Do You Need A Separate Room For Your Toilet?
In addition to my shower/tub debate and bathroom vanity options, I never knew I’d need to contemplate whether or not the toilet needed its own room in our new bathroom.
Water Closet
Commonly referred to as a water closet (or WC), toilet rooms are small nooks with a toilet and a door. Most often seen in a master bathroom, they provide privacy for ‘using the facilities’ while someone else can be accessing the rest of the bathroom. And that’s why I’m currently a fan of the WC!
As it seems with the past several bathroom decisions I’ve had to work through, it’s easier to consider what you have to give up than the benefits of a certain feature. So to have a separate toilet room, what might you have to omit from your floor plans?
Well, a WC should be at least 3 feet wide by 5 feet long. That’s a lot of space if you’re trying to maximizeevery last inch of your available space! Not to mention, a wall between the toilet and the rest of the room will takeaway another 4.5 inches (the width of studs with drywall).
Hinged or Pocket Door
You also need to consider the swing of a door to access the toilet room. A traditional door on hinges needs room on the non-toilet room side to open and close. Will other doors interfere with its operation? Will the vanity prevent it from opening all the way?
Another option, if you’re leaning pro-toilet room, is the pocket door. VERY hard to add after the fact, you’ll want to plan on this style door from the get-go if you can! (Framing for the door is added into the framing of the walls before drywall is added.) While it eliminates the need to have enough floor space for the door to swing, it does mean you can’t have plumbing in the same wall.
Occupied
As an email subscriber pointed out, if you’re sharing the master bathroom with someone, you know that person well enough to be in the same space while one of you happens to be using the toilet. And since ‘throne rooms’ are usually so cramped, it isn’t worth it.
Plus you can smell and hear through a door so you’re really not adding much privacy. I’m not sure I totally agree with this sentiment, but it’s only fair to point out a reason not to have a separate toilet room!
I’m fighting hard (against available space, not my husband!) to have a separate toilet room. Since my closet and everyday, getting-ready essentials will be in the new bathroom, I don’t wantsomeone else’s physical needs tokeep me from accessing them. Mornings are crazy enough!
What are your thoughts on a separate toilet room/water closet? Would you includeone if you could? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea
FAQs
Most codes require at least 15 inches (measured from the center of the toilet) from any side wall or obstruction and not closer than 30 inches center to center to any other sanitary fixture. (The NKBA actually recommends 32 inches.) There should be at least 24 inches of clear space in front of a toilet or bidet.
Where should a toilet be placed in a bathroom? ›
Place the toilet facing an open wall or door, if possible, rather than a fixture. Generally, this will ensure enough clearance room in front of the toilet. For other bathrooms, aim for a 30-inch front clearance space for the toilet.
How far does a toilet need to be from a shower? ›
Shower/Bathtub
Clearance: At least 24" of space is needed in front of a shower or tub entry. Leave at least 15" of space between the shower and toilet or other obstacle. If you have a swinging door, take into consideration nearby fixtures.
What is the distance between a vanity and a toilet? ›
The minimum distance needed between a toilet and a vanity is 15 inches. The recommended distance for comfort is 18 inches or more.
What is code for space around toilet? ›
Toilet front clearance: Bathroom building code or design practices recommend that toilets need at least 21 inches of clearance in front of the toilet. Opting for 30 inches of room provides a more comfortable space.
How far should a toilet be from the back wall? ›
1-The Distance Between the Toilet Flange and the Wall Behind It: In order to get started, you'll need a tape measure. The water closet flange's centre should be 12 inches from the back wall. When taking this measurement, make sure you're measuring from the finished wall and not the base moulding.
Where should toilets not be placed? ›
Ideally, the toilet seat should face the north or south direction. This positioning is believed to channel negative energies away from the bathroom space. Avoid having the toilet seat face the east or west, as it is thought to invite negative influences.
What is the standard clearance for a toilet? ›
The correct measurements for a toilet is at least 21 inches in the front of the toilet, 15 inches on the sides, and at least 30 inches from anything else in the bathroom.
How close can a toilet be to a door? ›
Toilet Position - Never have a toilet positioned so that it is facing the door. The toilet should be positioned ninety degrees to the door or at least several feet away from the bathroom door.
What is the standard distance for a toilet? ›
The standard measurement for space around the toilet is about 15 inches, and 18 inches is spacious for added comfort.
This “toilet plume” can launch those particles five feet or more up and away from the bowl. If contagious germs land in the toilet bowl because you're sick, flushing can spread them to floors, walls, sinks, and other nearby surfaces in a bathroom, according to the authors.
How far should a toilet be from the shower door? ›
Shower doors and panels made from tempered glass. Outside of glass wall no less than 15” from the center of the toilet flange.
How far should a toilet be from a sink? ›
#2: The Clearance From the Center of the Toilet To Any Adjacent Fixture or Sidewall. This measurement is 15 inches. That's the minimum (you can have more). So looking at the toilet, make sure there are at least 15 inches of clearance from the center of the toilet to any adjacent fixture (or wall).
How much space should I leave between the vanity and the toilet? ›
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 30 inches of space between the toilet and the vanity. This will give you plenty of room to move around and make it easy to clean the bathroom.
What is the ideal space between toilet and sink? ›
The distance between the sink and the toilet should be at least 600mm. The developer should be worried if the building control inspector finds out that the two are too close as you described it.
What is the minimum clearance from the back wall of a toilet? ›
Toilet flush controls must be on the opposite side of the closest side wall. 59″ minimum clear space from back wall to partition for wheelchair accessible stalls. 60” is more typical and is the required space for ambulatory accessible stalls. 56” is allowed for wheelchair accessible if toilet is wall hung.
Is 32 inches enough space for a toilet? ›
Toilets can fit into spaces as small as 30 inches (76 centimeters) wide and 54 inches (137 centimeters) long, but at least 36 inches wide and 60 inches deep is much more comfortable.
How much free space do you need in front of a toilet? ›
A summary of bathroom clearance guidelines
| Recommended | Required |
|---|
| Toilet projection | 595mm–800mm | N/A |
| Toilet seat height | 390mm–460mm | N/A |
| Toilet span | 1020mm | 760mm |
| Toilet clearance to front | 760mm | 510mm |
10 more rowsThe wall-mounted commode offers the flexibility to be installed at any height that is convenient and comfortable to the user. The minimum clearance (free space) in front of the wall-mounted commode should be at least 30 inches.
In addition to my shower/tub debate and bathroom vanity options, I never knew I’d need to contemplate whether or not the toilet needed its own room in our new bathroom.
