Elongated vs. Round Toilet – Comparison, Pros, and Cons

To any bathroom design, toilets are essential. Which toilet you must pick in various options depends on your needs, aesthetics, and the size of your bathroom. Let’s compare elongated vs round toilet to know which is the best.

Most of the toilets come in different bowls. Toilet bowls are available in two forms; round and elongated. The working of both the toilets are the same; only the size is different.

Let us have a look at the differences Between Round Toilet and Elongated Toilet to make a better decision.

Comparison of Round vs Elongated Toilet

Appearance

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Many toilet companies manufacture their most widespread styles in elongated and round bowls. The bowl’s shape does not influence the toilet’s stylish portions.

The bowl’s shape is the only difference in the look. Round toilet bowls are circular, so it does not extend more into the room. Elongated toilet bowls have an oval shape and extend a few inches more into the room’s front.

Elongated toilets become more common as the size of the bathroom increases. And it creates a modern look in the bathroom.

Circular-shaped toilet bowls are more related to traditional and smaller bathrooms.

Ease of Use

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The method of using both the round and elongated toilets is the same for both males and females. But the elongated toilet bowl seat is more comfortable because it is larger.

Children can also use elongated toilets easily because it creates less mess. People with mobility issues can easily get on and off the elongated toilet seat due to the wider area.

Space

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When it comes to elongated vs round toilet, we cannot ignore the space. The toilet’s precise measurement depends on the manufacturer.

An elongated toilet bowl is two inches longer from the front than round toilet bowls. Some companies manufacture the third type of bowl with a size that comes between them.

To pass most building codes, typically, a toilet needs 21 inches from the front. More room is required by some towns and cities, while 48 inches is required for ADA-compliant bathrooms. For smaller bathrooms, round bowls are best.

Installation

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The installation of the elongated toilet seat and the round toilet seat is the same. If a toilet has a separate bowl and tank, first, you must couple them together. Put a wax ring on the toilet’s waste pipe and, at a slight angle keep it in its place.

After keeping it in its place, all its sides are applied pressure. Elongated bowls are bulkier to uplift and move, but there is little difference in installation due to this thing.

Costs

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Elongated bowls are more expensive than round toilets of the same style and manufacturer. The price of a round-front, two-piece, 1.28-gallon flush toilet with standard styling is nearly $180. The cost of the elongated front bowl with the same style is around $230.

Depending on the pipe’s condition and the toilet’s location, the cost of toilet installation is $45 – $130. So, the price of a round-front toilet is $225 – $310, while the price of an elongated toilet of the same brand and design is $275 – $360.

If we look at water usage, both use the same amount. So, selecting one type over another will not affect lower or higher water charges.

Maintenance

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Round-front bowl is difficult to clean compared to elongated toilets. Some brands’ elongated toilets do not have more of a crevice around the underside of the bowl; therefore, cleaning it with a brush is easy.

Due to the longer shape of the bowl, its interior’s front is easy to see. In this way, you can clean it more easily.

Power of Flush

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Flush technology’s different types, like double cyclone or pressure-assisted flushes, are available.

If the toilet’s flush uses force to circulate water in the bowl, slightly better pressure is provided by the elongated toilet.

Pros and Cons of Elongated Toilet

Advantages

• Comfier
• Easy to clean and use
• Some types of elongated toilets have more forceful flush
• Creates a modern look

Disadvantages

• More costly
• Not suitable for small bathroom

Pros and Cons of Round Toilet

Advantages

• It creates a traditional style
• Best for small bathrooms
• Less costly

Disadvantages

• Harder to keep clean and use
• Not much comfortable

How to Measure a Seat?

Whether a toilet is elongated or round, you can easily guess this. However, confirming is a good idea. Whenever you need to replace the seat of the toilet, measuring it will be helpful for you. In this way, you will buy the correct size.

You must know the toilet bowl’s three critical measurements: the bolt spread, width, and length. The most important measurement out of the three is the length.

There are two mounting holes on the toilet seat, and the distance between these holes is called a bolt spread. Its standard measurement is 5.5 inches in the United States.

The total thickness of the toilet bowl is known as the width. To get a precise measurement, you must measure it from the center of the bowl. In the United States, the width of elongated and round toilets is between 14 – 15 inches.

Measure between the cores of two toilet seat mounting holes to the front of the toilet bowl. Put the measuring tape’s end at the two mounting holes core and lengthen it to the front of the toilet bowl.

First, you will remove the toilet seat to measure the length. If you install the toilet seat, you will not be able to access the holes.

Toilet Buying Guides

Here are a few things that you must consider before buying an elongated vs round toilet. Let’s have a look at these options.

