A bathroom remodeling project is something that can bring value to your home. It is all about plumbing, tile work, and fixture installation. For a successful remodel or renovation, you need to choose the best materials, designs, and finishes.
With this in mind, toilets are important to any home. Traditionally, they are made with a tank and bowl bolted together. Whether you prefer luxury over functional, there are a lot of shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from. When picking a toilet for your bathroom remodel, one-piece and two-piece toilets are two of the toilet styles you will encounter.
Both toilets function well and have incredible features and designs. To learn more about the difference between the two options, here’s a helpful guide so that you can decide which is a better fit for your bathroom remodeling project.
What Is a One-Piece Toilet?
This type of toilet is one of the newest and most popular designs on the market. It consists of a bowl and tank that are fused together, which makes it one full unit. Single-piece toilets are known for their simple, modern, and seamless design.
Pros for One-Piece Toilets
- Easy To Install
- Sleeker and Seamless Design
- Easier To Clean and Maintain
- Less Maintenance Costs
- Compact Height
- More Durable
Cons for One-Piece Toilets
- Heavy and Bulky
- Fewer Rough-In Options
- More Expensive
What Is a Two-Piece Toilet?
Known as the most common type of toilet, a two-piece unit features a tank and bowl that are separate pieces. They are only attached using bolts and gaskets during installation. The tank and bowl are still separate units even if the tank sits on the back of the toilet.
Pros for Two-Piece Toilets
- Cheaper
- More Lightweight
- More Available Design, Style, and Rough-In Options
- Easier To Install and Replace Toilet Pieces
Cons for Two-Piece Toilets
- Harder To Clean
- More Prone to Leaks and Breakages
- More Difficult To Assemble and Install
- Less Compact and Takes More Space
Comparison
Design and Appearance
Since a one-piece toilet has its bowl and tank molded together, it is most famous for its sleekness. You can notice a seamless and continuous surface because there are no gaps or joints. A two-piece toilet design is pretty common but with more bowl sizes and rough options.
Cost
As expected, one-piece toilets cost more because of their more updated design and style. Single-piece units with installation range from $500 to $1,300, depending on the brand and features. On the other hand, two-piece toilets cost around $250 to $700 including the installation fees. The difference in price points is due to the manufacturing process. Creating a one-piece toilet costs more because the pieces are already installed together.
Height
One-piece toilets are designed to meet the comfort height guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Most ADA-compliant toilets are about 17 to 19 inches in height from floor to seat. Meanwhile, two-piece toilets can be found in both comfort and standard height, which is about 15 inches from floor to seat.
Size and Weight
Single-piece toilets are more compact and heavier. They are also harder to ship and install because you won’t be able to break the components. Meanwhile, a two-piece toilet is more lightweight and can be transported into individual units. If you are planning to install a new toilet yourself, a two-piece unit is better since it is less bulky and easier to maneuver.
Durability
Both toilets work and function the same, however their lifespan differs a lot. One-piece toilets are less prone to wear and tear. The bad news is, if a crack occurs, you need to replace the whole single-piece unit.
On the other hand, two-piece toilets are more subject to leaks and breakages, but you can just replace the individual piece with issues instead of replacing the entire unit.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Without any doubt, single-piece toilets are 100% easier to clean and maintain. There are no spaces or gaps between the tank and bowl that you need to clean and disinfect. Meanwhile, two-piece toilets have gaps, nooks, and crannies that are difficult to reach.
Which Is Better for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project?
Now that we have weighed down the pros and cons of each toilet type, you need to decide which is the best fit for your home. If you haven’t decided yet, Erie Bathroom Remodeling can answer your questions and concerns! We have the skills and expertise to make sure that your bathroom remodeling project is done right the first time. Call us today for a free estimate!