One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets: Which Should You Choose?
We’re flushing out the differences between the two toilet types
Highlights
One-piece toilets have a sleeker design but are higher-priced.
Two-piece toilets are less expensive and easier to move around.
Both toilet types offer a variety of customizations and options.
If your bathroom remodel plans include a new toilet—or your current toilet has seen better days—one of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing between a one- or two-piece model. Several factors will influence your decision, including style, cost and durability, and our guide will help you understand the key differences between the two types so you choose the right toilet for your space.
What’s the Difference Between One-Piece and Two-Piece Toilets?
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The simplest difference between the two is that one-piece toilets have a fused tank and bowl in a single unit, and two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl (connected with bolts). Otherwise, both types of toilets offer a variety of styles and customizations.
One-Piece Toilet Pros and Cons
One-piece toilets offer a streamlined design and durability, but they’re not a good fit for every bathroom due to their size limitations.
Pros
Sleek design
Higher-end finishes
More durable
Easier to clean
Suitable for compact spaces
Designed for comfort height
The seamless design discourages bacteria growth
Faster installation process
Cons
Heavier
Higher-priced
Not as many rough-in choices (the distance from the wall to the toilet’s center drain pipe)
More expensive to ship
Two-Piece Toilet Pros and Cons
Two-piece toilets are a popular choice among homeowners due to their lower price point and customizable size options—but they’re not without challenges.
Pros
Lower price
Less expensive to ship
Easier to pick up and move around during installation
More options to mix and match toilet height and tank sizes
More rough-in options are available (from 10–14 inches)
Cons
Less-stylish design
May not work for compact spaces
Longer installation time
More difficult to clean
Less durable
More prone to leaks (in between the tank and bowl)
One-Piece Toilets vs. Two-Piece Toilets
See how one- and two-piece toilets stack up to each other when it comes to style, features, maintenance, and more.
Appearance
Both one-piece and two-piece toilets come in various style options—modern, traditional, contemporary, and vintage. However, one-piece toilets offer a more elegant, trendy aesthetic.
Most visually appealing: One-piece toilets
Height
One-piece toilets are usually designed with comfort height specifications—meaning the bowl is 17 to 19 inches high. Two-piece toilets have the option of either comfort height or standard height, which sits at 15 inches. Comfort height is better for taller adults and those with mobility issues, and standard height works best for younger children.
Best height options: Two-piece toilets
Customizations
Both one-piece and two-piece toilets offer customizations, such as:
Energy-efficiency options
Smart toilet features
Most customizations available: Tie
Price
One-piece toilets are typically higher-priced, averaging between $500 to $1,100, including installation. Two-piece toilets cost between $250 to $700, including installation. This price difference is due to a more strenuous production process because one-piece toilets require advanced assembly.
Most cost-effective: Two-piece toilets
Durability
While both toilets are durable, one-piece toilets have a single mold design, so they’re less prone to cracking and leaking. One-piece toilets also don't have couplings, a device connecting the tank to the bowl that can break.
Most durable: One-piece toilets
Installation
The toilet installation cost for both one-piece and two-piece units averages $120 to $820. Two-piece toilets are easier to move during installation because you can handle the tank and bowl separately. Although heavier, one-piece toilets have a faster installation time because no additional assembly is required.
Easiest installation: One-piece toilets
Repair
Two-piece toilets are more prone to cracks and leaks in the opening between the tank and bowl. But there are also more options for repairing each part. While one-piece toilets are less likely to crack, when they do, you’ll need to replace the entire unit because repairing an internal crack isn’t an option. For toilet repair, we recommend hiring a local plumber. You can expect to pay between $150 to $360 for a toilet repair.
Easiest to repair: Two-piece toilets
Maintenance
Because of their connected frame, one-piece toilets are easier to clean and maintain. Two-piece toilets tend to accumulate more bacteria in the space between the tank and bowl, which makes them harder to clean and the upkeep more time-consuming.
Most manageable maintenance schedule: One-piece toilets
Sustainability
Both one-piece and two-piece toilets offer energy-efficient features:
Low-flow: These toilets use fewer gallons of water per flush.
Dual-flush: This feature offers two buttons, one for flushing liquid and one for flushing waste, and reduces water consumption.
Power flush: With its forceful flush, power systems require less flushing, which increases water savings.
Retrofits: Attach a toilet tank displacement bag (available from retailers for around $9) to your current toilet to reduce the amount of water used for each flush.
Most sustainable: Tie