In modern homes the choice between wall-mounted or floor-standing sanitary ware, has become complex and requires maximum attention. In the past, a plumber used to propose to the client a couple of models, at most three, and the game was over. The only choice to be made was between classic white, maybe black for the bolder clients (for the axis and the toilet cover) or the more courageous might opt for an antique pink. All of the sanitary ware, however, was floor-standing. Today the situation has changed radically, to the point that there is a wide choice in terms of colour, geometry, shape, profile and installation. The number of possibilities has increased, and the conception of the bathroom has changed drastically, starting from design, to the point that architects and interior designers have been able to find a way to focus on the toilet and bidet, which become real pieces of furniture.
How to choose the right bathroom fixtures
When making a choice of bathroom fixtures, both in the case of a new construction or renovation, it is important to consider not only the appearance, but also practicality, hygiene and the integration of the fixtures with the style and the characteristics of the environment. Choosing one type of toilet rather than another can lead to different masonry work and therefore it is useful to have a clear idea before starting construction work. Another parameter that can vary depending on the type of sanitary ware installed concerns the hydraulic aspect: the positioning of the connections or of the drains varies if the toilet is wall-mounted or floor-standing. If you are replacing old sanitary ware, you have to adapt your choice to existing systems and as a result the field of possible solutions diminishes. If you do not have limits in terms of plumbing, then there is a wide range of choices, because, in this case, the workers can accommodate the sanitary suites which you prefer. The main problem is when it is necessary to intervene on dated bathrooms, where there is the presence of the classic visible curvilinear pipes that are dust receptacles. In this case, it is sometimes possible to replace them, working on the wall, with wall-hung sanitary fixtures that have the water and drain pipes in the wall rather than in the floor. This solution is not always applicable and therefore the problem can be solved through the choice of classic floor-standing bathroom fixtures which are always graceful with a more modern profile and perhaps even a toilet combined with an exposed toilet cistern.
Floor-standing sanitary ware
Floor-mounted sanitary ware represent the solution which is in vogue; simple, immediate and traditional. This means that to update the collection, even more modern designs have been proposed that are called "flush with the wall", due to their particular installation. The drain is fixed on the ground or in the wall and provide the possibility of installing the cistern externally. Floor-standing sanitary ware become practically mandatory when there is no other solution or when it is necessary to adapt to existing structural constraints. Sanitary ware called "close-coupled", a particular kind of floor-standing toilet with a cistern that becomes an integral part of the toilet can usually be installed flush with the wall. The Kerasan close-coupled toilet is very interesting. The advantages are considerable, starting from a structure that is load-bearing and that can also be installed on the "ashes" of the old toilets, perfectly concealing the signs of time and giving the customer a modern bathroom with a touch of personality.
Floor-standing sanitary ware: pros
- Simple installation: the positioning of floor-standing sanitary ware is very simple and practical, to the point that it can be done in a short time thanks to appropriate floor anchoring bolts, without the need of other anchoring supports. This also insures that the labour will cost less. The installation of flush-with-wall models is slightly more complex because it requires attention to the positioning between the sanitary ware and the wall, avoiding the formation of unpleasant gaps between the fixture and the wall. The floor-standing sanitary fixtures have a height that is fixed at the origin according to a standardized measurement and therefore it is impossible to position them incorrectly.
- Price: the price is relatively low, especially for traditional models, while those flush with the wall have a slightly higher price, but still lower than the wall-hung models. Ceramic floor-standing sanitary ware can be very economical.
Floor-standing sanitary ware: cons
- Dimensions: the overall dimensions should be taken into consideration, since they are usually installed leaving a space between the wall and the back of the toilet and the bidet. This can be a problem for bathrooms which are not particularly spacious.
- Cleaning: while you can use a broom under the wall-mounted sanitary fixture, in this case you have to clean around the fixture and sometimes this is not enough. Where there is a space between the ceramic and the floor, there can be an accumulation of dust and dirt that requires deep cleaning, which is not always easy.
