In this article, we will talk about what toilets are made of. These fixtures are a staple in homes across the world. Toilet designs have evolved throughout the centuries and manufacturers today have their production processes. We are going to take a look at the materials that make a toilet what they are today. If you are planning to renovate your bathroom or replace your toilet, then you need to be aware of the different materials that you can choose from. Read the rest of the article below to discover your choices.
What are toilets made of? The common material used in making household toilets is porcelain. Aside from porcelain and ceramic, you can find toilets made from concrete, wood, steel, or plastic. Porcelain is a preferred choice for toilet construction because it is easy to clean, affordable, hygienic, and comfortable to use. Wood is porous and can expand from water while metal is cold and unpleasant to sit on. Modern plastic can be used as a material but it is also porous and it can warp under repeated weight strain.
There are a few things that every home must have and a toilet is one of them. Indoor plumbing has transformed modern lives improving hygiene and making the daily business of using the toilet a pleasant experience. What are toilets made of porcelain? Are toilets made of plastic? Why are toilets white? We will also answer this question to learn more about modern household toilets.
Are Toilets Made of Porcelain or Ceramic?
The most common material used in making toilets nowadays is porcelain. Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is often used in dishwashers and pots. Many people refer to porcelain as a raw material. However, it is a mixture of ingredients combined to create a thick clay-like slurry.
To make the toilet waterproof, it undergoes a treatment called vitreous china. You might notice that modern toilets are labeled as vitreous china rather than porcelain. This does not refer to the material but the coating. Vitreous china is an enamel coating that provides a glass-like finish to the toilet. It also makes the porcelain smooth and non-porous for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Why Are Toilets Porcelain?
Porcelain is durable and comfortable which is why it is the top choice in the list of materials when making toilets. Other than that, porcelain is also smooth, easy to form, and easy to clean. Let us take a closer look at each of the qualities of porcelain to find out why they are the best choice in making toilets.
Prevents the Growth of Bacteria
Materials like concrete, plastic, and wood can be a breeding ground for bacteria because they have pores wherein bacteria can hide and grow. Think about it, there are so many bacteria in your bathroom and the last thing that you would like is that for it to be a place where bacteria can thrive. Using a porcelain toilet, you do not have to worry about bacteria build-up because there are no pores for the bacteria to start growing.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Toilets made of porcelain does not have pore which means that it does not have little pockmarks or divots in the material. This makes it easy to clean because there are no areas where debris, dirt, or anything else can get stuck. We have also shared this article about how to make matte porcelain tile shiny. You can check out the article for the different methods that you can do.
Corrosion Free
Porcelain is corrosion-free and does not oxidize as well. These are essential traits in a toilet because it means that it is safer and designed to last for a long time as compared to other materials.
Versatile
When it comes to the overall design of the toilet, porcelain is the best choice because it can provide the most versatility. It is easy to mold and shape which means that it is easier for companies and professionals to form it into different shapes and to develop different drains, and lids that need to go into the process at the same time. If you have porcelain cookware, you can check out this article titled, is porcelain oven-safe? to determine if you can place them in the oven or not.
What Material Is Used to Make Toilets?
Aside from porcelain and ceramic, plastic, wood, concrete, and steel are also some of the materials used in making toilets. However, plastic is expensive to produce and not as durable as porcelain. The common materials used in making toilets that are found in most households are porcelain and ceramic. Steel toilets are usually found on prisons and airplanes while a toilet that is made of wood is not uncomfortable.
Are Toilets Made of Plastic?
One of the materials used in making toilets is plastic. On the other hand, plastic is not a good choice for many household toilets because it is expensive. Plastic products are made via extrusion or injection molding. Using our present plastic manufacturing processes, it can be difficult to make a whole complicated structure such as a toilet. Another issue is that plastic has some give and it may buckle under the weight of the user.
Are Toilets Made of Steel?
