing for customisation based on user preference. Also, in general, wall-mounted options are equipped with soft closing seats and crafted from top-notch materials to ensure durability.
Back-to-Wall
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With these models, the bowl is positioned directly against the bathroom wall while the water tank is hidden within the wall or a furniture unit. This design creates a seamless and modern look, that suits modern and minimalist bathrooms.
In addition to aesthetics, back-to-wall toilets save valuable floor space in the bathroom. This makes them an excellent choice for smaller ensuites and cloakrooms or for those looking to maximise space efficiency in larger bathrooms. Also, since there are no visible pipes or crevices where dust and grime can accumulate, these offer improved hygiene and ease of maintenance.
However, when selecting a back-to-wall model, make sure to check if the hidden cistern is included or if you need to purchase it separately. Some options even come with a unit included for your convenience. Also, due to their design and the additional materials needed for installation, these models tend to be more expensive than traditional ones. The need for in-wall water tanks and potentially extra plumbing work can increase the overall cost of your bathroom renovation project.
Water Efficiency
Bath renovation is an excellent opportunity to update your fixtures and improve your home’s water efficiency. This said, look for toilets with a high WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) rating to ensure you’re conserving water without sacrificing performance. The more stars, the more efficient the toilet is.
Also, most modern toilets often come with dual-flush systems, offering two flush options, a full flush for solid waste (typically 4-6 litres) and a half flush for liquid waste (around 3 litres or less). Compared to older, single-flush options that can use up to 12 litres per flush, these are highly efficient solutions that can conserve water, reduce your environmental impact, and lower your bills.
Performance
While saving water is important, the toilet must still perform well and effectively remove waste. One way to determine if a highly efficient model will flush well before it’s installed is to check its MaP rating. Bathroom toilets with high MaP (Maximum Performance) scores indicate how well they flush while using minimal water.
Many manufacturers voluntarily submit their toilets to be tested to earn the MaP certification. By selecting products that are tested according to MaP, or Maximum Performance, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ve updated your bathroom with the most rigorously tested solutions on the market.
Before making a toilet purchase, compare different models and brands to find a toilet that fits your specific needs. Powerful flushing can be beneficial for larger households while water-saving features may be more preferred for environmentally conscious consumers.