When it comes to designing commercial bathrooms, choosing the right toilet is a decision that affects both functionality and cleanliness. Two common types of toilets used in commercial settings are wall hung toilets and floor-mounted toilets.
Each offers unique advantages, but the decision ultimately depends on the specific needs of the environment.
In this article, we will compare wall hung toilets and floor-mounted toilets, focusing on their design, cleaning benefits, and functionality for commercial use.
1. What Is a Wall Hung Toilet?
A wall hung toilet is a modern toilet design where the toilet bowl is suspended from the wall, leaving the floor unobstructed beneath. Unlike traditional floor-mounted toilets, a commercial wall mount toilet is supported by a concealed frame or carrier system inside the wall. This frame supports the weight of the toilet and its users.
Wall mount commercial toilets have become increasingly popular in commercial spaces due to their sleek design, space-saving features, and hygienic benefits. The ability to adjust the height of the toilet also makes them a versatile choice for different users.
For instance, a commercial wall hung toiletoffers an advanced level of functionality and design, with features that can cater to a high volume of use in a commercial setting.
2. Design and Aesthetics: Wall Hung vs. Floor-Mounted Toilets
Design and aesthetics are important factors to select a wall hung toilet or a floor-mounted toilet.
Wall Hung Toilets
The design of a wall-hung toilet is clean and modern, offering a minimalist look that appeals to contemporary bathroom aesthetics. By hiding the tank and flushing mechanism within the wall, commercial hanging toilets create an open, airy feel in the bathroom.
- Space Efficiency: Since wall mount commercial toilets leave the floor clear, they help make small restrooms appear larger. This can be a key factor in commercial environments where space is limited, such as office buildings, retail outlets, and airports.
- Customization: The height of a commercial wall mount toilet can be adjusted during installation, offering greater flexibility in catering to different user needs. This feature is particularly beneficial in spaces that need to accommodate a diverse range of people, such as schools or public facilities.
Floor-Mounted Toilets
In contrast, floor-mounted toilets have been the traditional choice for both residential and commercial bathrooms. These toilets are installed directly onto the floor, with the tank typically placed behind the toilet or integrated into the design. Floor-mounted toilets are still the most common option in commercial settings.
- Traditional Look: Floor-mounted toilets often carry a more traditional or classic aesthetic. While they may not offer the same modern look as wall hung toilets, they are a familiar and trusted option in many commercial environments.
- Limited Space: One downside to floor-mounted toilets in high-traffic commercial spaces is the bulky design. Since the toilet is bolted to the floor, there is limited space beneath, making it difficult to clean the areas surrounding and underneath the toilet.
Winner: Wall Hung Toilets
When it comes to design and aesthetics, wall hung toilets win out for their modern look, customizable height, and ability to create a cleaner, more open space in the bathroom.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance: Wall Hung vs. Floor-Mounted Toilets
One of the most important factors in choosing a toilet for a commercial setting is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Bathrooms in commercial environments experience high foot traffic, and cleaning efficiency is paramount to ensure hygiene and customer satisfaction.
Wall Hung Toilets
Wall hung toilets offer a major advantage when it comes to cleaning. Since these toilets are suspended from the wall, there is no toilet base or floor-mounted connection to trap dirt, debris, or bacteria.
- No Floor Contact: The commercial wall mount toilet doesn’t touch the floor, which reduces the potential for dirt buildup, mold, or water stains. This makes cleaning much faster and more efficient.
- Easy Access to the Floor: The unobstructed floor allows for more thorough cleaning. Regular mopping and sweeping can be done with ease, which is particularly important in high-traffic restrooms that require frequent cleaning.
Floor-Mounted Toilets
Floor-mounted toilets have several cleaning challenges. The base of the toilet is attached to the floor, and this connection can trap dirt, grime, and water. In busy commercial environments, it’s not uncommon for floor-mounted toilets to accumulate water stains, mold, or soap scum along the floor where the toilet meets the floor.
- Difficult-to-Clean Areas: Cleaning around a floor-mounted toilet often requires moving the toilet or using specialized tools to reach hard-to-clean spaces. This can add significant time to the cleaning process, especially in high-traffic commercial restrooms that need to be cleaned frequently.
