Updating or renovating a bathroom? An up-to-date toilet might be just what you need! Elongated toilets provide the comfort, versatility, and cleanliness that you and your bathroom deserve. But what is an elongated toilet? Below, we go over everything you need to know about this toilet design and what makes it a go-to option for commercial and residential bathrooms alike.

What Is an Elongated Toilet?
Benefits of an Elongated Toilet Seat
Elongated vs. Round Toilet

What Is an Elongated Toilet?

What does "elongated toilet" mean? An elongated toilet is an innovative toilet design that features a pear- or -oval-shaped bowl and seat. The purpose of this design is to promote comfort, hygiene, and functionality in your bathroom. For context, these toilets include an elongated bowl paired with an elongated seat that typically measures 18.5" long and 14" wide (7" wide for the toilet seat opening). The toilet itself is usually 16" to 17" tall from the floor to the top of the toilet seat, so it's preferable for average-height people as well as taller individuals.

Are all elongated toilet seats the same size?

Most elongated seats have an average length of 18.5" and a total width of 14" with a width of 7" for the toilet seat opening. However, these measurements can vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, some seats can be up to 30" long and have a total width of about 16". Review our guide on Toilet Dimensions & Measurements to Know to learn more about factors that influence elongated toilet seat dimensions.

Can you put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet?

Technically you can put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet if you want a more comfortable and supportive seat. Most round and elongated toilets have a total width of 14" so the only difference is the actual length of the seat. For context, most round toilet bowls/seats are 16.5" long, while elongated bowls/seats are 18.5" long. Therefore, the elongated seat will overhang the round toilet bowl by a few inches but is still functional. This is a good option if you want an elongated toilet upgrade without having to remove and replace the actual round toilet itself. You just won't have the extra length/space of an elongated toilet bowl. Read over How to Replace a Toilet Seat for helpful tips if you plan to consider this option.

Benefits of an Elongated Toilet Seat

Now that we've answered the question, "what is an elongated toilet?", let's go over why they're so popular. Discover the advantages of an elongated toilet design by reviewing all the benefits they have to offer:

• Comfort: Ultimately, the seats on elongated toilets are designed with comfort in mind. The length of the toilet seat is designed to support the length of your legs, unlike other models where your legs are only partially supported. This makes them perfect for those who need more support when seated.
• Hygiene: One of the key benefits of elongated toilet designs is the way they help you maintain a hygienic environment in your bathroom. The long bowl and seat shape prevents messes from getting on the rim of the seat and on the area around the toilet as it's spacious enough to keep everything contained.
• Clog Prevention: Elongated toilets are also less likely to clog compared to other models. This is due to the fact that the long-shaped bowl can hold more water and therefore produce a more powerful flush.
• Cleaning: The spacious toilet bowl makes elongated toilets super easy to clean and allows you to thoroughly scrub the inside to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
• Design Style: Elongated toilets have a modern look because of their oval-shaped seats and long profile. This makes them the perfect addition to any bathroom you want to update to appear more contemporary. Elongated toilets can also be one- or -two-piece, meaning they either have a tank attached to the back or an all-in-one design. Learn more, here: One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets: Which Is Right for You?

Elongated vs. Round Toilet

When it comes down to bowl and seat shape, toilets can be either elongated or round. Round is considered the classic toilet design that's suitable for small spaces, while elongated is considered the more modern, spacious option. Our guide Round vs. Elongated Toilets explores their differences more in-depth so you can determine the best option for your bathroom.

Tip!

Now that you know what an elongated toilet is, check out our Toilet Buying Guide for more helpful information about picking out a toilet.

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