A toilet with a trapway always looks unattractive; it often prompts the question of when the last time you cleaned it up was. This toilet is so familiar to seniors as it’s the same one they’ve been using for decades. And now you are right to feel you’ve been left behind by technology and modernism.
Better late than never, the best skirted toilet models look sleeker, ultra-convenient, and have a lot of features built into the bowl. Skirted models are a worthy upgrade to the unsightly traditional bowl-tank-and-trapway toilets.
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What Does Skirted Toilet Mean?
Skirted toilets are concealed trapway toilets which are installed in a modern bathroom. The trapway is kept hidden from view, built into the bowl, and the liquid waste and solid waste are flushed directly into the sewers more efficiently. These toilets have two main benefits when you compare them with other traditional toilets. First, it’s an advanced toilet that is aesthetically pleasing, ideal for different bathroom styles, and usually in one piece. Secondly, it is easy to clean.
Skirted designs are usually found in the most sophisticated toilets; products with bidet integration, self-cleaning toilets, rimless toilets, and more.
Best Skirted Toilets: 8 Product Reviews
We’ve helped you research the 8 best skirted toilet products with a skirted trapway. Check them out!
1. WOODBRIDGE T-0001 Dual Flush Elongated One Piece Toilet with Soft Closing Seat
Without a doubt, one of the best-skirted toilets on the market is the WOODBRIDGE T-0001. The one-piece toilet comes with a comfort height feature and a water-efficient system that complies with WaterSense.
This model is kept rather simple in design but still looks elegant. In addition, it is installed on the floor and meant to flush directly to the wall and thus makes a particularly classy impression. The ceramics are of very high quality. It was fired at a very high temperature, ensuring extremely high stability and making the surfaces extremely smooth.
The standard toilet has a dual flush siphon system and uses 1.6 or 1.0 gallons per flush, but averages at 1.28 gallons. The lid is made of robust plastic and closes particularly quietly, thanks to the soft-close system, an automatic lowering system. Therefore, it’s our choice of the best skirted toilet.
Pros
- Skirted trapway for ease of cleaning
- Elongated seat with soft-close
- Made of highly durable ceramic
- Powerful siphon flush system
- Quiet flush mechanism
Cons
- Not easy to find parts in case of breakage
- Doesn’t have comfort height
2. American Standard 2988101.020 Cadet 3 FloWise
Lightweight, made of vitreous china with an EverClean surface, the American Standard system comes with a skirted design and a single flush system that uses just 1.28 gallons per flush. One of our best skirted toilet products is this American Standard’s two-piece toilet with a round bowl shape and a top-mounted soft-close seat which also has an easy lift-off feature. So it doesn’t happen that you wake someone up at night if you carelessly drop the seat. Please note that this doesn’t have an elongated bowl shape, it’s a round bowl toilet.
The workmanship is also well done; after all, all the parts fit together perfectly. Moreover, the toilet is made of high-quality vitreous china material. Incidentally, you wouldn’t need a long time to assemble your skirted toilet. A little manual skill is however required.
Pros
- High-quality vitreous china construction
- Easy to clean thanks to the EverClean surface
- Soft-close seat
- ADA compliant for standing and seating comfort
Cons
- Mounting not easy
3. TOTO AQUIA IV 2PC Dual Flush Toilet with an Elongated Bowl
One of the best skirted toilets on the market, the Aquia IV is an elongated-bowl, two-piece toilet with a CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze, a fully glazed trap way, and a DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH technology which is supposed to reduce the need to clean the toilet frequently and the use of harsh chemicals.
The model is a dual flush toilet that uses 1.28 GPF and 0.8 GPF. It is made of sanitary ceramic, which is extremely robust and ensures long usage. What’s more? The DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH system, an eco-friendly system that helps you save water, was installed and this puts the additional costs into perspective after a while.
The product can be installed relatively quickly with little technical know-how. Another good thing is that a seat is included in the package. You can also choose to upgrade it to mount an electronic bidet system on it for added cleanliness and luxury.
