If you're working on a restroom construction project, getting the right height toilet is as crucial as any other building specs, whether commercial or residential. You'll probably have to order multiple heights and dimensions to meet the facility's needs. 

For example, if you're working on construction for one of the 6,300 department stores in America, you'll need multiple heights to accommodate patrons' size and physical needs. With four to choose from, it can be nerve-wracking to ensure you get the right one. 

You may double and triple-check your order. You know that sending back an order of toilets because they are the wrong size will cause too many delays and budget issues. 

Key Takeaways:

• Toilet heights range from 10 inches to more than 20 inches depending on the application, who will be the primary users, and whether ADA compliance is required.

• Standard and comfort-height toilets are the two most popular, and designers install these fixtures primarily in commercial, multiple-dwelling residential, industrial, and retail buildings. 

• ADA-compliant toilets refer to the federally required height a toilet must be. It includes fixtures tall enough for those with disabilities and short enough for children and people under four feet.

• Extra-tall toilets are great for anyone over six feet tall or those who could benefit from an extra two to three inches. These toilets reach 21 inches. Anything taller is special order.

• Both residential and commercial applications might call for specs outside the traditional toilet height. Check the design specs carefully to ensure your order is the correct height for all fixtures.

General Guidelines for Choosing a Toilet Height: 4 Height Options  

Toilet heights range from 10 inches tall to more than 20 inches, depending on the application. Will these toilets get installed in an elementary school or an office complex? Who will be the primary users? Children? Elderly? Is ADA compliance required?

These factors will determine which toilet heights are right for your facility. 

Chances are you'll be ordering more than one size to accommodate every patron. How many of each height you'll need will depend on the building's plans. Here are the four height options you'll have to choose from:

1. Standard Height   

Ideally, users should be able to rest their feet flat on the floor when using the toilet. Standard toilet height designs are around 14 inches from floor to bowl and work for the average height American – between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 9 inches. 

These toilets are not suitable for small children or extremely tall individuals. Taller toilets can offer comfort for people who need extra height or prefer one. There are even shorter toilets to accommodate smaller patrons.

2. Comfort Height     

Comfort toilets are also called chair-height toilets and are more common today than in the past. These fixtures are between 16 and 17 inches from the floor to the top of the rim and are ideal for people with back, leg, or joint issues. 

They are also the preferred model among people over six feet tall. However, taller models are available for those who require more height. Lifts are also available if customers prefer yet more. 

3. ADA-Compliant   

Any toilet 16 inches or over is considered ADA-compliant for how tall the toilet should be. However, there are also ADA requirements for children and people under 4 feet. 

Various heights are necessary depending on the age of the child. Schools, daycares, and homes for people with special needs must offer the right height toilet to meet their needs. Here's how this compliance breaks down according to age:

• Two to four: 11 to 12 inches
• Five to eight: 12 to 15 inches
• Nine to twelve: 15 to 18 inches

Standard-height toilets accommodate the needs of most people over the age of 13. Comfort height may also be a good choice, as long as alternative sizes are available for anyone in need. 

4. Extra Tall  

These fixtures range from 19 to 22 inches in height and are optimal for anyone over six feet tall or who has difficulty using a shorter commode. Lifts are available for people who need a taller fixture. Alternatively, you could opt for a toilet that allows you to adjust the size at installation.

Commercial vs. Residential Applications

The height of the toilet matters most in commercial settings. However, residential applications sometimes come with specifications outside the traditional toilet height. 

Usually, homeowners will opt for standard or comfort-height toilets unless they specifically need an ADA-compliant model (or even an extra tall fixture). If you opt for sensor operations for flushing, make sure to mount these flush plates at an accessible height.  

For commercial applications, check the design specs carefully before ordering the fixtures. Heights might vary as some establishments opt for one ADA-compliant toilet per four standard or comfort-height toilets.

Hospitals and long-term care facilities will usually order ADA-compliant toilets. These facilities also order shorter-height commodes for users under 4 feet. 

Schools are another facility where close attention is necessary to ensure the correct height gets installed. Elementary schools will require ADA-compliant models for kids, while higher education institutes will primarily need standard height.  

Where to Find the Perfect Wall-Hung Toilet System  

At Geberit, we specialize in wall-hung toilets with concealed cisterns that allow you to mount your toilet at whatever height you want (or need). Take the worry out of whether you ordered the right height toilet and never order multiple height toilets again.  

Simply adjust the height of the cistern during installation, and the toilet or urinal can be any height to fit the design plan specifications.  

Our systems work with urinals as well so that you can have fixtures at multiple heights to accommodate the needs of all your patrons. Mount toilets and urinals at an appropriate height for those under 4 feet or higher for anyone struggling to use shorter fixtures.

Looking for the best in-wall cisterns for wall-mounted toilets and urinals? Check out our extensive line of plumbing products, fixtures, and fittings or contact us to speak to one of our friendly professionals.