Toilet buying guide: how to choose the perfect WC for your bathroom

Selecting the right toilet is an essential part of creating a functional and comfortable bathroom. With various types and features on the market, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore different toilet types, how to measure your space, key features to consider, and relative installation costs in the UK. Whether you’re a homeowner or an interior designer, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

1. What are the main types of toilets available?
2. Key features to consider when choosing a toilet
3. How to measure your space for your toilet
4. How much will it cost to install a new toilet?

1. What are the main types of toilets available?

Understanding the main types of toilets can help you decide which will work best in your space.

Close coupled toilets

Close coupled toilets are the most commonly found in UK bathrooms. In these designs, the cistern is attached directly to the back of the toilet bowl. They are popular for their straightforward design and ease of installation.

There are two main types of close coupled toilets to consider - the “standard” open-back pan design or back-to-wall pans. Open back pans have a cut-out shape at the back, which allows you to take the waste pipe out to one side (behind the pan), therefore allowing for an easier installation. Back-to-wall close coupled toilets have a pan that sits completely flat to the wall, neatly concealing pipes and preventing any dust traps. Back to wall pans look neater but cannot always be used due to plumbing considerations.

• Pros: Simple to install and maintain, widely available. 

• Cons: Some people prefer not to have a visible cistern

• Style: Work well in both modern and traditional settings

• Cost: Start at around £100 for a basic model (excluding installation).

For a close coupled toilet installation you will need to order:

• Close coupled toilet (with cistern and seat - ours are sold complete)

• Toilet pan fixing kit (if not included with toilet)

Back-to-wall toilets

Back-to-wall toilets offer a sleek, contemporary look that is easier to achieve than a wall-hung toilet. The toilet bowl sits flush against the wall, while the cistern is hidden within a wall or toilet furniture unit behind the pan, neatly concealing the pipework. These are ideal for smaller bathrooms as they save space and create a streamlined appearance.

To operate a back-to-wall toilet you will need a concealed cistern as well. Make sure you have enough space for your preferred model (depth is usually the key dimension) and consider different colour flush buttons to match your brassware choices.

• Pros: Compact and easy to clean around, concealed pipework.

• Cons: You need to create or have the space for the cistern.

• Style: Suited to modern themes but can also work well in traditional settings

• Cost: Starting at around £150 for toilet & cistern

For a back-to-wall toilet installation you will need to order:

• Back to wall toilet (with seat - ours are sold complete)

• Concealed cistern (with flush button or plate)

• Toilet furniture unit (if not fitting the cistern in a wall)

• Toilet pan fixing kit (if not included with toilet)

Wall hung toilets

Wall-hung toilets are mounted on the wall with a frame that also houses a cistern, creating a spacious, minimalist feel. They’re popular for modern bathrooms and can be mounted at various heights to suit individual needs. A wall hung toilet will create a feeling of space in the bathroom and also makes cleaning a breeze as you can mop the floor easily.

When ordering a wall hung toilet you will also need a toilet frame for installation. These sit in the wall and include the cistern for operating the toilet. You can choose between reduced height frames that sit underneath windows or in shorter walls and countertops or full height frames that require around 1100-1200 in height space. Most frames are sold with matching flush plates that can be coordinated to your overall room colour scheme.

• Pros: Minimalist design, height-adjustable, and easy to clean underneath.

• Cons: You need to locate a frame in the wall behind the toilet, more complex than back-to-wall toilet installation

• Style: Perfect for modern settings, can also be used in classical themes

• Cost: Starting at around £270 for toilet & frame

For a wall hung toilet installation you will need to order:

• Wall hung toilet (with seat - ours are sold complete)

• Wall hung frame (these include the cistern usually)

• Flush plate (if not included with the frame, most of ours are included)

Low-level and high-level toilets

Low-level toilets have a separate cistern mounted slightly above the toilet bowl, while high-level toilets have a cistern mounted higher up, connected to the toilet bowl by an exposed pipe. These are popular for vintage or traditional styles. Match flush pipes and flush handles to your brassware colour scheme for a coordinated finish.

• Pros: Adds vintage charm and unique style.

• Cons: Takes up more vertical space.

• Style: Suitable for traditional designs

• Cost: Starting at around £300 for a low-level toilet and £450 for a high-level toilet

For a low or high level toilet installation you will need to order:

• Low or high-level toilet (with cistern, flush pipe and seat - ours are sold complete)

• Toilet pan fixing kit (if not included with toilet)

2. Key features to consider when choosing a toilet

Beyond the type of toilet, there are key features to look for to ensure comfort, durability, and efficiency.