Pros
- Bidet can be integrated into it
- Includes a soft-closing seat
- Dual flush system
- Has a skirted trap way
- CEC, CarlGreen, and WaterSense certified
- 40% water saving
Cons
- Not so easy to clean
4. Kohler K-3999-0 Highline Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated Toilet
Kohler toilets are of high-quality standards and the Highline Comfort Height is not exempted. It’s a traditional toilet with a floor-mounted design and bowl. The toilet has a left-hand chrome trip lever but it doesn’t come with a toilet seat. However, it has a very powerful Class Five flush technology that only uses 1.28 GPF, removing solid waste from the bowl effectively, and meeting EPA’s WaterSense criteria. It’s a comfort height, elongated toilet in two pieces that are made from vitreous china.
Asides from that, there is nothing particularly new about the Kohler model as it is a classic type of toilet with not many modern features. But, the design has particularly smooth surfaces that make it difficult for germs and residues to settle. This means that cleaning can be carried out with little effort. You can also sit very comfortably on the toilet, thanks to the Comfort Height design.
Pros
- Comfort height for chair height seating
- Ideal for seniors and people with disabilities
- Uses 1.28 GPF
- Unique bowl design
- Fair price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a seat
- No toilet flange bolt included
5. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet
The Glossy White toilet is made from durable and high-quality ceramic and is truly built to last for a long time – even if not forever. The toilet has a clean, sleek, and modern design with a fully skirted trapway that ensures ease of cleaning and an elongated front bowl
The model, too, is simply installed on the floor but the tank flushes to the wall, which looks particularly attractive. It has numerous features for a low acquisition cost. For example, the surfaces were equipped with a gloss coat which makes it difficult for germs and bacteria to accumulate. This also makes cleaning much easier, because dirt can usually be removed with a simple wipe or two.
In addition, it features a slow-close seat, which means that it folds down slowly and is not damaged even if you are careless. Moreover, the process of closing the seat is as quiet as possible.
Pros
- Seat with soft-close function
- Glossy bowl surface for ease of cleaning
- Uses just 1.28 GPF at full flush
- Seat removable for bidet installation
Cons
- Installation process not so easy
6. WOODBRIDGE T-0019 Cotton White One Piece Toilet
The Woodbridge Cotton White toilet boasts of a bowl, tank, and a skirted trapway all in a one-piece modern design. The model is floor-mounted but installed to stay flush to the wall, which gives it an interesting accent. Porcelain material is used for this toilet; this means that the surfaces are as smooth as possible and hardly offer any brooding spots for germs and bacteria.
It has a high-end slow-close seat, which means that the lid always folds down slowly and is not damaged even if you just let it fall. Furthermore, the toilet can be assembled with relatively little effort and manual skill, as the manufacturers comply with the relevant ANSI standards. The model is also certified by UPC, CSA, and WaterSense.
Pros
- No-clog, no-leak design
- Beautiful one-piece skirted toilet
- Easy cleaning
- Seat with soft-close function
- Meets standards and certified
Cons
- Requires multiple flushes
7. TOTO MS626124CEFG#01 Aimes Elongated Bowl WASHLET
The Toto Aimes is an elongated toilet with a Universal Height and skirted design. The bowl and tank, built in one piece, are made of ceramic and have a Cotton White color. The toilet features a tornado flush system which means you don’t need to make multiple flushes.
We’ve selected this product as it has a universal height and an excellent price-performance ratio. After all, it costs comparatively little but offers numerous extras such as a nice look and smooth CeFiONtect surfaces on which residues are difficult to build up. A slow closing seat was also installed here. They just let it down slowly, which is why it is not damaged or causes any noise under any circumstances.
Mounting kits are also included in the scope of delivery so that you don’t have to buy anything for assembly.
Pros
- Seat with soft-close function
- Mounting brackets included
- Universal Height
- Tornado flushing system
- ADA, WaterSense, CEC, and CarlGreen compliant
Cons
- Doesn’t include a bidet system
8. KOHLER 3814-0 Corbelle Comfort Height Elongated Toilet
The Kohler model is a comfort height toilet with an elongated bowl, a traditional single flush system controlled by a left side chrome trip lever, and which uses 1.28 GPF. The floor-mounted freestanding toilet has a skirted design with a flushing technology that uses the Revolution 360 swirl technology.
