Importance of toilet size considerations during custom bathroom design
In the process of renovating or adding a new downstairs toilet, it's crucial to know the right dimensions for your sanitaryware. Here's a guide covering standard sizes, minimum clearance spaces required, and design ideas suitable for various bathroom sizes.
For a comfortable downstairs bathroom, the recommended toilet height is between 17 to 19 inches, also known as comfort height. This makes sitting and standing easier, as it is taller than the standard toilet height of 14 to 15 inches [1][4]. Toilet rough-in measurements, the distance from the wall to the toilet flange center, typically measure 12 inches, but 10- and 14-inch models are available depending on space constraints [1].
When it comes to spacing around the toilet, experts suggest keeping at least 15 inches from the toilet centerline to any adjacent wall or fixture, and providing at least 21 inches of clear space in front of the toilet for legroom and ease of use [5]. The recommended clear path or width around the toilet for accessibility and comfort should be about 36 inches wide, which also facilitates transfers for those with mobility challenges [2].
Round bowl toilets are ideal for smaller downstairs toilets as they occupy less space, whereas an elongated bowl offers more seating comfort but requires more room [1].
For the basin, bathroom basins need at least 510mm of space in front of them, with 760mm being better, and a clear distance, from left to right, of at least 760mm is required [6]. When considering a small sink, the ideal minimum space would be around 900mm wide by 1800mm deep [7].
When it comes to installing a shower enclosure instead of a bath, a smaller space can be considered [3]. For a single downstairs toilet, it's desirable to have at least an 800mm wide and 1400mm deep space [8].
Different design ideas are available for various bathroom sizes, such as Victorian, Green, and Small bathroom guides [9]. Compact or short-projection toilet models are also available for spaces with minimal dimensions, with a depth as small as 600mm [10].
Farook Member, the Director of QS Supplies and with over three decades of experience in the home improvement and bathroom industry, highlights the importance of considering floor space around the toilet when planning a bathroom design [2].
A back-to-the-wall toilet with a concealed WC unit is mentioned, which includes an Eco-Flush cistern and all fittings to install the unit [9]. A classic-looking toilet, finished in white and chrome, is also available, which comes with a ceramic lever and chrome pipe kit [11].
Lastly, the average size of a cloakroom, according to Victoria Plum, is 1200mm x 1200mm. However, it's not recommended to make the minimum size of a cloakroom smaller than 700mm wide x 1300mm long, but a more comfortable space would measure 800mm x 1400mm at the very least [12].
References: [1] [Bathroom Fitters] (https://www.bathroomfitters.com/toilet-dimensions/) [2] [Farook Member, Director of QS Supplies] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/farook-member-0a30b217/) [3] [Victoria Plum] (https://www.victoriaplum.com/bathroom-guides/small-bathroom-guide) [4] [Accessibility Guidelines for Toilets] (https://www.accessibilityguidelines.com.au/toilets/) [5] [Home Depot] (https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/plumbing/toilets/toilet-size-and-placement/nc_5ba) [6] [Bathroom Basin Sizes] (https://www.bathroombasins.co.uk/bathroom-basin-sizes/) [7] [Small Sink Sizes] (https://www.bathroombasins.co.uk/small-bathroom-sinks/) [8] [Downstairs Toilet Sizes] (https://www.bathroomfitters.com/toilet-dimensions/) [9] [Victoria Plum] (https://www.victoriaplum.com/bathroom-guides/small-bathroom-guide) [10] [Compact Toilet Models] (https://www.bathroomfitters.com/toilet-dimensions/) [11] [Classic Toilet Design] (https://www.victoriaplum.com/bathroom-suites/classic-toilets/) [12] [Cloakroom Sizes] (https://www.victoriaplum.com/bathroom-guides/small-bathroom-guide)
