Planning a bathroom renovation in Perth or across WA and wondering which toilet bowl is best? As a full-service kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe specialist, Joyce Kitchens brings the same design rigour we apply to kitchen renovations Perth to your bathroom toilet selection — so your new toilet, vanity and custom cabinetry WA all work together beautifully, meet Australian Standards, and are easy to maintain.
Toilet bowl types and choosing the right toilet suite
The best bathroom toilet is one that fits your plumbing set-out, suits your space and style, and meets Australian water-efficiency and performance standards. Below are the main categories of toilet bowls and toilet systems we specify in Perth bathroom renovation projects.
Common toilet suite configurations
- Close-coupled toilet: The pan and cistern sit together as a one-piece look. Great for renovations where the existing set-out stays put. Easy to service and typically budget-friendly.
- Back-to-wall toilet: Pan sits flush to the wall, hiding pipes and making cleaning a breeze — a popular “white toilet” option for modern family bathrooms.
- Wall-hung toilet with in-wall cistern: The pan is off the floor for an airy, luxe look; the cistern (toilet tank) is built into the wall cavity. Ideal for compact ensuites where a small size toilet bowl helps maximise floor area.
- Skew pan / specialty toilets: Used when soil pipe direction or set-out is unique. Specify early in design to avoid build delays.
Definition: Toilet suite vs toilet bowl
Toilet bowl (pan) is the ceramic fixture you sit on. A toilet suite is the pan plus the cistern (toilet tank) and seat — sometimes supplied as a toilet set. Many “toilet bowl and cistern” products are sold together to ensure correct compatibility.
Key selection factors (Australia/WA)
- WELS rating: In Australia, choose a 4–5 Star WELS model to reduce water use. For reference, see the government’s Water Rating scheme. WELS
- Trap type and set-out: Most Perth homes use an S-trap (waste to floor). Apartments often use a P-trap (waste to wall). Measure the set-out carefully to ensure your new toilet aligns with existing plumbing.
- Rimless design: Easier to clean, better hygiene, and fewer crevices — a strong pick for family bathrooms and rental properties.
- Projection and seat height: For smaller rooms, consider a compact projection. For accessibility and comfort, a higher “comfort height” pan can help.
- Finish and colour: A classic white toilet matches most schemes; matte white and modern hues are available to pair with Caesarstone-topped vanities and porcelain tiles.
Definition: WELS
WELS is Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards program that rates water-using products. Higher stars = better water savings (AS/NZS 6400).
Definition: S-trap and P-trap
S-trap means the waste exits through the floor. P-trap means it exits through the wall. Your choice of toilet bowl must match your trap and set-out or use an approved adapter during installation.
Definition: In-wall cistern
An in-wall cistern hides the toilet tank within a stud wall or a custom cabinet nib, leaving only the flush plate visible. It offers a clean look and easier floor cleaning.
Tip: When you buy toilet products online (especially during a toilet sale), confirm Australian compliance (AS 1172; WELS label) and that the toilet pan and cistern are a matched set with the correct set-out for your home.
Bathroom renovation process: from measure to install
- Design consultation: We review your whole-home plan — kitchen, bathrooms, laundry renovation and even a scullery or butler’s pantry — so finishes and storage are cohesive. We’ll discuss toilet units that suit your style, from minimal to Hampton/shaker-inspired.
- Measure and set-out check: We record floor-to-wall waste position, water inlet, and clearances for doors and shower screens. This step avoids issues with the wc toilet or door swing.
- Product specification: We document the toilet suite, vanity, basin, tapware, and accessories. Hardware like soft-close drawers (e.g., Blum hardware) is detailed alongside your under-mount sink or basin choices.
- Compliance: Installation is by a licensed plumber in line with AS/NZS 3500 plumbing and local codes. Consider joining or checking with authorities such as HIA or Master Builders WA for renovation guidance.
- Installation and handover: The plumber fits the new toilet, tests for leaks and correct flush, then we complete silicone, caulking, and final clean. We provide care instructions for your materials.
Materials and finishes for toilets, vanities and benchtops
Most toilet bowls in Australia use vitreous china with a glazed finish. Look for nano-glaze or antibacterial glazing for easier cleaning. Seats can be duroplast or UF with soft-close hinges.
