The toilet is a centerpiece of a functional and comfortable bathroom. Beyond aesthetics, several practical factors—including dimensions, height, and flushing mechanism—need to be weighed to pick a toilet that suits your bathroom layout, budget, and daily needs. Not all toilets are created equal. Here are the key considerations for selecting your ideal toilet: Siphonic vs. Wash-Down Flushing Systems Siphonic When a siphonic toilet flushes, the trapway fills with water to trigger a siphoning effect that pulls waste downward. At the same time, water rushing from the tank through the rim and jet pushes waste out of the bowl. This combined push-pull action ensures a thorough, full evacuation of the bowl with every flush. Wash-Down A wash-down toilet relies solely on the force of water pouring from the tank to push waste down the outlet. Unlike siphonic models, it does not fully empty the bowl. These toilets typically feature a small water surface area (4″ x 5″) positioned deep within the bowl. Regional Trends: Most toilets in the US and Greater China are siphonic, while European and many Asia Pacific markets favor wash-down designs. How to Pick the Best Flushing System for You For high-traffic bathrooms or households prone to clogs, a high-performance flushing system is essential. Look for toilets with: Large flush valves (over 2 inches in diameter): Deliver water at greater speed and pressure. Wide trapway outlets (over 2 inches in diameter): Move bulky waste efficiently without clogging. Double Vortex Flushing System This system balances maximum flushing power with minimal water consumption. The bowl’s engineered shape propels water forward to create a strong swirling momentum, ensuring thorough waste removal. As a rimless design, it cleans the entire bowl interior evenly, preventing dirt and limescale buildup—and making cleaning a breeze. It is particularly ideal for busy or large families looking to save water without compromising performance. Note: Water savings are calculated by comparing the Double Vortex system against conventional single-flush toilets. One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets One-Piece A one-piece toilet integrates the tank and bowl into a single, seamless unit (formed from 6–10 individual components during manufacturing). Its sleek, gap-free design eliminates crevices where dirt and odors can accumulate, and it offers a streamlined, modern look. Two-Piece A two-piece toilet consists of a separate bowl and tank, secured together with bolts. All American Standard two-piece bowls feature a sanitary dam—a raised ceramic ledge at the back of the bowl where the tank attaches. This barrier prevents waste and grime from collecting between the tank and bowl, reducing odor-causing buildup. Round-Front vs. Elongated Bowls Round-front: Compact and space-saving, perfect for small bathrooms. Elongated: Boasts an extended bowl shape for enhanced comfort. American Standard also offers compatible manual and electronic bidet seats for select toilet models, adding extra functionality. Tall (Right Height) Bowls: A Comfort Upgrade Many users prefer taller toilet bowls for easier sitting and standing. American Standard’s “Right Height” options—with a seat height of 400–430mm from the floor—are ergonomically designed to match the height of a standard chair (350–510mm). This feature is especially beneficial for the elderly, pregnant individuals, and people with mobility challenges. Size and Rough-In Requirements Toilets come in various dimensions, so measure your bathroom’s available width, depth, and height before purchasing. A critical measurement to check is the rough-in—the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet’s floor bolts. Most toilets use a 12-inch rough-in (excluding baseboards). Always measure first to ensure a proper fit.

I. Optimal Location for Shower Enclosure The bathroom typically serves three core functions: hand washing, toileting, and showering. Considering usage frequency and waterproofing needs, the shower enclosure is best placed at the innermost part of the bathroom. Rationale: Showering is a daily one-time activity, so placing it at the end of the movement line is logical. If placed externally, post-shower wet floors would force frequent passage (for toileting or hand washing) through the wet area, causing inconvenience. Layout recommendations: Long and narrow bathroom: Arrange sink, toilet, and shower enclosure in sequence from the entrance. Square bathroom: Adopt a triangular distribution – sink on the left, toilet on the right, and shower enclosure in the corner. II. Dry-Wet Separation for Shower Enclosure Dry-wet separation is mandatory to avoid water splashing across the entire bathroom. Two common methods: Glass shower enclosure: Recommended for spacious bathrooms. It is convenient to use, modern, and stylish. Shower curtain: Only suitable for small bathrooms where a glass enclosure cannot fit. III. Common Types & Dimensions of Shower Enclosures Linear shower enclosure: Standard width 900mm; minimum recommended width ≥800mm. Square shower enclosure: Suitable for large corner spaces, formed by two glass panels and walls. However, its external sharp corners pose collision risks in small spaces. Standard size: 900mm×900mm; minimum recommended size ≥800mm×800mm. Diamond-shaped shower enclosure: Ideal for small square bathrooms (formed by cutting a corner of a square enclosure). The cut corner serves as a door opening, saving space. Sink and toilet can be placed on both sides. Standard width 900mm; minimum recommended width ≥800mm. Arc-shaped shower enclosure: A substitute for diamond-shaped enclosures when there is insufficient space for outward-swinging doors. Equipped with sliding doors. Standard width 900mm; minimum recommended width ≥800mm. IV. Key Details for Shower Enclosure Design Toiletries storage: Plan convenient placement (e.g., beside the showerhead) or install niches for shampoos, body washes, etc. Floor tile slope: Tiles should slope toward the floor drain to prevent water accumulation. Baby bathtub consideration: For families with babies, use a floor drain flush with the ground and place the bathtub across dry and wet areas. V. Bathroom Cabinet Selection Guide 1. Common Materials & Their Pros & Cons Solid wood: Suitable for high-budget, high-end, eco-friendly decoration. Advantages: Stable (e.g., oak), natural texture, customizable styles. Disadvantages: Susceptible to cracking/deformation in humidity, requires maintenance, expensive. Man-made boards: Particleboard: Good stability and nail-holding capacity (for dry storage). Poor water resistance, not for bathrooms. Plywood (multilayer board): Balances quality and appearance. Advantages: Strong structure, moisture-proof, eco-friendly, suitable for wet areas. Disadvantages: Needs edge banding, may have color variations/knots. MDF: Uniform structure, no decay/insects, easy to process. Prone to cracking under impact. PVC board: Suitable for trend-conscious, budget-friendly users. Advantages: Waterproof, mold-resistant, durable, affordable. Disadvantages: Scratch-prone (irreparable), poor load-bearing, heat/light-sensitive (yellowing over time). Stainless steel: Recommended for non-appearance-focused, non-dry-wet-separated bathrooms. Advantages: Wear-resistant, moisture-proof. Disadvantages: Thin cabinet body, simple styles, scratch/corrosion-prone; 304 stainless steel is preferred. 2. Installation Methods Wall-mounted: Advantages: Aesthetic, no dead corners, moisture-proof, long-lasting (requires proper wall drainage). Disadvantage: Only for load-bearing walls. Floor-standing: Advantages: Ample storage, easy installation, no restrictions. Disadvantage: Bottom prone to moisture/mold; choose double-sided waterproof models. 3. Summary No material is universally superior; avoid long-term water exposure. Use particleboard for dry areas, plywood for wet areas, and stainless steel for non-dry-wet-separated bathrooms. Wall-mounted cabinets are recommended for easy cleaning (ensure proper drainage). Choose based on bathroom environment, style, and needs.