This two-piece toilet is not attached to the wall; instead, it’s on the floor and this does little harm to the design. The design also ensures it comes at a lower price. Nevertheless, the model offers many advantages; it is WaterSense-labelled as it uses only 1.28 GPF for each wash cycle, which significantly reduces water costs and removes solid waste from the bowl effectively. Made of china material, the surfaces are also extremely smooth, which is why hardly any residue forms. Unfortunately, this product doesn’t include a toilet seat.
Pros
- Easy to clean thanks to the removable seat
- 1.28 gallons of water are sufficient for each flush
- 360 swirl flushing technology
- Comfort height for chair height seating
- Water-efficient toilet
Cons
- Still features a side flushing lever
- Doesn’t include a seat
Tips for Purchasing Best Skirted Toilet
So if you’ve decided to give a skirted toilet a try, then you are going to want to buy a model that meets your expectations. For some people, it can be difficult to find the best performing skirted toilet. In fact, there are several factors to consider before determining which model is best for you. Here are some tips regarding the selection criteria:
The model and the design
Concretely, this element is available in two main categories: the so-called “wall-hung” and “free-standing” skirted toilets.
You may come across products directly attached to a facade with an integrated flush. Their advantage remains their appreciable design. They bring modern charm and appeal to the room. So if you favor aesthetics at home, they will suit you.
Freestanding toilets do not require a complicated installation process. Besides, they are generally inexpensive to purchase. On the other hand, the underside of the element seems quite difficult to clean. So if you prefer to have a more hygienic toilet system, choose the wall-hung skirted toilet. But if you want a piece of more or less affordable equipment, the freestanding skirted toilets are suitable for you.
The existence of a bidet
Regarding the practical side, opting for an article incorporating a bidet would benefit you. This device will allow you to wash yourself. In addition, the method of cleaning seems much healthier and more hygienic than using toilet paper as this can irritate sensitive skin. Not to mention the fact that the water also brings a certain freshness, which is pleasant.
The construction material
We also recommend that you do not neglect the construction elements. Indeed, the factor determines the durability of your toilet. To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose a product with ceramic surfaces. Not only does this affect the strength, but also the ease of cleaning your toilet. Surfaces with this protection do not allow bacteria and microbes to grow there. In the same vein, also choose items made of thermosetting materials that offer good longevity.
Water expenditure and price
Unlike standard toilets, skirted toilets appear to be more economical. In fact, they do not use a lot of water since most models have a 1.0 and 1.28 GPF dual flush system. To know which one to choose, you should consider the number of occupants in your home.
Therefore, if you live as a couple or alone in an apartment and want to renovate, a 1.28 to 1.6 GPF model would suit you. Plenty of water will effectively remove solid wastes, reducing the chances of your toilet becoming clogged.
The type of flush
The choice of the flushing technology and the type of button on your control panel is also a criterion that should not be neglected. It will not only determine your water consumption but also your comfort of use.
The simplest and most economical models are the single push mechanisms. They are also recommended for older users and those who prefer simplicity and ease of use. Those with double push-button allow you to choose between 2 flow rates to reduce water consumption.
These are the models most adopted by households concerned about their water expenditure. Just like the “Stop-water” system integrated in certain mechanisms where the quantity of water released depends on the time the button is pressed. Finally, high-tech enthusiasts and the most demanding in terms of hygiene will certainly opt for an infrared detection model; with this, the flush is triggered by simply passing your hand.
The toilet seat
When determining which skirted toilet to choose, do not forget to consider the toilet seat of the model in question. So, you should choose an item with a soft-close seat. It is a mechanism that prevents the toilet lids from falling violently onto the bowl when closing. If you live in a family home, this will prevent your children from getting their fingers caught unexpectedly. Especially since an element with this little extra remains appreciable in use.
The flap of your toilet bowl is also to be chosen according to its dimensions, particularly its depth, width, and the size of its center distance, which is the distance between the two fixing holes. A short wall-hung toilet bowl of 45 cm will then require a seat of the same size to ensure comfort in use. The choice of the shape is also important – your bathroom size will determine whether a round or elongated bowl will be most suitable for you.
Different materials are available on the market, namely plastic models that offer high impact resistance or thermoset models with high scratch resistance and ensure better hygiene. People wishing to have an original toilet bowl will be directed to resin seats that have many decorative patterns. The flaps in solid wood or molded bamboo, on the other hand, provide a natural style to the toilet. Especially since these are very comfortable materials for the seat.
