Caroma Urbane II Bidet Cleanflush Wall Faced Close Coupled Back Entry Toilet Suite

Choosing a toilet might not be glamorous, but getting it right makes a big difference to comfort, cleaning, and how your bathroom looks. Here's what to think about.

1. Measure your space carefully

Measure from the wall to your existing waste outlet (the centre of the pipe) – this is your "set-out" distance, usually 90mm, 120mm or 150mm in Australia. Also measure how much space you have side-to-side and front-to-back, especially if it's a small bathroom. You need enough room to sit comfortably and open the door.

2. Choose your toilet style

• Back-to-wall toilets: Sit flush against the wall with a concealed cistern for a sleek, modern look that's easier to clean around.
• Wall-hung toilets: Mount to the wall with the cistern hidden inside – looks minimal, saves floor space, and makes cleaning underneath easy.
• Close-coupled toilets: The cistern sits directly on the pan – practical, affordable, and easy to install or replace.

3. Pick a flushing system

Look for a dual-flush system (3L/4.5L or similar) to save water. Some toilets also have rimless or special flushing technology that cleans better and stays hygienic longer, which is worth considering if you want less scrubbing.

4. Match the style to your bathroom

White toilets are classic and suit any style. Soft-close seats are quieter and feel nicer. If you're going modern or minimal, a wall-hung or back-to-wall design looks cleaner. Traditional bathrooms work well with close-coupled suites.

6. Consider smart features

Want extra features? Smart toilets and bidet toilets offer built-in washing, heated seats, and more – perfect if you're after extra comfort and hygiene.

7. Don't forget the flush button

Your toilet flush button is part of the look, especially for in-wall cisterns. Choose a finish that matches your tapware and accessories.

8. Set your budget

Basic close-coupled toilets start around $300–$600. Back-to-wall and wall-hung suites with concealed cisterns sit between $600–$1,500+, depending on brand and features. Installation costs vary depending on complexity, so chat with your plumber early.

Need help choosing?

Browse our full range of toilets and toilet suites to find the perfect fit for your bathroom. Or visit our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, real renovation examples, and the latest bathroom design trends to help you plan with confidence.

What is a smart toilet?

A smart toilet is a fully integrated toilet suite with built-in electronic features – bidet wash, heated seat, warm air dryer, auto lid, touchless flush, and more, all in a single, self-contained unit. Unlike a bidet seat added to an existing toilet, a smart toilet is designed and built as one product. The result is a cleaner look, a better experience, and a more cohesive bathroom.

Who is it best suited to?

A smart toilet tends to be the right choice if you:

• Are doing a full bathroom renovation and want a premium, future-proof result
• Want the cleanest possible aesthetic – no visible seat hinges, separate bidet parts, or mismatched components
• Value daily comfort and hygiene and are happy to invest in a bathroom you use every day
• Have mobility considerations that make a warm wash and air dry genuinely useful
• Are building or renovating a master ensuite or main bathroom where quality matters most

If you're renovating on a tight budget, renting, or just want to dip a toe in, a bidet toilet seat or bidet mixer tap is a far more affordable starting point.

What features should you look for?

Not all smart toilets are equal. Think through which features you'll actually use before comparing models:

• Must-have for most people: Warm water bidet wash, adjustable pressure, warm air dryer, heated seat
• Worth paying extra for: Auto open/close lid, touchless or foot-sensor flush, self-cleaning nozzle, remote or wall panel control
• Nice but not essential: Night light, deodoriser, memory settings for multiple users

A mid-range smart toilet with the core features will suit most households well. The top-end models add convenience, but the fundamentals are available at a much more accessible price point.

Installing a smart toilet

Before committing, check the following in your bathroom:

• Power outlet: Smart toilets need a switched GPO within about 1 metre of the toilet. If you don't have one, plan for an electrician to install one — ideally while walls are open during the renovation.
• Water pressure: Smart toilets connect to your cold water supply and heat water internally. Check the minimum pressure requirements, especially if you're in an apartment or older home.
• Wall structure: If you want a wall-hung smart toilet with a concealed cistern, you'll need adequate wall depth and structural support. It's worth confirming with your builder or plumber early.

Which configuration suits your bathroom?

Smart toilets come in the same suite configurations as standard toilets:

• Back to wall — integrated cistern sits against the wall. Clean, modern, and easy to install
• Wall hung — the pan floats off the floor for the most minimal look and easiest cleaning. Pairs beautifully with a concealed in-wall cistern

For the cleanest possible finish, a wall-hung smart toilet with a concealed flush button in a matching finish is hard to beat.

How much does a smart toilet cost?

• Entry-level smart toilets: From around $1,500–$2,500 for a solid, feature-rich model
• Mid-range: $2,500–$4,000 — broader feature sets, better build quality
• Premium: $4,000–$6,000+ for top-of-range models with the full suite of features

Add the cost of a licensed plumber for installation, an electrician if a GPO is needed, and any wall framing work for wall-hung models. It's not a small investment – but for a bathroom you use every day, the difference in comfort and hygiene is genuinely noticeable.

Browse all smart toilets at Buildmat, or explore the full toilet range to compare options. Or, visit our building and renovating tips blog for more bathroom renovation guides and buying advice.