Even though they’re a part of everyone’s daily routine, toilets don’t often come up in casual conversation — unless, of course, you’re remodeling your bathroom or building a new home. If you’re thinking about toilet options, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to replace a round toilet with an elongated one for a more elegant look.
You can replace a round toilet with an elongated one, as long as you have the room to do so. If you can meet legal guidelines regarding the require space between the toilet and the wall, you can essentially put in any toilet you want. Always measure the space beforehand to make sure it will fit.
Replacing an old toilet or installing a new one can be a bit daunting, but once it’s done, you’ll be glad to have the perfect toilet in your bathroom. Let’s look at some of the options available and how to decide which toilet is best for you.
What Is a Round Toilet?
When it comes to toilet bowls, round ones have been the choice for many over the years — mostly because the first toilets developed were round.
A round toilet is exactly what it sounds like: round. This shape of toilet is the most common one, even today when there are so many different choices. That’s because the round toilet is usually less expensive than the other choices.
The round toilet is traditionally about 16.5 inches long and circular, which makes it perfect for small children. In most cases, adults prefer elongated toilets since they provide a level of comfort that cannot be found with a round toilet.
The decision to put in a round toilet as opposed to an elongated one depends on whether the toilet meets the codes established. There are guidelines that state that a toilet in a home should be at least 21 inches away from the opposite wall.
If your space is quite smaller than most bathrooms, the round toilet will most likely work best. It’s also the most cost-effective option.
What Is an Elongated Toilet?
The elongated toilet, like this one (on Amazon), is the shape of an oval, which makes it a bit longer than the round toilet. Since its development, the elongated-shaped toilet has become extremely popular for those who want something a bit different.
The elongated shape of the toilet makes it about two inches longer than the more traditional round toilet. If you have a larger framed body, this can make the biggest difference in terms of comfort and style.
Elongated toilets are, on average, about 18.5 inches long. You also have to consider that building codes in most residential houses still require about 21 inches of space between the toilet and the opposite wall.
The elongated toilet generally provides a better shape for young adults and adults.
Although the elongated toilet is considered more elegant, they’re also much more expensive than most round options. The price is also dependent on the brand of toilet you choose to purchase.
Can You Replace a Round Toilet With an Elongated Toilet?
If your home came equipped with the traditional round toilet, you might be considering making the switch to an elongated one.
In most cases, the replacement toilet typically comes along when something happens to your older one. In other cases, people who are remodeling their homes have grown tired of using the same toilet year after year.
Replacing the toilet with an elongated one usually makes sense if you’re not worried about space.
Most DIYers and contractors agree that as long as they meet the legal requirements of space limitations, then you can successfully replace the round toilet with an elongated one.
While many people choose to replace their round toilet with an elongated one for aesthetic purposes, others choose it purely for the comfort. The round toilet is perfectly fine for younger children; however, the elongated toilet is more suitable for adult backsides.
Since the elongated toilet is longer and oval-shaped, it tends to feel much better, especially if you have to sit on it for an extended period. Children, however, don’t tend to do well with the elongated shape, so keep that in mind when you make your decision.
Can You Interchange Toilets Seats on Round and Elongated Toilets?
Many people don’t want to go to the trouble of replacing the entire toilet to get the elongated toilet feel. This is typically because the elongated type of toilet is more expensive overall.
If this is the case for you, and you’re thinking about replacing just the toilet seat to get the elongated feel for your toilet, think again. Although this can technically be done in most cases, the idea of having a long toilet seat on a round bowl seems rather odd.
You also have to contend with the fact that since there is a two-inch difference between the two toilets, you may end up having a mess on your hands. This usually happens because of the gap between the seat and the bowl itself.
The same is true if you have an elongated toilet and want to replace the seat with a round toilet seat.
While it sometimes works to interchange the toilet seats on these two types of toilets, you may not like what it looks like. Even though toilet seats aren’t as expensive as the entire bowl, this doesn’t mean that you will get the same outcome by just swapping the seats.
If you are replacing your round toilet seat with an elongated one because you want a more elegant look in your bathroom, then you shouldn’t skimp in this way. Bite the bullet and replace your entire toilet bowl with the elongated one. You will thank yourself farther down the road.
How to Decide Which Toilet Is Right for You
Determining whether a round toilet or elongated one is best for you and your bathroom typically comes down to whether you have the room for the longer one. This is especially true if you’re doing a remodel of your bathroom instead of building a new one.
When you’re remodeling your bathroom, you’re typically relegated to the dimensions that were originally built. This is true unless you’re doing an entire tear-down of your bathroom to gain more space.
Since you’re most likely limited on space, you should take the time to ensure that there is enough space for an elongated toilet before you go out and purchase one. The worst thing that could happen is bringing home a toilet that can’t be mounted in your bathroom.
On the other hand, if you’re building your bathroom along with your home, you may have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to your toilet choices. That’s because you get to decide how much room should be left for the toilet.
If your goal is to have an elongated toilet, then you’ll need to work with your contractor to ensure that the room is up to the appropriate codes. An elongated toilet can look elegant in the right space.
Additionally, you may need to consider your size when it comes to choosing the right toilet for you and your family. This is because, while there is not a specific weight limit to the shape of the toilet you choose, you may want to side with comfort.
Generally speaking, most experts recommend that if you weigh more than 200 pounds, you’ll want to consider an elongated style toilet. This is because it will be much more comfortable on your backside in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Overall, if an elongated toilet is the one that you dream of for your bathroom, it’s usually possible to make it a reality. Just ensure you do your due diligence first before you begin your construction project to make sure you have the space.