Types of Toilets Compared: Which One Should You Pick?
Not sure which type of toilet is right for your bathroom? This guide breaks down the different types of toilets you’ll find in Australia, explains what to look for, and helps you make a decision you’ll love for years to come.
When choosing a new toilet, there are countless types of toilets available. Of course, you want one that looks beautiful, but also functionals efficiently.
Now, choosing a new toilet starts with understanding your plumbing setup. Most Australian homes have an S trap (waste goes through the floor) or a P trap (waste exits through the wall). Knowing which one you have will narrow down your options and save you from costly installation issues.
Beyond plumbing, you'll also want to consider style, cleaning ease, water efficiency, and your budget. From wall-hung designs to smart toilets with heated seats, there's more variety than you might expect.
This guide covers the main toilet types available in Australia, explains the key differences between S trap vs P trap setups, and helps you choose the right fit for your space and needs.
What Types of Toilets Are Available in Australia?
1. Back-to-Wall Toilets
Back-to-wall toilets are designed to sit flush against your bathroom wall, hiding all visible plumbing and making cleaning a breeze. This style gives your space a tidy, modern feel and is especially popular in busy family homes.
Arcisan SynergiiOne Back to Wall Toilet Suite Wrap Seat
Arcisan SynergiiOne..
The SynergiiOne takes everything great about the original – rimless flush, comfort height, easy-clean glaze – and wraps it up in a sleek one-piece design. It’s got Geberit internals, a soft-close seat, and a smooth, modern look that’s super easy to keep clean.
2. Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets are a favourite for anyone who loves a minimalist look and wants to make floor cleaning effortless. These toilets “float” above the ground, with the cistern tucked away inside the wall, making them perfect for small bathrooms or anyone after a sleek, contemporary vibe.
Sleek and sculptural, this wall-hung toilet from Caroma toilets is big on style and easy to clean. It features rimless CleanFlush tech, GermGard protection, and a concealed cistern for a modern, clutter-free look.
Read more: Back-to-Wall vs. Wall-Hung Toilets – Which is Best?
3. Wall-Faced Toilets
Wall-faced toilets give your bathroom a streamlined, uncluttered appearance by concealing the cistern inside the wall or a furniture unit. This not only saves space but also makes cleaning around the toilet much easier. If you’re after a modern bathroom with fewer exposed edges, wall-faced toilets are a great pick.
With its sleek, rimless design and extra-tall pan, the Liano Cleanflush from Caroma is ideal for anyone needing a bit more comfort, perfect for ambulant users or accessible bathrooms. It’s easy to clean, features a concealed cistern, and includes flexible installation options thanks to Caroma’s clever Uni–Orbital Connector.
4. Rimless Toilets
Rimless toilets are designed for ultimate hygiene and easy cleaning. Without the traditional rim, there are fewer places for grime and germs to hide, making them a favourite for families and anyone who wants a low-maintenance bathroom.
Caroma Luna Cleanflush Rimless BTW Toilet Suite (Bottom Inlet)
Luna Cleanflush..
The Caroma Luna CleanFlush toilet is a great all-rounder if you’re after something modern, easy to clean, and built to last. The rimless design gives the whole bowl a proper flush with less splash, while the soft-close seat adds a nice everyday touch. It’s perfect for renos or new builds thanks to a flexible connector that makes installation simple, even in tricky spots. Made from durable, stain-resistant ceramic and water-efficient too, it’s a top pick for any bathroom.
Related read: What is a Rimless Toilet? (Plus Our Top Product Recommendations)
5. Closed-Coupled Toilets
Close-coupled toilets are the classic choice for Australian homes, with the cistern sitting directly on the pan. They’re reliable, affordable, and simple to install, making them a safe bet for renovations or rental properties.
This feature-packed bidet seat brings next-level comfort and hygiene to your bathroom. With adjustable wash settings, heated seat, drying function, and built-in night lights, it delivers a fully personalised experience – all controlled by remote.
6. Smart Toilets
Smart toilets are all about comfort and convenience, featuring built-in bidet functions, heated seats, and even automated flushing. These are perfect for anyone who wants a touch of luxury or needs accessible features.
The Lafeme Smart Toilet is a fully integrated, tankless toilet designed for serious comfort and style. With a heated seat, custom wash functions, foot sensor, auto flush, and app control, it delivers a completely hands-free, hygienic experience.
