Here are the tall toilets and toilet risers I’d look at first, and the details on each one, including the downsides, are further down the page.

Video Guide

My Recommended Tall Toilets for the Elderly

Here are the taller (and extra tall) toilets I recommend based on my 20+ years of experience working with seniors in the durable medical equipment industry.

Extra Tall Toilet

This extra tall toilet by Convenient Height Company is an excellent option because it offers many of the same features as the bigger brands but at a lower price. Plus, it is one of the tallest toilets on the market!

The total height of the convenient height toilet from the bottom to the top of the seat is 21 inches (20 inches to the rim). This means the elderly, disabled, and even tall family members or guests can comfortably use it.

The dual flush valve is great for saving water when using this toilet. The bowl uses 1.28 gal for a full flush and 0.9 gals for a light one.

Its handle and valve are durable plastic materials that won’t suffer corrosion over time if appropriately cleaned. Plus, it is easy to activate for aging hands, even those with arthritis.

It is durable, long-lasting, and will stand the test of time.

TOTO Drake Two-Piece Toilet

The TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated Universal Height Toilet (CST776CSFG#01) is a taller toilet from a well-known maker. TOTO calls the height “Universal Height,” which means it sits taller than a standard toilet. That makes sitting down and standing up easier for many people, and it can meet the ADA height requirement.

The flush is the other main feature. TORNADO FLUSH swirls the water in a circle so it washes the whole bowl surface. The Drake also has a wide 3 inch flush valve and a siphon jet bowl (a design that pulls waste out with a strong rush of water), aiming to clear the bowl in one flush.

It uses 1.6 gallons per flush, and it needs at least 8 psi of flowing water pressure. That is normal for most homes, but a plumber can check yours if you are unsure.

The bowl is coated with a glaze called CEFIONTECT. It is very smooth, so waste has a harder time sticking and washes away more easily. That should mean less scrubbing, which matters if cleaning is getting harder for you.

A couple of things to keep in mind. Universal Height is taller than standard, but it is not the tallest toilet you can buy. If you need a lot more lift, or you have knee or hip trouble that makes even this height difficult, look at other options or add a raised seat.

It is also a two-piece toilet, so the tank and bowl are separate parts with a seam between them. That seam is one more spot to wipe. And swapping a toilet is a real plumbing job, so plan on a handyman or plumber unless you have done it before.

DeerValley Elongated Toilet

The DeerValley one-piece toilet suits someone who wants a modern look in the bathroom and a seat that isn’t low to the floor.

It has an elongated bowl and a seat height of 16 7/8″. That is the standard seating height, so it won’t be as tall as some of the extra-height toilets in this article. If you need a real boost getting up and down, measure your current seat and compare.

It is a one-piece design with a skirted base, which means the sides are smooth and there are fewer nooks for dirt to hide. The glazed surface is meant to be self-cleaning, and a smooth toilet like this is simply easier to wipe down.

The flush is dual: 1.1 gallons per flush for liquid waste and 1.6 gallons for solid. It is rated at a MaP score of 800g, which is a measure of how much waste a toilet can clear in one flush. That helps cut down on clogs.

The toilet measures 28.75″ long, 14″ wide and 28″ high. Check that against the space in your bathroom before you order, since a one-piece toilet is a single heavy unit and returns are a hassle.

Miuara ADA Height Toilet

The Miuara 19 Inch ADA Height Tall Toilet is built for people who find a regular toilet too low. The bowl height is 19 inches, and the seat height is 20 inches.

That extra height means less distance to lower yourself and less to push back up. It can ease the strain on knees and back, which matters for older adults with sore joints, tall people, and anyone recovering from surgery.

A shorter drop also means a steadier sit-down, and that is where many bathroom falls happen.

The bowl is vitreous china, which is non-porous. That makes it stain resistant and easy to wipe clean.

It uses 1.28 gallons per flush.

One thing to think about: a taller toilet is not right for everyone in the house. If someone is short, their feet may not rest flat on the floor, and that can feel awkward. A small footstool can help.

Also, swapping a toilet is a real plumbing job. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, plan on hiring someone.

HOROW Compact Tall Toilet

The HOROW HR-R17S is a two-piece toilet with a round bowl. The seat sits 17½ inches from the floor, which meets the ADA chair height standard. That extra height means less bending at the knees and hips on the way down and less pushing on the way up.

It flushes with a 360° siphon and carries a MaP rating of 1000 grams. MaP is a flushing test, and 1000 grams is the score you tend to see on the better performers. It uses 1.28 gallons per flush, and it’s a single flush, so there’s no handle to choose between.