- Water Buildup: In high-traffic areas where toilets are frequently used, floor-mounted toilets may collect water and grime along the base, increasing the frequency of deep cleaning.
Winner: Wall Hung Toilets
Wall hung toilets offer a significant advantage in terms of cleaning and maintenance. The open space beneath the toilet and the absence of a floor connection make it much easier to clean, helping to maintain higher hygiene standards in commercial bathrooms.
4. Functionality and Durability: Wall Hung vs. Floor-Mounted Toilets
When selecting toilets for a commercial space, functionality and durability are key considerations. A commercial wall hung toilet must be able to handle high usage, while also being robust enough to withstand the daily demands of a commercial restroom.
Wall Hung Toilets
Commercial wall mount toilets are typically designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, because the toilet is supported by a frame installed in the wall, it is important that the installation is done correctly to ensure the toilet can support heavy usage without any issues.
- Weight Capacity: A commercial hanging toilet is usually designed to carry a high weight capacity, often between 500 and 800 pounds, depending on the specific model. This makes them suitable for most commercial applications.
- Installation Considerations: Installation of wall mount commercial toilets requires a hidden support frame or carrier system within the wall, which must be installed correctly. If the frame is installed poorly, it may not support the toilet’s weight, leading to potential issues down the line.
Floor-Mounted Toilets
Floor-mounted toilets are typically more robust in terms of installation. They are directly anchored to the floor, providing a stable and reliable installation. These toilets do not require the additional framing or wall modification that wall-hung toilets do.
- Ease of Installation: Installing a commercial floor-mounted toilet is usually simpler and less time-consuming than installing a wall-hung model. For businesses looking for a faster and easier installation process, this may be a deciding factor.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Floor-mounted toilets have been around for many years and are proven to withstand constant use. Their sturdy design ensures they are less prone to damage over time, even in high-traffic commercial bathrooms.
Winner: Floor-Mounted Toilets (for Durability)
When it comes to straightforward functionality and durability, floor-mounted toilets still hold a slight advantage due to their simpler installation and reliability. However, the wall hung toilet bowl can still be just as durable, provided proper installation is ensured.
5. Cost: Wall Hung vs. Floor-Mounted Toilets
Cost is always an important consideration in any commercial renovation or new installation. While the initial investment in wall hung toilets might be higher, the long-term benefits often outweigh the cost difference.
Wall Hung Toilets
The cost of a commercial wall mount toilet can be higher due to the need for a hidden carrier frame and the added complexity of installation. However, many businesses see this cost as an investment due to the toilet’s space-saving design and easier cleaning and maintenance.
- Higher Installation Costs: The need for specialized installation may increase upfront costs. However, the long-term cost savings on cleaning and maintenance make up for it.
- Long-Term Savings: Due to reduced cleaning time and water savings (as wall mount commercial toilets are often designed to be more water-efficient), many businesses find they save money over time.
Floor-Mounted Toilets
Floor-mounted toilets are generally less expensive to purchase and install initially. However, they may incur higher maintenance and cleaning costs over time due to the difficulties in cleaning and the potential for grime buildup around the base.
- Lower Installation Costs: The installation process for commercial floor-mounted toilets is usually simpler, which can save on labor costs.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: The cleaning process is more time-consuming, potentially leading to higher long-term maintenance costs.
Winner: Floor-Mounted Toilets (for Initial Costs)
Floor-mounted toilets tend to have a lower initial cost compared to wall hung toilets, making them more suitable for businesses with a tight budget. However, the long-term cost savings from a commercial wall hung toilet could outweigh the initial price difference due to easier maintenance.
Conclusion: Which Is Better for Commercial Use?
When it comes to selecting the best toilet for your commercial restroom, both wall hung toilets and floor-mounted toilets have their advantages.
Wall Hung Toilets: Offer superior cleaning and maintenance benefits, space-saving designs, and modern aesthetics. They are particularly beneficial in high-traffic commercial bathrooms where hygiene is a top concern.
Floor-Mounted Toilets: While more affordable and easier to install, these toilets can be harder to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of cleanliness required.