Related read: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Toilet for Your Home
→ Jump to How Much You Should Spend on a Toilet?
Toilet Types Compared
|
Toilet Type |
Description |
Best For |
|
Designed to sit flush against your bathroom wall, hiding all visible plumbing and making cleaning a breeze. |
Modern, easy-to-clean bathrooms |
|
|
“Float” above the ground, with the cistern tucked away inside the wall. Makes floor cleaning effortless and offers a minimalist look. |
Small, stylish, and minimalist spaces |
|
|
Wall-faced toilets |
Give your bathroom a streamlined, uncluttered appearance by concealing the cistern inside the wall or a furniture unit. Saves space and makes cleaning around the toilet much easier. |
Modern, uncluttered bathrooms |
|
Designed for ultimate hygiene and easy cleaning. Without the traditional rim, there are fewer places for grime and germs to hide, making them a favourite for families and anyone who wants a low-maintenance bathroom. |
Families, hygiene-focused households |
|
|
The classic choice for Australian homes, with the cistern sitting directly on the pan. Reliable, affordable, and simple to install, making them a safe bet for renovations or rental properties. |
Classic, budget, or rental bathrooms |
|
|
All about comfort and convenience, featuring built-in bidet functions, heated seats, and even automated flushing. Perfect for anyone who wants a touch of luxury or needs accessible features. |
Luxury or accessible bathrooms |
Read more: Top 10 Caroma Toilets for Modern Australian Homes
How Do I Know Which Toilet Will Fit My Bathroom?
The first thing to check is your plumbing “set-out” – that’s the distance from the wall to the waste outlet (for S-trap) or from the floor to the outlet (for P-trap). Most Australian homes use S-trap toilets, but it’s worth double-checking before you buy. Measure carefully, as this will narrow down your choices and save you from installation headaches.
If you’re short on space, wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets are ideal. They sit closer to the wall and free up valuable floor space. For larger bathrooms or classic renovations, close-coupled and connector toilets are straightforward and easy to fit.
S Trap vs P Trap: Plumbing Standards Explained
Before you fall in love with a toilet online, you need to know one thing: which trap type your bathroom has.
- S-Trap Toilets: If your waste pipe exits straight down through the floor, you've got an S-trap. This is what you'll find in most Australian homes, especially older ones and ground-floor bathrooms. The S-shaped bend creates a water seal that stops sewer smells from creeping back up—pretty important.
- P-Trap Toilets: P-traps send waste out horizontally through the wall instead. You'll typically see these in apartments, upstairs bathrooms, and newer builds where going through the floor isn't an option. Same job, different direction.
- Skew Trap Toilets: These are the problem-solvers. When your waste outlet doesn't line up neatly with where you want the toilet, a skew trap lets the waste exit at an angle. They're not common, but handy when you need one.
How to Check What Type of Toilet You Have
Pop your head behind your current toilet. If the pipe disappears into the floor, it's an S-trap. If it goes into the wall, it's a P-trap. Easy.
You'll also need to measure your "set-out"—that's the distance from the wall to the centre of your waste pipe. In Australia, S-traps are usually 90mm, 120mm, or 140mm, while P-traps sit at 180mm or 185mm. Grab a tape measure and double-check before you order.
Can You Switch from S-Trap to P-Trap (or Vice Versa)?
You can, but we wouldn't recommend it unless you're gutting the whole bathroom. It means rerouting pipes, which gets expensive fast. Stick with what you've got and choose a toilet that fits.
If you're not confident about identifying your trap type or measuring the set-out, call a plumber. It takes them two minutes and could save you a world of hassle down the track.
Which Toilet is Easiest to Clean and Most Hygienic?
If you hate scrubbing around awkward nooks, go for a wall-hung toilet or wall-faced toilet. These designs make it easy to mop underneath and around the pan.
Rimless toilets are also worth considering – they have fewer crevices for grime to hide, making them more hygienic overall.
How Much Should You Spend on a Toilet?