The overall size is 27⅜ inches long, 15¾ inches wide and 32¼ inches tall. It’s described as compact, so it suits a smaller bathroom or a tight spot where a standard toilet crowds the room.

The soft-close seat lowers slowly instead of slamming. That’s a small thing, but it’s quieter, and it keeps fingers clear of the pinch point. The seat also has a reinforced mounting structure so it doesn’t wobble or loosen over time. The toilet comes with a 1-year warranty.

As for downsides, a round bowl saves floor space, but it gives you a bit less seating room than an elongated one. If you have the space and want the roomier seat, look at an elongated bowl instead.

It’s also a two-piece toilet, so the tank and bowl need to be put together at installation. If you’re not handy, plan on having a plumber or a family member do it.

HOROW One Piece Toilet

The HOROW T0338W is a one-piece toilet with an ADA chair height seat of 17.3 inches from the floor. That is about the height of a standard dining chair, which makes sitting down and standing back up easier for many older adults.

One piece means the tank and bowl are a single unit with no seam between them. That gives you fewer spots for dust to hide and an easier wipe-down around the outside. It measures 26.6 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 26 inches tall, and it has an elongated bowl. The maker describes it as compact, so it suits a smaller bathroom.

The flush is a siphon style with a fully glazed 2-inch trapway. The glazing is a smooth coating that helps keep things moving through. It is a dual flush, with a 1.1 or 1.6 gallons per flush choice. Use the lower setting for liquid waste and the higher one when you need it.

It comes in 10-inch and 12-inch rough-in versions. The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the drain pipe in the floor. Measure yours before you order, because the wrong one won’t fit.

Large openings on the sides of the base make it easier to reach the floor bolts during installation.

A few things to weigh. At 17.3 inches, this seat may sit a bit high for a shorter person whose feet don’t rest flat on the floor. A one-piece toilet also can’t have just the tank or just the bowl swapped out later. And if the dual flush is new to you, give it a week or so to become habit.

A Quick Tutorial About Toilet Heights

Toilet heights can vary greatly. If you have ever shopped for a new toilet for your home, you’ve seen the long aisles full of various options at your local home supply store.

When you see a toilet height mentioned, it is essential to understand that it is the height from the floor to the top of the bowl. It is not the height of the top of the toilet seat itself. It is also not the height to the top of the tank.

Common toilet heights:

• Standard Height Toilets are usually 15 to 16 inches tall. Although, some manufacturers are squeaking by at 14.5 inches and then rounding up.
• Chair Height Toilets are generally 17 inches tall because this is the average height of a chair. A chair-height toilet is also often referred to as an ADA Compliant toilet.
• Comfort Height Toilets is a marketing name created by Kohler Co. for their taller toilets. Like often happens in the retail market, this term became the generic word for tall toilets. This term is used for toilets that range from 17 inches to 19 inches.

If you’d really like to get into the details of toilet heights, see this article from Sunrise Specialty.

How Does Toilet Height Affect Seniors and the Elderly Specifically?

Generally, older adults who struggle while standing up from the toilet will benefit from a higher toilet because it takes less effort and leg strength to push themselves up.

But there are a few other considerations that you should take into account when choosing the best toilet height for seniors and the elderly.

What is the User’s Height?

It is essential to how tall a user is; more specifically, though, their leg length matters. If you consider a human seated, the length from the bottom of the foot to the back of the thigh determines the proper chair and toilet height.

Can A Toilet Be Too Tall?

Absolutely, a toilet can be too tall.

Families tell me, “I want the highest toilet I can get!” But this isn’t a good solution either.

Why?

Because sitting on a toilet that is too tall with your feet dangling can lead to leg and back pain and even cut off the circulation to your legs and feet. Standing with numb lower extremities is a terrible idea for an elderly person and could cause a fall.

So, taller adults require taller toilets, while shorter adults can get by with shorter ones.

How Can You Get The Right Sized Toilet?

If you really want to geek out over getting your toilet at the optimal height, sit your loved one on a chair with a firm surface. Ensure their knee is close to a 90-degree angle and their feet are flat on the floor. Then, measure from the floor to the back of the thigh.

That measurement is the minimum height you should choose. Often, the optimal size is to add 2 inches to that measurement because this makes it easier to stand while also allowing you to keep your feet on the floor.

