When I was renovating my first home, I encountered some significant space issues in one of my bathrooms. The room barely had any space to move around in, making it feel cramped and tight. While bathrooms are utilitarian spaces, comfort is still important. My solution to the problem was to get a toilet with a 10-inch rough-in.
The best 10-inch rough-in toilet can do a lot to transform a tight bathroom. Those few extra inches of space in front of the toilet can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and interior design. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency or functionality.
What Exactly Is a “Rough-In?”
First things first, let’s go over some basic toilet terminology. The rough-in refers to the distance between the finished wall and the floor drain for the toilet. It’s an important measurement to understand.
Generally, the rough-in distance is chosen long before the home is built. You’ll often find toilets with 10-inch,12-inch, or 14-inch rough-ins. Engineers will determine which rough-in is appropriate for the space. Installing a toilet and its appropriate plumbing may seem simple, but these fixtures need plenty of space around them to meet local building codes.
These days, 12-inch rough-ins are the norm. Most newer homes are built with this specification in mind. However, compact rooms can benefit greatly from a 10-inch rough-in. You’ll often see it in small powder rooms or older homes with smaller bathrooms.
If you’re unsure about your existing rough-in, just whip out your tape measure and record the distance between the wall and the toilet closet bolts. The closet bolts are located on the center of the waste drain and attached directly to the flange, so it’s often used to determine rough-in measurements.
It’s important to remember this measurement. You cannot use a toilet that’s not appropriately fitted for your rough-in plumbing. The waste drain on 12-inch toilets will not align properly with a 10-inch rough-in and vice versa. You can move the location of the drain to accommodate 10-inch rough-in toilets, but it will cost you a pretty penny.
The Benefits of a 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet
The biggest benefit that the best 10-inch rough-in toilets can give you is space. If might not seem like much, but those couple of inches can make all the difference in a tiny bathroom. This is especially true when you’re struggling to meet building codes. The required space in front of a toilet varies by jurisdiction, but most toilets must have at least 21 inches. A 10-inch rough-in can help you pass the inspection with flying colors.
When it comes to installation, 10-inch rough-in toilets are pretty much the same as standard models. There are no complicated additions to worry about. Installation is done the same way and can be completed with just a few simple tools and some know-how.
Furthermore, performance isn’t hindered in any way. Modern toilets are quite efficient and you can easily find models that have water-saving features. So, your upgrade may help you save some money in the long run.
How to Choose the Best 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet
Your new toilet is an investment that you’re going to be using every day for years to come. It’s important to take some time and careful consideration when choosing the right model.
If you don’t want to make a purchase you’ll regret, think about the following features as you shop.
Overall Footprint
Beyond the rough-in measurements, you should consider the overall footprint of your new toilet. Just because the plumbing is a bit shorter doesn’t mean that the entire fixture will be smaller.
Luckily, there’s a great selection of compact toilets on the market. If you want to take up as little room as possible, you can go with a one-piece toilet. Usually, one-piece toilets are approximately 28 inches in depth. Many also have a thinner profile to make room on both sides.
One-piece toilets have the water tank built in. Thus, they can be a bit cumbersome to get into your bathroom. However, once installed, they make a noticeable difference in the usable square footage of your bathroom.
Bowl Shape
Next, it’s good to think about the shape of the bowl and the corresponding seat. You have two options available. Standard round bowls are great if you want to keep things as compact as possible. They have a roughly circular shape and a diameter of about 16.5 inches.
Elongated bowls are the alternative. The bowl and seat take on a stretched oval shape, thus using up about 2 more inchesof space. These bowls are considered to be more comfortable and stable.
Bowl Height
Ever consider how the height of the seat affects your comfort when nature calls? Well, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. The standard bowl height is about 14.5 to 15 inches off the floor. This is fine for most people. However, taller folks can benefit from “comfort height” models.
A “comfort height” toilet stands anywhere between 17 and 19 inches off the floor. These toilets are great for the knees and back, so it’s worth considering if you’re a bit taller than most.
Flushing Efficiency
The average person uses about 18.8 gallons of water per day for flushing. That’s approximately 30 percent of what the average household uses a day! Efficient toilets can help cut back on your consumption significantly.
Look out for the WaterSense seal of approval. This means that the toilet is specifically designed to use 1.28 gallons of water per flush or less. You can also go with a dual-flush toilet, which allows you to control the amount of water you use with each flush based on your needs.
Style
Finally, there’s the style of the toilet. Most people don’t give the toilet a second thought when it comes to interior design. However, it’s a major part of your bathroom. Why not get a stylish option that you like to look at every day?
Modern toilet manufacturers have come up with some great designs in recent years. There are skirted models that are easy to clean, modern units with sleek lines, and more intricate fixtures with plenty of fine details. The sky’s the limit, so go with a toilet that complements your existing decor.
5 of the Best 10-Inch Rough-In Toilets
Toto CST744SF Two-Piece Toilet
Toto is a high-end premium brand that’s known for creating fixtures to fit all types of bathrooms. This particular model is great for smaller spaces. It’s relatively simple in design and features a slim tank.
Despite its traditional looks, this toilet uses some great technology. It has the brand’s GMAX flushing system, which uses a large trapway and siphon jet. A small channel wraps around the rim of the bowl, forcing water to cover the sides with every flush. This helps to keep the bowl clean and wash away any stubborn waste. In total, the flush uses about 1.6 gallons of water.
The toilet has an elongated bowl and comfortable height. There isn’t a seat included with the purchase. But, the height of the bowl creates a total seat height of at least 16 inches. You can go a little higher by purchasing a thicker seat.