Lever

The toilet’s lever makes a huge difference in the aesthetics of your bowl. If your toilet’s lever is stronger, your toilet flushes will be forceful each time. So, if you replace your current lever with a stronger one, it will do wonders.

Bidet

Bidets are not made for rich families only. Any budget family can afford it now. Bidets have different types, and each of them works perfectly. It would be best if you used it once before deciding about them.

Lights

Lights are very useful near the toilet floor or in the toilet bowl, especially at night. This feature is very handy for kids or old ones. Lights are helpful when you are cleaning your bathroom, and it also creates a feeling of excitement.

Before buying a toilet light, remember it should not be sticky.

Flusher

Don’t confuse the flusher with the lever. Flushers have different types; some are pressure flushers, while others are gravity flushers. Many other types are also available.

It would be best if you closed the toilet’s lid when flushing because the bacteria might come out from the bowl.

Skirting

Skirting has two functions; to make the toilet look nice and cover it. The accurate skirt is spread around it. Due to your personal preference, toilet skirting is important. Most people like square toilets while others like the definitive curve.

Mounting

There are many reasons for mounting the toilets by most people. Less space is required in the bathroom for mounted toilets. These bathrooms are easy to clean because the space under them can be mopped or swept easily.

In public restrooms, you will see these toilets. There are many new types of toilets, which make your bathroom unique compared to standard toilets.

Hands-Free

One best way to stay clean and secure from germs is to go hands-free. The big means of spreading germs is through hands. So, it’s perfect for flushing hands-free and closing the lid automatically.

You can get a toilet that is compatible with the remote. These toilets are expensive but less costly than smart toilets with the same function. The working of the hands-free toilet and automatic toilet is the same.

Other Shapes

Most popular toilet types are round and elongated, but many other types are available. Some options like reverse-oval or square toilets are not famous but are unique.

For a safe and standard toilet, round or elongated toilets are the best options. These are reasonable and can match any design type. They are available in any toilet-accessories store.

Elongated and Round Toilet Brands

Elongated Toilets

One-Piece TOTO Ultramax II Elongated Toilet

This is an elongated toilet with one piece and is certified with WaterSense. This toilet is available in different colors, and you can easily match it with your bathroom’s interior.

It has Tornado Flush System and works with 1.28 GPF. It becomes an ADA-compliant toilet due to this feature. The bowl’s height is 16.25, and with the seat, it becomes 17.25.

Two-Piece TOTO Drake Elongated Toilet

It is an excellent brand of elongated toilet due to its comfortable height and one flush system. It can flush out heavy waste, depending on its powerful flush system.

1.6 gallons of water is required for its flush. Most people pick it because it is a cost-effective option.

TOTO AQUIA IV Elongated Toilet

Due to its skirted exterior, the dual flush elongated toilet is described as an eccentric model. This is the best option if you don’t have enough time to clean the toilets. It can remain clean for a long time due to its smooth surface.

The interior parts can be cleaned well by their flush. While flushing, this toilet does not make noise, and its toilet seat is not susceptible to crashing.

Round Toilets

Kohler San Souci (One Piece)

You will wonder if this toilet fits into your small bathroom with a fantastic flushing system. You can remove the waste efficiently with a small amount of water. It does not make any unnecessary noise.

TOTO Entrada (Two-Piece)

This model will not disappoint you because it has a strong flushing system with a water-efficient feature. You will find it useful, as it’s ADA-compliant. You will like its smooth and modern look.

TOTO Eco Ultramax (One-piece)

It is popular for its popular flush, and you will be surprised that it can flush with a small amount of water. It has a long trap way, so it will not face any difficulty in case of blockage or clogging.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Which Option is Better Elongated or Round Toilets?

Due to the larger surface area of the bowl, elongated bowls are hygienic. Everyone can use them by creating less mess. Toilets with longer bowls are best for people with mobility issues.

Do Larger Bowl Toilets Flush Better?

The toilets with elongated bowls deliver better pressure. In these toilet bowls, a force circulates the water in the bowl.

What is the Most Famous Toilet Shape?

Both elongated and round-shaped toilets are popular, but many people pick the elongated shape due to the powerful flushing system and comfortable seat.

For Pooping, What Height Toilet is Best?

17 – 19 inches height is ideal for a toilet, and it is called the comfort height.

Why Do Manufacturers Make Round Toilets?

The advantage of a round toilet is the size of the bathroom. They are used in small bathrooms because it takes up less space. Secondly, kids can use them easily.

Conclusion

You have compared elongated vs round toilet in this article. All the differences, pros, and cons are described here so that you can easily get an idea of which toilet is perfect according to your requirements.

Elongated toilets are costly but are comfortable and have a more powerful flush than round toilets. But, if your bathroom is small, you must select a round toilet because it takes up less space.