Buying Guide: Key Decision-Making Factors

There is so much more to buying a toilet than you may realize. Here are the crucial features of toilets specifically as they apply to older adults and bathroom safety.

Take Into Account Your Space Requirements

Because you don’t want to buy a toilet that doesn’t fit, look at the space your toilet takes up. Also, look at the surrounding area. Take measurements of your current toilet (length, width, and height) and take those to the store with you.

Elongated bowl toilets are usually narrower than round bowl toilets.

How High Do You Need the Toilet to Be?

You should know this from the lower leg measurement you took in the previous section. Choose a toilet that is that height plus about 2 inches. Don’t forget to take the seat size into account and any accessories like bidets or raised toilet seats.

RELATED READING: Best Bidets For The Elderly

What Type of Bowl Do You Need?

There are two main categories of toilet bowl types – elongated and round.

Elongated bowls are longer in the front and have more of an oval shape. This type is more comfortable because of that extra space.

Round bowls are almost perfectly circular. They are smaller and take up less space. So, they are best if you have a small area to work with.

Of course, the seat shape must match the bowl shape. Don’t forget this if you are looking to replace the seat.

Whoosh… Think About the Flushing System and Water Consumption

The flushing system is essential because some are more effective than others.

The flush shouldn’t use too much water when flushing but be powerful enough to clear the bowl.

Don’t forget the flush handle also. Standard tank and lever systems are easier for the elderly because they are familiar with them. The levers don’t require a lot of force to push, either. But they use more water.

Power flushing systems use less water because they force the water through the system faster at a higher pressure. But, these can be harder to activate. I have one at my home, and it takes a good bit of force to push the button down all the way.

Most manufacturers tell you how much water per flush their product uses so you can know upfront what to expect.

Toilet Style

Toilets come in one-piece and two-piece designs. While many people think this is a matter of design, there are some practical reasons to choose one over the other.

One-piece toilets are easier to clean and maintain because they don’t have seams where dirt and grime can hide.

On the other hand, two-piece toilets are easier to replace if you crack your tank. With most of them, you can replace just the tank portion without replacing the entire toilet.

How Much Work Is Needed to Install It?

Unless you plan a new bathroom space, you should consider removing the old toilet and installing the new one.

This isn’t a project for the faint of heart. Let’s face it – it’s dirty work and labor-intensive.

If you will be installing it yourself, read the installation manual and ensure you have everything you need, including new seals, etc.

You could hire a plumber to replace it if it’s more than you want to tackle. I have some other options below that don’t require as much work.

Price and Warranty

Tall toilets generally do cost more than standard-height toilets. But you can get a good one for around $300 to $500.

Look at the warranty period, especially for toilets with a power flushing unit. Of course, you want the most extended warranty period you can get.

Cheaper Alternatives to Raising the Height of Your Toilet

You might not be ready, willing, or able to replace your entire toilet right now. Sometimes a home remodel is just not possible. Or, you might not have the money for this kind of expense. And that’s ok!

Here are some practical bathroom accessories you can use to raise your toilet height:

1. Replace Your Current Seat With a Thicker One (Adds 1″ – 2″)

One way to achieve a higher toilet seat height is to replace your current seat with a thicker one.

These specially designed tall toilet seats come with spacers attached to the underside. Installing a thicker toilet seat is a simple and seamless way to raise the height of an existing toilet seat.

There are some limitations, though. This method works best when you only need to add an inch or two to your toilet height.

2. Install a Toilet Riser Under the Existing Toilet (Adds 2″ – 4″)

Another option is to install a toilet riser under the existing toilet. These elevated platforms raise your toilet from the bottom – think of it as a large spacer.

Toilet risers come in different heights that range between 2 and 4 inches.

One of the most popular options is the Toilevator which is available at multiple retailers.

Toilevator Toilet Base Riser

The Toilevator takes a different approach from the raised seats that sit on top of the bowl. It goes under the toilet itself, so the whole toilet sits higher.

It adds 3.5 inches of height and is rated for 500 pounds. Because the toilet stays a regular toilet, with its regular seat, it looks like it was always that tall. It’s also meant to fit standard toilets.

The makers say it’s steadier than the plastic risers that perch on the bowl, which makes sense. It helps most for someone with arthritis, or someone who leans on a walker or grab bar when sitting down and standing up, since nothing shifts under them.

All the hardware and instructions come in the box. Still, this is a “lift the toilet” job. You’ll be disconnecting the toilet, setting it back down on the riser, and reconnecting it, so it’s not a casual afternoon fix.

