Difference Between One-Piece & Two-Piece Toilets

When you’re looking to install or replace a toilet, there are two main types to consider: one-piece and two-piece. What’s the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece toilet? How do you know which is right for your space? There are plenty of designs available for both styles, so understanding the distinctions between them is a good place to start when you’re researching the possibilities. With that in mind, here’s a look at a single piece vs. a two-piece toilet and what you need to know.

The One-Piece Toilet

Small and modern, the one-piece toilet is a newer, long-lasting style that does not have a tank. As its name suggests, it is fashioned as a single component. This allows it to be sleeker in design, as well as more compact in height. The one-piece toilet also tends to be more durable than the two-piece since it’s made of one solid portion of ceramic, with fewer exposed plumbing or flushing elements. Many people like this option for crowded bathrooms where space is at a premium. 

Other benefits of the one-piece toilet include easy accessibility for cleaning, straightforward installation and optional flushing and water-saving features. It is typically lower to the ground, which can be good for children or disabled individuals. When you’re weighing the pros and cons of a one-piece vs. a two-piece toilet, however, keep in mind that the one-piece is usually heavier, more expensive and harder to ship.

Benefits of the One-Piece Toilet 

• Compact size

• Lower profile, easier to access for kids/disabled individuals

• Simple to clean

• Only one component to install

• Highly durable 

The Two-Piece Toilet

The two-piece toilet is what most often comes to mind when people think of a commode. It includes two parts: a tank and a bowl. This kind of latrine, because it’s been around longer and has been used more widely, is available in a variety of heights and styles.

Likewise, it allows you to mix and match tanks and bowls, and it tends to be less expensive than a one-piece model. The two-piece version also includes flushing and water-saving options. However, two-piece toilets can be harder to clean, more likely to break and less compact than the one-piece.

Benefits of the Two-Piece Toilet 

• Affordable

• Multiple choices for style and height

• More comfortable for tall people and adults

• Routine shipping

• Easy to replace