Today, we will guide you through the following key aspects to help you choose the right bathroom cabinet: Common materials used for bathroom cabinets Pros and cons of different materials Selection of bathroom cabinet installation methods Bathroom Cabinet Materials 1. Solid Wood Suitable for: Users with sufficient budgets, high-end decoration styles, and a focus on environmental friendliness. Advantages: Solid wood (e.g., oak) boasts strong stability, a natural and rustic texture, and a certain degree of water and moisture resistance. It can be customized into various styles to match different decoration themes. Disadvantages: The moisture content of solid wood is easily affected by the surrounding environment—long-term exposure to humidity may cause cracking and deformation, requiring regular maintenance. Additionally, it is relatively costly compared to other materials. 2. Man-Made Boards This category includes particleboard, plywood (multilayer board), and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), each with distinct characteristics: Particleboard Advantages: It has good stability and nail-holding capacity, making it suitable for storage cabinets and wardrobes in dry environments. Disadvantages: Water resistance is relatively poor, so it is not ideal for water-exposed areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Plywood (Multilayer Board) Suitable for: Users seeking a balance between quality and appearance. Advantages: It has excellent structural strength, elasticity, and toughness. It can regulate temperature and humidity, with good dustproof and waterproof performance. Environmentally friendly, it is strictly classified as a type of solid wood board. Compared to particleboard, its water resistance is significantly better, making it a suitable choice for bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, balcony cabinets, washing machine cabinets, and tatami mats. Disadvantages: Edge banding treatment is required; otherwise, the aesthetic appeal will be affected. Due to the natural properties of wood, the panels may have color variations and small knots. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) Advantages: Its structure is more uniform than natural wood, avoiding problems such as decay and insect infestation. It has minimal expansion and contraction, making it easy to process. The smooth surface allows for various surface finishes (e.g., painting, veneering). Disadvantages: It is prone to cracking when subjected to external impacts or improper use. 3. PVC Board Suitable for: Trend-conscious users who prefer affordable and waterproof options. Advantages: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the raw material, it has strong water resistance, is not prone to moisture or mold, and is durable. It is highly malleable and relatively inexpensive. Disadvantages: The surface is prone to scratches, which are irreparable. It has poor load-bearing capacity and is not suitable for placing heavy items. It is sensitive to high temperatures and direct light, which may cause yellowing over time. 4. Stainless Steel Recommended for: Users who do not prioritize appearance and have bathrooms without dry-wet separation. Advantages: It has a distinctive metallic appearance, excellent wear resistance, and strong moisture resistance. Disadvantages: The cabinet body is usually thin, with limited and simple styles. The surface is prone to corrosion and scratches. 304 stainless steel is recommended for better performance, and it is more commonly used for balcony cabinets. Selection of Bathroom Cabinet Installation Methods 1. Wall-Mounted Advantages: It has an elegant and aesthetic appearance, with no hard-to-clean dead corners. It effectively avoids moisture accumulation at the bottom, prolonging the service life of the cabinet. Note: Proper wall drainage installation is a prerequisite. Disadvantages: Installation is restricted—it requires a load-bearing wall to ensure stability. 2. Floor-Standing Advantages: It provides ample storage space, has no restrictions on installation environment, and is easy to install and maintain. Disadvantages: The bottom of the cabinet is prone to moisture and mold. It is recommended to choose models with double-sided waterproof layers to enhance moisture resistance. Summary Each type of board has its unique characteristics and irreplaceable uses—there is no absolute "good" or "bad" in a general sense. It should be noted that no board can withstand long-term direct water exposure. For dry areas away from water sources, particleboard can be used for cabinets; for areas near water (e.g., bathroom sinks), multilayer boards are a more suitable choice. If dry-wet separation cannot be achieved in the bathroom, stainless steel cabinets are the preferred option. In terms of installation methods, wall-mounted cabinets are recommended for easier cleaning and better moisture resistance, but ensure that the wall drainage system is properly installed. Choose the most suitable combination based on your bathroom environment, decoration style, and practical needs.