Both types of fixtures have their advantages and disadvantages, and the final decision depends on both practical and aesthetic preferences, as well as technical plumbing considerations.
Initially, with the introduction of wall-hung fixtures, the choice might have seemed straightforward, as wall-hung fixtures were certainly more modern, compact, and hygienic compared to the old floor-standing fixtures.
However, with the more recent introduction of back-to-wall floor-standing fixtures with concealed cisterns, this type of fixture has greatly improved in terms of design, compactness, and hygiene, making the two types of fixtures more comparable in terms of aesthetics and performance.
Wall-hung WC and bidet: Features and Characteristics
Wall-hung toilets and bidets are fixed directly to the wall, using universal brackets to be recessed into the masonry or incorporated into specific support systems, along with concealed cisterns. Support systems are essential if the fixtures need to be installed on lightweight walls made of plasterboard or similar materials.
When installing wall-hung toilets and bidets, it is recommended that the height be around 42 cm from the floor. However, this height can be adjusted by a few centimetres to accommodate specific needs.
Wall-hung fixtures have a wall outlet for the WC, and they may be a necessary technical choice to ensure proper drainage slopes when moving away from the main waste stark.
Floor-standing WC and bidet: Features and Characteristics
Floor-standing fixtures do not require extensive masonry work, as they are anchored directly to the floor and toilets are generally designed with floor waste pipe that can be converted to a wall pipe using specific technical bends.
Models designed with an adjustable pipe system are intended to adapt to existing plumbing installations and are the ideal choice when replacing fixtures without plumbing adjustments.
Due to their ease of installation and compatibility with any type of wall, floor-standing fixtures are generally the more economical option.
Among the various types of floor-standing toilets, there are close-coupled WC with a floor outlet and an external ceramic cistern, which do not require masonry work for the installation of the flushing cistern.
The standard height of floor-standing fixtures is 42 cm, but taller models are available on the market, suitable for particularly tall individuals or elderly people.
Special combined toilet/bidet models can be a space-effective choice in small bathrooms, among the available floor-standing fixture models. These are toilets with a bidet spout incorporated directly into the ceramic and connected to an external mixer.
Which type to choose?
From a hygiene perspective, wall-hung WC and bidets used to be the better option compared to traditional floor-standing models detached from the wall.
Nowadays, with back-to-wall floor-standing models, both solutions offer a significant advantage in terms of ease of cleaning around the WC and bidet.
Both floor-standing and wall-hung toilets are now made with the new rimless technology, an innovation that greatly simplifies cleaning the interior surfaces of the WC, resulting in better visual and hygiene control.
In terms of sustainability, both floor-standing and wall-hung toilets use water-saving technology, allowing for a complete flush with as little as 3 liters of water.
So, which one to choose? The substantial difference between wall-hung and floor-standing fixtures is aesthetic and stylistic.
Wall-hung fixtures generally have an elegant and minimalist design that contributes to a sense of spaciousness and lightness in the bathroom.
By leaving the floor clear, wall-hung WC and bidets visually enlarge the bathroom and enhance any decorative patterns on the flooring.
However, floor-standing fixtures are available in a wide range of styles and can seamlessly fit into both classic and modern bathrooms.
Their versatility allows them to harmoniously blend into the bathroom environment. Therefore, unless there are specific plumbing requirements, the choice can simply be based on personal taste.
