Bathroom remodeling projects come with a flurry of decisions to be made. While a precious commodity like the commode may seem like a straightforward decision, you have an important choice to make. The difference between one-piece and two-piece toilets is something you should understand as a homeowner embarking on a bathroom remodeling project as the bathroom should live at the intersection of form and function and you don’t want to complicate something so important. We’re explaining one-piece vs. two-piece toilets so you can decide which is a better fit for your project.

One-piece vs. Two-piece Toilets

Toilet choices can differ in shape, size, style and construct. When choosing a toilet, many homeowners may think about a round vs. elongated front, or what type of flush handle the toilet has. While these components are important, zoom back out on the structure of the entire unit itself and determine if you want a one-piece toilet or a two-piece toilet

What is a One-piece Toilet?

A one-piece toilet is where the bowl and tank are combined as one singular unit. It’s common for manufacturers to provide the same toilet design in a one-piece model as well as a two-piece model. 

Appearance: A one-piece toilet could be considered more sleek and contemporary, but there are fewer design options. Because it lacks the gap between the bowl and tank, it’s molded together in a way that provides a smooth, continuous surface. One-piece toilets can be found with both a round and elongated front. 

Height: Most one-piece toilets are designed to adhere to comfort height guidelines. A comfort height toilet is one of many  remodeling ideas to make your bathroom more accessible. One-piece toilets can be found in standard height as well. 

Size and Weight: Because they’re only one piece, these toilets have a slightly smaller tank than two-piece toilets. While they may be slightly more compact, one-piece toilets are considerably heavier because their components can’t be disassembled when moving. 

Installation: There are pros and cons with one-piece toilet installations. On the bright side, the toilet doesn’t need to be assembled. The con is that a one-piece toilet is inherently heavier than a two-piece toilet and is not something even a handy DIY-er should tackle on their own. 

Life Span: If a crack occurs on a one-piece toilet, you could be looking at a full replacement instead of just replacing one piece. 

Cleanliness: The story is the same when it comes to cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl. One-piece toilets are often observed as lower maintenance because there is no space between the tank and bowl. 

What is a Two-piece Toilet?

A two-piece toilet consists of the bowl and tank as separate units that are connected. The tank still sits on the back of the toilet as you’d expect, but it’s technically a separate unit from the bowl. 

Appearance: Many manufacturers provide the same style toilet in a one-piece or a two-piece design. They come in a wide range of styles and can have either a round or elongated front. 

Height: two-piece toilets can be found in both standard and comfort height. Before you begin your bathroom remodeling project, consider if you need to incorporate special features to make it more accessible

Size and Weight: Because they come in two pieces, these toilets can be separated and transported individually. Two-piece toilets are lighter as individual units and easier to maneuver within a space. 

Installation: Two-piece toilets have some size and weight advantages, positively impacting installation. The only added step is the assembly of the two pieces. 

Life Span: A positive note for two-piece toilets is that if a crack occurs in either the bowl or tank, replacement can be completed on just that one piece. 

Cleanliness: As with one-piece toilets, cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl remains the same. On a two-piece toilet, there is a separation between the tank and toilet bowl. 

Which is Better: One- or Two-piece Toilets?

As with all elements of your bathroom remodeling, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and determine which is the best fit for your home. The expert design team at Metropolitan Bath & Tile works with you every step of the bathroom remodeling process, providing expertise and answering questions. 

Advantage of One-piece Toilet

The biggest advantages of one-piece toilets are due to the fact that it’s a singular unit. Some advantages that may be attractive to homeowners are the sleek design and the fact that it doesn’t require assembly. 

Advantage of Two-piece Toilet

For homeowners researching toilet alternatives, you’ll find advantages of two-piece toilets to be focused around their installation, size, and weight. Two-piece toilets also have more design options to choose from, helping you bring your full project vision to life. 

Get Started on Your Next Project with Family-Owned, Local Bathroom Remodelers

Your bathroom remodeling project should have an end result that is both functional and beautiful. Working with an experienced bathroom design team that employs thoughtful planning and thorough communication will ensure your remodel is built to last.  At Metropolitan Bath & Tile, we’ll work with you every step of the way, providing expertise and answering questions. We guarantee that our prices will equal or be less than any other qualified contractor’s price on the same project. 

Submit a request for a free estimate, or visit one of our showrooms today.