Toilet prices in Australia vary widely depending on the type, features, and installation requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each type of toilet.
|
Toilet Type |
Typical Price Range |
Toilet Features |
|
$250 – $1,200 |
Most affordable; classic design; easy installation |
|
|
$400 – $1,200 |
Modern look; plumbing hidden; mid-range price |
|
|
Wall-faced |
$700 – $1,350 |
Cistern concealed; sleeker style; higher install cost |
|
$1,050 – $1,500+ |
Floating design; requires sturdy wall and in-wall cistern |
|
|
$399 – $1,500+ |
Hygiene-focused; available in several styles |
|
|
$1,000 – $7,000+ |
Bidet, heated seat, automation; luxury end of the market |
Can You Install a Toilet Yourself or Do You Need a Plumber?
Some toilets – like close-coupled toilets – are DIY-friendly if you’re handy and follow local regulations. But for wall-hung, wall-faced, or concealed cistern toilets, it’s best to call in a professional. These models require precise installation and sometimes structural changes.
When in doubt, get a plumber’s advice. It’s worth the peace of mind and ensures your new toilet works as it should.
Read more: How to Replace a Toilet (Is It a DIY Job?)
What Are the Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms?
If you’re working with a compact space, wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets are perfect for small bathrooms because they take up less room and make cleaning easier. Their streamlined design also helps the space feel less cluttered.
Want to learn more about how you can choose the right toilet for your bathroom? Check out our Renovator's Guide to the Best Toilets.
FAQs
What are the standard toilet sizes in Australia?
Most toilets in Australia are around 686–765 mm deep, 508 mm wide, and 350–410 mm high. “Comfort height” toilets sit a little taller (46–48 cm), which is great for older adults or anyone who finds lower toilets tricky. Always double-check your measurements before buying.
What’s a toilet set-out, and why does it matter?
The set-out is the distance from the wall to the middle of the waste pipe. It’s important because your new toilet needs to line up with your existing plumbing—otherwise, you could be up for a costly fix.
What’s a skirted or concealed trap toilet?
These have a smooth, clean base that hides the plumbing. That means fewer dust traps, easier cleaning, and a more modern look.
What’s the WELS rating and why should I care?
The WELS rating shows how water-efficient a toilet is. New builds in Australia need a 4-star rating, and renovations need at least 3 stars. Higher ratings = lower water bills.
Can I switch from a single-flush to a dual-flush toilet?
Yes, and it’s a great way to save water—up to 80 litres a day. Just make sure your plumbing works with the new setup, and always use a licensed plumber.
What toilet features help with accessibility?
Look for higher seat options, soft-close lids, big easy-flush buttons, or wall-mounted toilets at custom heights. Some smart models even have bidets and touch-free flushing.
Do smart toilets need special plumbing?
Most smart toilets need a standard water connection but may require an electrical outlet for features like heated seats or bidet functions.
Can I match my toilet with other bathroom fittings?
Absolutely – you can easily create a cohesive, designer look by matching your toilet with other bathroom fittings from Buildmat’s extensive collections. Whether you’re after a sleek, modern style or something more classic, there’s a coordinated solution for every taste and budget.
Here’s how to pull your whole bathroom together:
- Basins: Pair your toilet with a matching basin from the basins collection. Choose similar shapes or finishes for a unified feel.
- Showers: Coordinate with shower tapware and shower accessories to keep the look consistent across your wet areas.
- Bathroom Taps: Select bathroom tapware in finishes like chrome, matte black, or brushed nickel to complement your toilet buttons, flush plates, and other fittings.
- Bathtubs: For a seamless look, explore bathtubs that match the style and colour palette of your toilet and other fixtures.
- Vanities: Tie it all together with a vanity in a matching finish or material, ensuring your storage and basin area blend perfectly with your toilet choice.
- Bathroom Accessories: Don’t forget the details – bathroom accessories like towel rails, shelves, and toilet roll holders help complete the look.
No matter your vision, Buildmat’s collections make it simple to achieve a bathroom that feels thoughtfully designed and perfectly matched from top to bottom.
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Toilet?
Whether you’re renovating, upgrading, or just sick of scrubbing around awkward corners, finding the right toilet makes all the difference. Explore Buildmat’s full toilet range to compare styles, check dimensions, and create a bathroom that’s practical, stylish, and easy to clean.
Need help fitting out your bathroom?
You can speak with our team or visit the Buildmat showroom if you want personalised guidance. We're here to make the process easier.
Phone: 1300 123 122
Email: sales@buildmat.com.au
Showroom: 46 Brindley St, Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia
Related Posts
