The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the drain in the floor. Measure it before you buy and choose a toilet with the same rough-in. 12" (30.5 cm) is the most common, and most of our floor-standing toilets come in a choice of sizes, usually 12" and 16" and often 14", chosen in the options.
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What is a toilet rough-in?
It's the measurement that decides whether a floor-standing toilet lines up with your drain. It runs from the finished wall (the tiled or painted surface, not the skirting board) to the center of the waste pipe in the floor. A toilet built for a different rough-in either won't reach the drain or won't fit against the wall.
How to measure your rough-in
- If your old toilet is still in place, measure from the finished wall to the center of one of the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. If there are two pairs of bolts, use the pair nearest the wall.
- If the toilet has been removed, measure from the finished wall to the center of the drain opening (the flange).
- Measure from the wall itself, not from the skirting board or any trim, and keep the tape square to the wall.
- Write the measurement down in inches and centimeters, and check it against the "Rough In Size" line in the product's specifications.
Common rough-in sizes
| Rough-in | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|
| 10" (25.4 cm) | Some older homes and small bathrooms where the drain sits close to the wall |
| 12" (30.5 cm) | The most common size in modern homes, and offered on most of our floor-standing toilets |
| 14" (35.6 cm) | Some older homes, especially where the wall has been built out |
| 16" (40.6 cm) | Less common; offered as an option on many of our models |
Many of our floor-standing toilets come in more than one rough-in. Choose yours in the product options, and the "Rough In Size" line in the specifications lists every size available for that model.
What if my measurement is between sizes?
Choose the nearest size below your measurement. A 12" toilet on a 13" rough-in leaves a small gap behind the tank, which is fine. A toilet with a larger rough-in than your measurement won't fit against the wall.
How does it work for wall-hung toilets?
Wall-hung toilets don't use a floor drain. The bowl is bolted to a support frame (carrier) hidden inside the wall, and the waste pipe connects through the wall. Instead of the rough-in, check that the frame, the bolt spacing and the outlet height suit the toilet you choose. About 1 in 7 of our toilets are wall-hung, and we recommend a licensed plumber to fit them.
What else should I check before I order?
The bowl shape and the space around the toilet. Most of our toilets have an elongated bowl, which is longer and more comfortable; round bowls are shorter and suit small bathrooms. As a common guide, leave at least 15" (38 cm) from the center of the toilet to a side wall or fixture, and about 21-24" (53-61 cm) clear in front. Check local building rules, as these vary.
What seat height should I choose?
Our most common seat height is 16" (40 cm), and many models are 16.5-18" (42-45 cm). Taller "comfort height" toilets, around 17-18" (43-45 cm), are easier to stand up from. The "Toilet Seat Height" line in the specifications gives the exact figure.
Is the seat included?
On almost all of our toilets, yes. About 9 in 10 have a soft-close seat, and about a third have a heated seat. Heated-seat models need a power outlet near the toilet, so plan for one before fitting.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is free. Toilets are heavy items and can take 4-8 weeks, and the estimate for your address is shown at checkout. We recommend a licensed plumber for installation.
