Do Toilets Have A Weight Limit?

 Whether you’re renovating an entire bathroom or simply updating a few key items, it is crucial your toilet be able to hold anyone who might use it. This begs the question, do toilets have a weight limit? And if so, what is the maximum weight a toilet can hold? We’ve done the dirty work for you, so you can quickly learn about toilet weight limits and choose the best toilet for you. 

Yes, toilets have a weight limit. A toilet’s weight limit varies based on the type of toilet:

  • A standard toilet has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds or about 453 kilograms.
  • A wall-mounted toilet can withstand up to 500 pounds or about 226 kilograms.  

While this might seem pretty straightforward, you may also be interested in learning more about the different types of toilets, and even toilet seats, so you can find the best toilet for your needs. Below, we break down the differences in toilet types, the strongest toilet material, and important considerations when it comes to a toilet seat. 

A white toilet inside a white and gray tiled bathroom, Do Toilets Have A Weight Limit?

Standard Toilet Weight Limit

A standard toilet is definitely the sturdiest choice when it comes to the amount of weight a toilet can hold. These toilets have a base that sits on the ground. This means when someone sits on a standard toilet, they are supported by toilet and base, but also by the floor underneath them. That’s why a standard toilet can generally safely support up to 1,000 pounds.

Click here to see a standard toilet on Amazon.

Wall-Mounted Toilet Weight Limit

A more modern, wall-mounted toilet has a weight limit of about half that of a standard toilet. This means that a wall-mounted toilet can withstand about 500 pounds. These toilets do not have the support of a base or rest on the floor; rather, they are mounted directly to the wall. That’s why a wall-mounted toilet cannot withstand as much weight as a standard toilet. 

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Click here to see a wall-mounted toilet on Amazon.

To ensure the maximum weight limit, be sure to mount this toilet directly to the wall studs. Otherwise, a wall-mounted toilet may collapse under less than 500 pounds.

What Type Of Toilet Material Holds The Most Weight?

We’ve gone over the differences between toilet types and how that can affect a toilet’s weight limit. Another factor that will affect a toilet’s weight limit is the material from which it is made. Naturally, you may be wondering what type of toilet holds the most weight? 

A standard porcelain toilet ranks number one with the highest weight limit of toilet materials. These sturdy toilets can hold up to a whopping 1,000 pounds or about 453 kilograms. Additionally, porcelain has many qualities that make it ideal for a toilet, considering what a toilet is used for. Porcelain is sturdy, as we have covered, but it is also durable, easy to clean, and affordable. For these reasons, porcelain is the top choice among toilet materials.

The Toilet Seat

An up close photo of a toilet inside a bathroom

We’ve discussed toilet weight limits and the different types of toilets, but what about the toilet seat? After all, it is the part of a toilet you actually sit on. It’s important to note that a toilet seat has a different weight limit than the toilet itself. There are several types of toilet seats to choose from, which is why below, we break down some important factors for you to take into consideration.

Can You Get A Larger Toilet Seat?

Just because a standard porcelain toilet can hold up to 1,000 pounds doesn’t necessarily mean it will be comfortable for a larger user. In fact, many manufacturers produce a larger toilet seat you can attach to directly your toilet. One of the most popular extra-large toilet seats on the market is 19 inches wide. 

Not only do these larger toilet seats boast more sitting room, but many of the top options have a greater weight limit than an average toilet seat. While an average toilet seat has a weight limit of about 300 pounds, the above-mentioned 19-inch toilet seat can hold up to 1,200 pounds.

In summary, yes, you can get a larger toilet seat. No matter what size toilet seat you’re looking for, there are plenty of options available. 

Which Is Better: Round Or Elongated Toilet Seat?

You may be surprised to learn that toilet seats also come in different shapes: round and elongated. Somewhat self-explanatory, elongated toilet seats are more oval-shaped than round toilet seats. Aside from their appearance, these toilet seat shapes do have some other differences. 

Due to its shape, an elongated toilet seat may be more comfortable than its round counterpart. Men especially find elongated toilets to be more comfortable, as they offer extra space while sitting down and a larger bowl, which makes aiming easier. However, elongated toilets might be too large for young children, and therefore more difficult for kids to use. 

Click here to see an elongated toilet seat on Amazon.

Many believe elongated toilet seats are more modern, while round toilet seats are classic and traditional. Your design aesthetic may play a role in which toilet seat shape you prefer. A round toilet seat does not stick out as far from the wall as an elongated toilet. Their narrower profile makes them ideal for small bathrooms. A round toilet seat is also much easier for children to use.

Click here to see a round toilet seat on Amazon.

Based on our research, an elongated toilet seat would be better for your needs if you have a large, adult-only bathroom and prize comfort overall. However, if you are working with a smaller childrens’ bathroom, or perhaps a powder room, a round toilet seat would be the best choice for you. 

To Put A Lid On It

A small modern contemporary bathroom

As you have hopefully learned, there are several factors that affect the weight limit of a toilet. Some important considerations when looking at a toilet weight limit include the type of toilet and the toilet material. However, it’s important not to forget comfort. Thankfully, there are many options when it comes to the size and shape of your toilet seat. With all of the above information, you will be able to find the best, most comfortable toilet for your needs.

Before making your toilet selection, check out our related posts to coordinate your bathroom:

How Much Space Do You Need For A Toilet?

Should Bathroom Sink Match the Toilet?

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