Steel toilets are commonly found on airplanes and prisons. Steel is a strong, rigid, and durable material, so why do they not make household toilets from steel? It is because of public perception and user experience. Steel is highly sensitive to temperature changes, and on a cold day, it can be freezing to sit on a steel toilet. You can top it with wood or plastic but it does not look or feel right. Moreover, it does not provide the luxurious looks and feel of a toilet with a nice porcelain finish.
✅ Video – How It’s Made – Toilets
Free Documentary shared the video below on YouTube. It demonstrates how toilets are made. The process is not as easy as you think and it needs craftsmanship to perfect the job. Check out the video below to find out how it’s made.
Why are Toilets White?
Toilets are mostly made of porcelain and porcelain is white. The color white also represents cleanliness and makes it easy to see dirt. White toilets are also affordable than colored ones. Lastly, the color white provides a modern and minimalist look.
Cleanliness
White is often associated with cleanliness. Nearly all religions and mythologies see white as a representation of purity, innocence, and cleanliness. This idea branches out in all aspects of modern life which includes the bathrooms. White surfaces are a quick and easy way to make the bathroom and toilet look neat and clean.
Porcelain
As we have mentioned above, toilets are white because they are made from porcelain. It is a durable material that can last for a long time. While a porcelain toilet may look fragile, it is strong. Dropping or hitting it with something can cause it to shatter, pushing it down will cause no damage.
Affordable
Toilets are white because it is affordable. Porcelain is naturally white and there is nothing needed to change its color. On the other hand, toilet seats can be of various colors because they are mostly made of plastic.
Aesthetic
White bathrooms provide a sleek, modern, and clean appearance which makes them appealing to people. Modern and clean-looking bathrooms sell a higher price as compared to others. White also looks minimalistic and it can create a relaxing ambiance for the bathroom.
Easy to Clean
White toilets are easy to clean because you can easily see dirt and know the areas that need the most cleaning. It makes it easier to tell when the toilet is dirty. Keeping the toilet shiny white as they are supposed to be will keep us safe from bacteria.
Types of Toilet
The three main types of toilets are wall hung toilets, close coupled toilets, and back to wall toilets. There are many different types and styles of toilets available on the market. It is important that you explore all the options since the one that you choose can change the design of your bathroom. Below are the three main types of toilets. Let us take a closer look at each of them.
Wall Hung Toilets
These toilets hang on the wall without the need for a pedestal. The good thing about this type of toilet is that you can install it at the height that you choose. The frames are durable so there is no need to worry that they will fall off the wall.
Close Coupled Toilets
These are the most popular types of toilets sold on the market. The cistern and pan of the toilet are connected in one compact unit. Most modern toilets found in households are close-coupled.
Back to Wall Toilets
These toilets are similar to wall-hung toilets but they are not suspended from a wall. Back to wall toilets are fixed to the floor. The cistern and pipes of the toilet are hidden behind the wall or furniture unit. These types of toilets are ideal if you want to save space, especially in small bathrooms.
Are Toilets Ceramic?
Ceramic is also used in making toilets. It is considered a popular choice along with porcelain for many household bathrooms. Interestingly, bricks are also made from ceramics. Read this article titled, which type of ceramic is used for making bricks for more information.
Which are Better, Round or Elongated Toilets?
Most people prefer elongated toilets because they are comfortable. On the other hand, round toilets are space savers and ideal for smaller bathrooms. Elongated toilet bowls can measure up to 31 inches from the wall while round toilets can measure only up to 28 inches from the wall. Round toilets are also more affordable as compared to elongated ones.
Which Toilet Height is Best?
Toilets with rims that stand 17 to 19 inches above the floor are considered comfort height toilets. Some people considered them more comfortable as compared to the standard toilets with 14 to 15 inches in height. This is because the added height makes it easier to get on and off the toilet.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that talked about what toilets are made of. We have found out that most modern household toilets are made of porcelain. This is because porcelain is clean, affordable, easy to construct, and durable. We have also learned that plastic is not a durable material to be used or toilets, wood is uncomfortable to use, and steel is sensitive to temperature changes. Thank you for reading this article and we hope that the information that we have shared can help you decide on the type of toilet to install in your bathroom.