Wall-mounted sanitary ware
Even though they are highly sought after, modern and trendy, it is true that many individuals are reticent to the idea of sitting on a wall-hung object which not anchored to the ground, and the choice of wall-mounted sanitary ware may seem risky. The contrast is even more pronounced if you have lived with traditional sanitary ware for many years, also because installation of a wall-hung toilet often requires the modification of the position of the drains and pipes. The effect they create, however, is very particular, almost unexpected, thanks to the sensation of lightness they can give, contributing to create a minimal, yet elegant environment. There is an important restriction regarding the installation of this kind of sanitary ware: the thickness of the wall. It must be appropriate to support not only the weight of the toilet and bidet, but also that of the person and the cistern, leaving a margin for additional security. The wall must have a recommended thickness of at least 12 centimetres and in some cases, it is also advisable to reinforce the wall to insure more strength and resistance.
Wall-hung sanitary ware: pros
- Easy cleaning: wall-mounted sanitary ware, remaining suspended over the floor, allows simpler and more immediate cleaning. Nothing is fixed to the ground and therefore a free space is created, suitable for the passage of vacuum cleaners, brooms and mops.
- Aesthetic: the aesthetic is another undisputed advantage. It involves the entire bathroom, which takes on a clean, modern connotation of style and design, thanks to a captivating profile.
- It also manages to preserve the delicate surface of the floor: if this is parquet or a very delicate tile, the wall-hung sanitary fixtures do not require masonry work that involves the flooring. The models on the market have different shapes, from the most classic to the most complex, with the possibility to choose different colours.
- Bulkiness: the installation of wall-hung sanitary fixtures takes place in a small space because they are connected directly to the wall. This is a great advantage especially in small bathrooms, where even 20 cm can be useful.
- Low noise: when the flush is activated, the noise emitted is lower than with a floor-standing toilet. The flushing system which is inside the wall, in addition to the thickness of the wall results in the noise being suffocated. It is also easier to insert seals or gaskets which isolate the sound. This solution is ideal for those living in condominiums or in neighbouring apartments.
Wall-mounted sanitary ware: cons
- Delicate installation: the real difficulty lies in the installation for which it is good to rely on a serious professional. The drain and pipes must be wall-mounted and also the positioning of the sanitary ware requires particular attention since it must last over time.
- Price: they have a higher price than floor-standing models, not only for design issues, but above all due to the need for special support brackets and greater work during installation.
- Position: it is necessary to clarify the position of the wall-mounted sanitary ware. Sometimes wall-hung sanitary ware is erroneously placed too low and in this case, in addition to not being very comfortable to use, the cleaning of the adjacent tiles is made more complex, nullifying one of the main advantages.
Conclusion
At the end of this guide to the choice between wall-hung or floor-standing sanitary ware, it is time to draw some conclusions. The floor-mounted sanitary fittings are the most popular and traditional solution, with a floor or wall drain system and the cistern that can be external so as to allow for easy access in case of breakdown or maintenance. The installation is quite intuitive, simple and quick, since it simply requires fixing the base of the toilet to the floor, but it is also more cumbersome because there is a space to consider between the toilet and the wall, which may be impractical during cleaning. Speaking of floor-standing sanitary ware, the most modern ones are distinguished by being mounted flush to the wall, a model that represents an intermediate step between tradition and innovation. Aesthetically, they are appealing, the spaces are reduced, and the posterior part does not need cleaning. They are also more versatile from the point of view of the plumbing system. The difficulty consists in the installation, since it must be carried out by a professional to prevent the creation of excess space between the object and the wall. Innovation is brought to the limelight by wall-hung bathroom fixtures, which are symbol of true modernity. Although they are not yet widespread, more than anything else due to a problem of cultural habits of those who are tied to tradition, they are expanding and very sought after, registering growing sales. Their success is decreed by the aesthetics and the practicality of an easy to clean and therefore more hygienic bathroom. The water is drained in a quieter way as the flushing system is placed inside the wall and not in the floor, while the aspect to be taken into greater consideration is the installation and the thickness of the wall. They are more expensive than floor-standing models. The choice of the ideal sanitary fixture depends on the style of the bathroom, on any constraints present, on financial resources and on personal taste. Kerasan collections offer 360-degree solutions capable of satisfying the needs of demanding customers looking for functionality and quality. Modern or vintage style, wall-mounted or floor-standing, the choice of the ideal sanitary ware is simpler and more immediate with Kerasan products.