Coordinate your toilet with your vanity benchtop and cabinetry for a cohesive look that matches your kitchen splashback and engineered stone benchtop selections.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate for Bathroom/Kitchen Benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone (e.g., Caesarstone) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Premium, seamless options; suits modern and shaker kitchen or vanity designs | Wide decor range, excellent value; realistic stone and timber looks |
| Heat resistance (WA kitchens/bathrooms) | Good, but avoid placing hot pots/tools directly on surface | Moderate; use trivets and care near appliances and hair tools |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent when professionally installed and sealed | Good with proper edging and sealing |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe with pH-neutral cleaner | Low; avoid harsh abrasives and standing water at joins |
| Installed cost (indicative) | $$$ | $$ |
| Lead time | Longer (templating and fabrication) | Faster; great for time-sensitive renovations |
Layouts and styles to suit your home
Style coherence matters. If your home leans Hamptons with a shaker kitchen and white profile doors, a back-to-wall white toilet and panelled vanity keep the language consistent. Contemporary spaces pair well with wall-hung pans, matte finishes, and a slim in-wall flush plate.
- Compact bathrooms: Choose a small size toilet bowl (short projection), sliding doors, and a frameless shower screen to visually open the room.
- Family bathrooms: A durable toilet pan and cistern with rimless tech and a 4.5/3L flush helps reduce cleaning and water use.
- Accessible layouts: Consider comfort-height pans and clear side access. Check with your builder and plumber for AS1428 guidance if required.
Coordinating your bathroom with adjoining spaces — a laundry with an under-mount sink, or even a nearby powder room — ensures seamless materials and colour flow from kitchen to bathroom to wardrobe.
Costs: toilet price ranges in Australia
Indicative supply costs for toilets Australia-wide (AUD, ex install):
- Budget/cheap toilet bowl: $150–$350 (basic close-coupled). Great if you’re after a cheap toilet during a toilet sale, but verify compliance.
- Mid-range toilet suites: $350–$900 (stylish back-to-wall, rimless).
- Premium/in-wall toilet systems: $900–$2,200+ (wall-hung pan + in-wall cistern + flush plate).
Installation: Like-for-like replacement typically $250–$500. Relocating a toilet (moving waste and water) can be $800–$2,500+ depending on access, concrete slab, and tiling. Always use a licensed plumber and allow for sundries (valves, pan collar, silicone). These ranges reflect typical toilet price and latrine price considerations in WA.
Practical pre-purchase checklist
- Measure set-out to centre of waste: floor (S-trap) or wall (P-trap).
- Confirm WELS star rating (4–5 star recommended).
- Check projection/width for door and shower clearances.
- Choose seat height and soft-close features.
- Match pan and cistern as a compatible toilet set (toilet bowl new + cistern).
- Plan spare parts availability (seals, valves, seat hinges).
- Coordinate finishes with vanity benchtop and custom cabinetry.
- Book licensed installer and allow lead time, especially for in-wall cisterns.
WA case examples
Applecross Ensuite Upgrade
We paired a wall-hung rimless wc toilet (4-Star WELS) with an engineered stone vanity and soft-close drawers. The in-wall cistern freed floor space, and the concealed plumbing simplified cleaning. Result: a luxe, compact ensuite that feels larger.
Joondalup Family Bathroom Refresh
On a tight timeline, we sourced a back-to-wall white toilet from a local toilet shop, coordinated with a laminate vanity benchtop to control costs, and scheduled a like-for-like install. Result: a hygienic, easy-to-clean bathroom toilet solution without blowing the budget.
Why Joyce Kitchens
With decades of experience delivering custom cabinetry WA-wide — from shaker kitchens and splashbacks to bathroom vanities and wardrobes — we design whole-home solutions. We specify compliant fixtures, coordinate trades, and ensure your new toilet, vanity and storage harmonise across rooms.
Ready to buy toilet products and plan your renovation? Talk to our Perth design team about the right toilet bowl and cistern, vanity, and finishes for your space.
FAQ
What’s the difference between back-to-wall, close-coupled and wall-hung toilet bowls?
Close-coupled suites combine the pan and cistern for a neat, budget-friendly install. Back-to-wall pans sit flush to the wall, hiding pipes and easing cleaning. Wall-hung pans mount off the floor with an in-wall cistern for a premium, space-saving look — ideal for compact bathrooms.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet bowl in Perth?
Supply ranges from about $150–$350 for a basic close-coupled model to $900–$2,200+ for wall-hung with in-wall cistern. Installation is typically $250–$500 for like-for-like replacement, and $800–$2,500+ if relocating plumbing or altering tiles/slab.
Can I reuse my existing cistern with a new toilet bowl?
Often it’s best to install a matched toilet bowl and cistern (a toilet suite). Mixing brands or models can cause sealing and flush performance issues, and set-out differences may prevent a correct fit. Check manufacturer compatibility before purchase.
How do I know if I need an S-trap or P-trap toilet?
Check where the waste exits: into the floor (S-trap) or into the wall (P-trap). Measure the set-out and choose a pan designed for that trap, or use an approved adapter recommended by your plumber for minor alignment adjustments.