Pros:
- 28 inches long by 19.5 inches wide
- 10-inch rough-in
- Elongated bowl
- Mirror-chrome lever
- Powerful GMAX flushing system
- Bowl is approximately 16 inches from floor
- Uses 1.6 gallons per flush
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a seat or mounting bolts
- Has a sizable gap between tank and wall
- Prone to splashing during use and flush
Kohler K-3889-0 Highline Toilet
If you’re looking for a fixture with some distinct style, check out this model from Kohler. It has a large tapered tank and a lipped lid. The unique design of the tank stands out from the crowd, but those finer details can make it harder to keep the toilet clean.
Beyond aesthetics, the toilet is very well built. It has a 10-inch rough-in to save space and is only 18 inches wide at the bulkiest point. Even still, the toilet manages to be quite comfortable for most. It has an elongated bowl that rises up about 16 and a half inches from the floor. With a thick seat, it’s at a comfortable height.
Kohler uses a unique canister flushing system. Essentially, a large canister in the middle of the water tank forces a large amount of water down into the bowl at once. This design is meant to provide you with adequate flushing power without wasting water.
Pros:
- Approximately 18 inches wide
- 10-inch rough-in
- Two-piece design for easy installation
- Canister flush valve
- Elongated bowl
- Pre-installed tank bolts
- Uses 1.28 gallons per flush
- About 16.5 inches from floor to top of bowl
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a seat
- Can have difficulty getting rid of solid waste in one flush
- Tapered tank can be difficult to clean
American Standard Cadet 3 Flowise Toilet
This American Standard toilet is simple, yet tough. Within the tank and bowl, there are a few great features that can prolong the life of the toilet and make it easier to maintain.
The first is an EverClean coating. The Vitreous China used to craft the bowl is covered in an antimicrobial treatment that helps to prevent staining and water damage. While regular cleanings are still recommended, the coating can keep the bowl looking pristine for much longer.
Inside the tank, you’ll find a robust flapper. It’s made out of material that’s resistant to chemical damage. So, you can use heavy-duty cleaning chemicals without having to worry about damaging your toilet in the long run.
Overall, this toilet is a great option for anyone looking to save space. It’s compact, efficient with water, and tough enough to last for many years to come.
Pros:
- Only about 27 inches long
- 10-inch rough-in
- Uses 1.28 gallons per flush
- WaterSense certified
- Round bowl
- Two-piece design
- EverClean coating
- Durable flapper
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a seat
- Spacing of holes for seat anchor make it tough to find a compatible accessory
- Shorter bowl height of 15 inches
American Standard 270AB001.020 Toilet
While this model may look similar to the previous one from American Standard, it has some subtle differences that can make all the difference in how it works for your space. First, the bowl is elongated. It’s roughly 18.5 inches long, stretching the overall footprint of the toilet a bit. Those extra inches provide more stability and comfort for people of all sizes.
The toilet is also a bit taller. From floor to bowl rim, it’s about 16.5 inches tall. With a seat installed, the toilet is at a comfortable height for most people.
Unfortunately, this particular model is not WaterSense certified. It uses 1.6 gallons of water for every flush. This extra water does help with power and efficiency. We’re also happy to report that the bowl is covered in that same EverClean antimicrobial coating. So, regular maintenance will be a breeze.
Pros:
- ADA compliant
- 10-inch rough-in
- Elongated bowl
- About 16.5 inches from floor to bowl rim
- Durable flapper
- EverClean coating
- Two-piece design for easy installation
- Uses 1.6 gallons per flush
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a seat
- Not WaterSense certified
- Lower water level in bowl
TOTO Aquia IV WASHLET Toilet
With this toilet from Toto, no space is wasted in your bathroom. It’s a one-piece fixture with a very low-profile design. The tank is thin and the entire unit is skirted for simplicity. Thanks to its sleek lines and subtle curves, the toilet is relatively easy to keep clean. Plus, it has a smooth ceramic glaze on all sides, making all of the surfaces easy to wipe down.
The toilet uses a tornado dual-flush system. Buttons on the top of the lid allow you to choose between a half flush and a full flush. The half flush only uses 0.8 gallons. The full flush uses 1.28 gallons.
Regardless of which flush you choose, water is sent to large channels around the rim of the bowl. Strategically placed holes angle the water to create an effective cyclone that’s supposed to make up for the reduces water usage.
This toilet comes with a soft-close seat and lid. The toilet comes with everything you need to get the job done.
Pros:
- Two-piece skirted design
- 10-inch rough-in
- Cefiontect ceramic glaze
- Elongated bowl
- Tornado flushing system
- Comes with soft-close seat
- Efficient dual-flush system
Cons:
- Waste is prone to sticking on sides of bowl
- May be too small for some
Best 10 inch Rough in Toilet is
Toilets with a 10-inch rough-in are a great investment for smaller bathrooms. They save space and can make an otherwise cramped room feel open and comfortable. Any of these toilets work well. However, we recommend going with the Aqua IV unit from Toto.
From a pure size standpoint, this toilet is a cut above the rest. The design is incredibly compact. While all of the toilets we reviewed are two-piece models, Toto designed this unit to look like a one-piece. Thus, the water tank is very slim and low-profile. Plus, the skirted design makes this toilet much easier to maintain compared to all of the others.
The Aqua IV toilet is also the most efficient toilet out of all of the models we covered. It beats out both the Kohler and American Standard toilets by using even less water. It’s WaterSense certified and features a dual-flush mechanism for convenience.
Overall, the Toto toilet is the most unique out of the bunch. It manages to cut back on wasted space without sacrificing comfort. It has an elongated bowl, an easy-to-clean shape, and does well with water consumption. The toilet is a worthy upgrade that will certainly have guests talking.