The comfort options
So many options can be preferred to optimize the ease of use, comfort, or even the cleaning of your wall-hung toilet bowl. First is the soft-close seat system which we explained earlier. Also, direct your choice towards models equipped with an anti-limescale system to reduce the deposit of limescale.
If you’ve chosen a wall-hung toilet, do not forget to fix your toilet at least 50 cm from the ground to facilitate sitting for the elderly or people with reduced mobility. If not, you can always opt for a toilet booster. And for a minimum of clutter in your bathroom, note that there are small wall-hung toilet bowls 2 in 1 with a hand basin integrated into the frame. The water will be recycled directly for the flushes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wall-hung or free-standing skirted toilet: Which is better?
To answer it, one should take into account certain criteria before concluding the purchase. First, cleaning remains an important point to consider. Wall-hung toilets offer more convenience to users since they do not have a column. To this end, we increase the level of hygiene in the room by accessing the lower part.
Then, from an aesthetic point of view, the freestanding models seem to bring a more “contemporary” aspect to the room. Considering the installation, the free-standing toilet turns out to be easier to set up. You just have to choose the right place for fixing and tinkering a little. However, in the event of an error, it will be impossible for you to correct the shot once the device has been mounted.
Finally, regarding the price, wall-hung toilets are generally expensive to purchase while those to be installed seem more accessible.
How do you clean a skirted toilet?
It’s not as complicated as it looks thanks to the smooth surfaces and design of most models. There is no “nook” that is difficult to access to wash. The polished wall of the bowl can therefore be cleaned without any problem by pouring a degreasing product into it and flushing it out. A few brushstrokes and your ceramic will shine again.
In some cases, you may need to descale the bottom of the element. Therefore, it is recommended that you use a corrosive product to remove visible yellowish stains. But be careful not to opt for a too “strong” chemical mixture, especially if you have a septic tank. We recommend that you use baking soda or white vinegar. These solutions, easy to find in stores, seem more suitable for scrubbing and cleaning your sink. Remember to use a lot of water to thoroughly rinse your skirted toilet for the best results.
How much does a skirted toilet cost?
As for the price factor, it should be noted that a skirted toilet generally costs between 100 and 330 dollars. However, do not be surprised if you find models offered for more than 600 dollars. It is especially the items classified in the high-end category that are worth so much.
How to Install Skirted Toilets?
The installation of a skirted toilet often requires the help of a professional plumber to ensure the proper functioning and better fixing of it. Nevertheless, the steps consist of the assembly of the frame, the positioning of the frame and the marking, the adjustment and the fixing of the frame, the installation of the flush, the cladding of the frame, the installation of the bowl, the setting in plate of the control plate and the setting in of water and finishing.
Things you will need
Before starting, note that you will need a putty knife, an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, a socket wrench with assorted sockets, a wax ring, a 3/8 inch supply stop, T-bolts, a permanent marker, and a measuring tape.
Step-by-step to installing a skirted toilet
- First, install the toilet T-bolt into the floor flange
- Press a wax ring into the bottom of the trap way
- Fit the trap way over the T-bolts and floor flange
- Slide the brackets onto the T-bolts, then install the washer onto the T-bolt followed by the nut.
- Use a socket wrench to tighten the nuts until the brackets are secure
- Align the cams with the hole on the side of each bracket
- Insert a bolt through the hole in the bracket and slide the push nut onto the bolt until it’s firmly seated against the bracket
- Carefully lift the toilet into position and slowly lower it into place over the trap way and brackets.
- Insert the bushings and screws into the holes and alternately tighten the screws on each side evenly, a little at a time to secure the toilet. Press the screw caps over the screws and bushings on each side of the toilet.
Note: If you think it’s something you can install yourself without hiring a professional plumber, make sure you still follow a guide. The YouTube video below should assist you in installing a Japanese-style skirted toilet:
Conclusion
Hygiene plays an important role, especially in toilets, because they contain particularly dangerous germs that are difficult to remove, especially under the trapway.
However, you don’t have this problem with a skirted toilet. After all, thanks to the intelligent design, all undersides are easily accessible, the skirted trapway ensures ease of cleaning.
Whether one-piece or two-piece toilets, the best skirted toilets are particularly easy to clean and will give your toilet a great aesthetic lift.
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