Rimless flush

Rimless flush designs are designed to improve both hygiene and ease of cleaning and are an increasingly popular feature on toilets these days. Unlike traditional toilets with a rim around the pan’s edge, rimless models have an open design that allows water to flow evenly around the bowl, reaching all areas during the flush. This design minimizes areas where bacteria and dirt can accumulate, making rimless toilets significantly easier to keep clean.

Comfort height

Toilet height can impact comfort, especially for those with mobility issues. Standard toilet pans are around 400mm in height, while comfort-height models range from 430–460mm, making them easier to sit on and stand up from. Wall-hung toilets can also be mounted at an ideal height for accessibility.

Colour options

Previously you could only really get chrome fittings (such as flush buttons, plates, seat hinges and more) on toilets. These days you can choose from many different colours including black, brushed brass or white fittings that can be matched or mixed with other colour choices on your taps and brassware.

Compact projection

Compact toilets are a fantastic choice for smaller bathrooms, en-suites, or cloakrooms where space is at a premium. These toilets are specifically designed with a reduced depth to maximize space while still providing comfort and functionality. Compact toilets usually project around 500mm and come in a range of styles, from close-coupled to wall-hung models, making it easy to find an option that suits both your design preferences and practical needs.

Water efficiency

Water saving toilets can make a big difference in reducing water usage. The majority of toilets are dual-flush, offering a full flush (6 litres) and a half flush (3 litres). Over time, this can lead to significant savings on water bills and is an environmentally friendly choice.

Soft close seats

Soft close seats are designed to close gently, preventing the loud slamming sound and reducing wear and tear. They are ideal for family bathrooms or en-suites where noise might be an issue. Most of our toilets come with a soft close seat included, unless specified otherwise.

3. How to measure your space for your toilet

Before purchasing a toilet, accurate measurements are essential to ensure it will fit comfortably in your bathroom layout.

1. Check your waste pipe location: If your waste pipe is going back into the wall behind the toilet, you should be able to install most toilet designs. If the waste pipe goes into the floor then you need to ensure that the pan has sufficient space at the back to allow for the waste pipe to connect to the floor opening.

2. Double check the space: Measure the available floor space from the back wall to the front and side walls. This will ensure that the toilet has enough room for comfortable use without crowding the space. If you are going with a back-to-wall or wall-hung WC then make sure you have enough space for the cistern or frame (typically 150-200mm depth is needed).

3. Check door clearance: Make sure that the toilet’s placement does not interfere with any doors that open into the room (the bathroom door, shower door and furniture doors should all be considered). You want to ensure any doors can open fully with the toilet installed.

4. Consider the height: A standard WC height is 400mm to the pan, this increases to around 450mm for comfort-height toilets that are easier to use for those with mobility issues. For wall hung toilets, decide on the mounting height based on the user’s needs.

4. How much will it cost to install a new toilet?

Installation costs can vary significantly depending on the type of toilet you select and your bathroom’s existing plumbing.

• Close coupled toilets: These are typically the easiest and most affordable to install. It is usually fairly straightforward to change over a close coupled toilet, with labour costs ranging from £100 to £200.

• Back-to-wall toilets: These require a bit more work due to hidden cisterns, usually costing £150 to £300 for installation. You will also need to factor in tiling costs unless you are fitting the cistern into a toilet furniture unit.

• Wall hung toilets: Due to the need for a strong support frame and professional installation, labour costs can range from £250 to £500.

• Traditional toilets (low and high-level): The unique plumbing for these designs can lead to varied installation costs, typically around £150 to £350.

Tip: Be prepared for additional costs if plumbing needs to be adjusted, walls need reinforcing, or if you’re planning to conceal a cistern. Both back-to-wall and wall hung toilets often require additional tiling costs which can add significant costs to your project. Always consult with an experienced plumber or builder for a precise estimate. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right toilet can enhance both the comfort and aesthetics of your bathroom. With so many types, features, and price points available, it’s all about finding a balance between functionality, style, and budget. From measuring your space to selecting the key features you require, this guide provides all the insights you need to make a well-informed choice.

Ready to find the perfect toilet for your bathroom? Explore our collection at BathLab.co.uk to find a wide range of options to suit every style and budget.