By

Karen

, , ,

Wall Hung Toilet vs Floor Standing Toilet?

Which Is Right for Your Bathroom? 

When renovating or installing a new bathroom toilet, one of the first big decisions is whether to go with a wall hung toilet or a floor standing toilet. Both styles have distinct installation requirements, costs, and design benefits. Let’s explore the differences and compare installation costs to help you make an informed choice.

What Is a Wall Hung Toilet?

A wall hung toilet is mounted directly onto the wall, with the cistern and plumbing concealed inside a wall cavity or a specially designed frame system. The toilet bowl itself is suspended above the floor, creating a sleek, modern look.

What Is a Floor Standing Toilet?

A floor standing toilet (also called a close-coupled or traditional toilet) sits directly on the bathroom floor, with the cistern mounted either on the back of the bowl or connected behind the wall. It’s the most common toilet type and generally easier to install.

Installation Cost Comparison

Toilet Type
Average Material Cost (Toilet + Frame Only)
Labour Cost (Installation)
Total Installed Cost (approx.)
Wall Hung Toilet
£300 – £500+        (frame/toilet only)
£750 – £900+
£1,100 – £1,500+
Floor Standing Toilet
£100 – £300
£150 – £250
£250 – £550

Pros and Cons of wall hung toilets

Pros:

  • Sleek, contemporary aesthetic
  • Easier to clean underneath – better hygiene
  • Saves floor space – ideal for small bathrooms
  • Adjustable height during installation
  • Concealed cistern reduces visual clutter

Cons:

  • Higher installation cost and complexity
  • Requires a strong wall or frame for support
  • Maintenance can be more complicated (access panels needed)
  • Retrofitting in older homes may require structural work

Pros and Cons of floor standing toilets

Pros:

  • Lower purchase and installation costs
  • Easier and quicker to install or replace
  • Works with most existing plumbing setups
  • Simple maintenance and repairs

Cons:

  • Takes up more floor space
  • Can be harder to clean around the base
  • More traditional look may not suit modern designs

Installation Considerations

Wall Hung Toilet:

  • Wall may need to be reinforced or built out to accommodate the frame
  • Plumbing and cistern must be concealed behind the wall or within the frame
  • Requires a steel frame or carrier system installed inside the wall
  • Professional Installation is highly recommended.

Floor standing toilet:

  • Mounted directly on the floor with bolts
  • Standard plumbing connections for water supply and waste
  • Easier to replace without wall modifications
  • Suitable for DIY installation in some cases

Which toilet should you choose?

Choose a wall hung Toilet if:
You want a modern, minimalist bathroom look
You have the budget for higher installation costs
You want to maximize floor space and hygiene

 

Choose a floor standing toilet if:
You want a budget-friendly option
You prefer easier installation and maintenance
You’re working with existing plumbing and walls

Final thoughts…

Both wall hung and floor standing toilets have their place in bathroom design. Your decision should consider your budget, bathroom layout, aesthetic preferences, and willingness to invest in installation complexity.

With over 20 years of experience fitting bathrooms across Bromley BR1, Bromley BR2, Bromley BR3, West Wickham BR4, Farnborough BR6, Orpington BR5, Orpington BR6, Chislehurst BR7, Petts Wood BR5 Crystal Palace, Brockley, Hither Green SE13, London Streatham SW16; London Abbey Wood SE2; London Blackheath SE3; London Brockley SE4; London Catford SE6; London Deptford SE8; London Eltham SE9; Greenwich London SE10; London Lee SE12; London Lewisham SE13; London Norwood SE19; London Anerley SE20; London Dulwich SE21; London East Dulwich SE22; London Forest Hill SE23; London Herne Hill SE24; London South Norwood SE25; London Sydenham SE26; London West Norwood SE27; London Thamesmead SE28, we’re here to make it easy and give our clients the dream bathroom they always wanted.

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