Are you considering a new toilet with a high seat?
A toilet with a high toilet seat minimizes the need to sit down a far distance, also minimizing the possibility of losing one’s balance. It definitely makes it easier for people with mobility issues to use it.
You have a lot of choices, so let’s discuss the highest toilet seat available and find the best option for you.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we cover:
What are the different sizes of extra tall toilets?
Who can benefit from tall height toilets?
Is buying the highest toilet a good idea?
Best extra tall toilet reviews
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Signature Hardware 945956 Bradenton 1.28 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Toilet – 21″ Bowl Height, Standard Seat Included
This extra tall seat on this floor mount toilet reaches 21” (the highest available), and the elongated bowl extends 1.5” further than a standard toilet. Additional features include the slow-close toilet seat and visible trapway. The toilet has a two piece, lightweight design.
What is the Highest Toilet Height Available to Buy?
What Are The Different Sizes of Extra Tall Toilets?
Standard toilets tend to reach a chair height of 15”.
Extra tall toilets, also known as comfort height toilets, start at 17” and typically stop at 19” but can reach as high as 21”.
Tallest Toilet for Elderly and Seniors
What is the tallest handicap (ADA certified) toilet available?
The tallest residential toilets get as high as 21”. However, ADA regulations require public toilets to have a toilet seat height between 17” – 19” in order to be considered an ADA-compliant toilet.
Granted, ADA compliance applies more to public and commercial buildings as opposed to residential purposes. But this is a good reference point because they chose this height for a reason.
Additional Considerations
While shopping for new toilets, it’s a good idea to look for elongated toilet bowls (space permitted) as opposed to round bowls. This will provide additional space and comfort.
Elongated toilet bowls extend a couple of inches further than standard toilets, proving more coverage.
You should also be sure to look for toilets that have easy-to-access handles or touchless technology to make it easy to flush the toilet. Tankless toilets often don’t come in these heights, so you’ll be limited to traditional options.
Who Can Benefit From Tall Height Toilets?
Imagine having bad knees or limited back flexibility. Struggling to bend and stand every time you sit down to use the toilet becomes a real chore…and a safety concern.
Not only is it an uncomfortable experience, but it’s also potentially dangerous if the user loses their balance.
A 2016 scientific study gauged the impact on toilet seat height and physical stability based on three heights: 43 cm (16.92”), 51 cm (20.07”), and 58 cm (22.83”).
The study found that “a higher angle led to a corresponding decline in the travel distance that indicates forward and backward swaying, and this result was statistically significant.”
High toilets minimize the mobility required, making them more convenient (and safer) for the elderly and people with disabilities.
A tall person can also benefit from a taller toilet as well, despite their age or lack of disability.
The comfort height size not only applies to seniors but also tall users who may feel more comfortable with the extra couple of inches.
Is Buying the Highest Toilet a Good Idea?
If you have someone in the household with a disability or deteriorating mobility, it’s absolutely a good idea to buy a high seat toilet. However, do you need the highest toilet you can find?
A 21” toilet may create too much of a difference for users and others who need to access the same toilet. This can throw them off balance even more than before, and make it challenging for small children in the same household.
However, it’s all about comfort. If the user feels comfortable with the 21” toilet, the higher toilet seat can be even more beneficial than the comfort seat height toilets.
Keep in mind that anything over 19” is no longer considered ADA-compliant. If you need to adhere to ADA regulations, you must keep the toilet seat between 17” – 19”.
Alternative Solutions to Buying a Tall Toilet
If you don’t want to buy a brand new toilet, you still have options when it comes to making the bathroom senior-friendly.
For example, you can buy a raised toilet seat for your existing toilet or buy toilet railings that the user can use to support themselves when they use the bathroom. This option is a great one, and it also provides hand rails.
You can also install an alarm in the bathroom or use a Life Alert in case the senior falls when no one else is home to help them.
Best Extra Tall Toilet Reviews
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This extra tall seat on this floor mount toilet reaches 21” (the highest available), and the elongated bowl extends 1.5” further than a standard toilet. Additional features include the slow-close toilet seat and visible trapway. The toilet has a two piece, lightweight design.
This European wall toilet holds up to 500 pounds and can be installed as high as 20”. The tankless design works with most standard concealed tanks (not included). It also uses dual flush technology that allows for better efficiency. The flush helps clean the bowl automatically with washdown jets and a rimless bowl with self-cleaning glazing.
This one-piece comfort height toilet (16.5”) provides a more powerful yet quieter flush than a standard toilet. It also includes American Standard’s revolutionary EverClean surface on the china material.
This two piece elongated toilet generates a powerful flush at an efficient 1.28 GPF thanks to the class five flushing technology. The toilet doesn’t come with the seat, but you get the option to select a standard seat or elevated seat, allowing you to create a seat height of 17” or 19”.
Securely attach this dual flush toilet to the wall as high as 19”. The one-piece design is easy to clean, and the soft close seat also comes with quick release technology to make cleaning even more accessible. Matches modern design aesthetics.
Pros
Adjustable seat height
Space-saving design
Easy to clean
Cons
Support rails recommended (not included)
Small toilet bowl
Concealed tank sold separately
Final Thoughts On The Highest Toilets Available
A toilet at a convenient height can really make the difference. The standard height for a toilet is 15”, but a comfort height toilet falls between 17” – 19”.
Not only are taller toilets more comfortable, but they also reduce the likelihood of seniors falling in the bathroom. Consider an elevated toilet seat and railings if you aren’t in the market for a taller toilet quite yet. We like this option, right here.
When it’s time to upgrade your toilet, remember to switch out toilet supply line hose connectors as well. These wear out over time, and you might need extended reach when using a higher toilet.
Extra Tall Toilet FAQs
What is the tallest toilet height available?
The tallest toilet seat you can find is 21”, but that’s a rare find. Most tall toilets you find will fall between 17” and 19”.
How much taller is a Comfort Height toilet?
A standard toilet seat is 15”. A comfort height toilet generally extends two inches higher at 17”.
What is the tallest toilet for the elderly?
While you may find toilet seats as tall as 21”, they do not meet ADA regulations, as the ADA requires toilet seats to fall in between 17” – 19”. If you aren’t required to adhere to ADA regulations, taller toilet seats may be more comfortable and safer as long as all users feel comfortable.
What colors do higher comfort height toilets come in?
Most of the taller toilet models still come in white, which is the most popular color choice. However, there are some newer options for high toilets entering the market when it comes to black finish toilets.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