If you’re not comfortable with that, a handy family member or a plumber can do it. A video of the installation will show you what’s involved before you decide.

It’s also a permanent change. If you want something you can take off for a visitor or carry on a trip, a seat that sits on top of the bowl is easier to remove.

Vive Toilet Seat Riser

The Vive Toilet Seat Riser adds 3.5 inches of height to the toilet you already have. That makes sitting down and standing up easier on your knees, hips and back. If you also want something you can take along on trips, I demoed a portable raised toilet seat for travel that adds 4 inches and comes off without tools.

It comes in standard and elongated sizes, so look at the shape of your bowl before you order. A riser that doesn’t match the bowl won’t sit right.

Installing it is not much of a project. It goes under your existing seat and lid with the included hardware, and no tools are needed. If you can change a battery, you can most likely handle this.

The frame is a split-resistant composite and holds up to 350 lbs without shifting. It suits older adults, people recovering from hip or knee surgery, and anyone with limited mobility day to day.

One thing to know: a riser raises the seat, but it gives you nothing to hold onto. If you need help steadying yourself as you lower down or push up, pair it with a grab bar or a toilet safety frame.

It also isn’t the right pick if 3.5 inches is more than you need. Someone with shorter legs may find their feet no longer rest flat on the floor.

HOMLAND Adjustable Toilet Seat Riser

The HOMLAND Toilet Seat Riser is for the person who needs more than a little extra height. It’s a raised seat with handles on both sides, so you get something solid to push up from and lower yourself onto.

The frame is aluminum. The support rod underneath is welded to the four legs, which tilt slightly outward, and the feet are rubber to help keep it from slipping. It holds up to 400 pounds.

Setup needs no tools. The seat height adjusts from 18.1″ to 23″, and the width from 19.1″ to 23.2″, so you can fit it to the person and to the toilet. The seat is padded, which is kind to anyone who sits for a while.

Who it’s not for: if all you need is an inch or two of lift, this is more equipment than the job calls for, and a simple riser seat will do. It’s also a frame with handles, so measure the space around your toilet before you order.

3. Install A Raised Toilet Seat (Adds 2″ – 6″)

Installing an elevated toilet seat involves removing your existing toilet seat and replacing it with a raised seat. Some raised seats bolt through the existing holes, while others snap or clamp onto the current seat. These products can add 2 to 6 inches in height.

They also come with or without handles. Models with handles provide additional leverage, making it easier to stand up from the toilet.

This video shows you how to install a raised toilet seat:

CAUTION: My professional opinion is to avoid the blow-molded models that simply sit on the toilet rim. While those are convenient when other people use the toilet, they are less stable than models that bolt onto the existing seat holes on the toilet.

4. Install a Toilet Safety Frame

Installing a toilet safety frame over the toilet is yet another option. These devices don’t raise the toilet seat height. Instead, they provide raised arms to give you more leverage for pushing yourself up to stand.

Toilet safety frames have a reputation for being unsafe also. But this is because most people don’t install them correctly. They must be bolted to the toilet (in the seat attachment holes) for safe and secure use.

This video walks you through the installation of a toilet safety frame.

A few models are designed to be used as stand-alone frames and have more supportive bases. If you choose one of these, read the instructions thoroughly and make sure you install and use them correctly.

5. Use a Bedside (3 in 1) Commode Over Your Existing Toilet (Adds 3″ to 7″)

Bedside commodes are designed for people with mobility problems who cannot get to the bathroom safely.

But there is another use for these, though. If you remove the commode bucket and place it over your toilet, it becomes a raised toilet seat.

Most 3-in-1 commodes have adjustable height legs and a seat. The adjustable legs raise the seat to a height between 18 and 23 inches.

The best bedside commodes also come with a hard plastic liner. Place the liner between the commode and the toilet to ensure all contents are deposited directly into the toilet.

This reduces splashing because it fills the gap between the potty chair and the toilet seat. It will save you some clean-up as well.

Some models even come with drop-away armrests that allow wheelchair users to slide directly from the seat of the wheelchair to the commode seat.

Folding models are also available for portability. Some models also have a padded seat for people with pressure-sensitive skin.

This video shows you how this works:

6. Use a Mechanical or Powered Toilet Lift

A mechanical toilet seat lift is yet another option to enhance the height of your toilet seat. This option will cost you more, but it saves you the mess and effort of replacing the existing toilet.

Mechanical toilet seat lifts use pneumatic lifting systems or springs that provide additional “push” when getting up. Others rely on electricity or batteries and can fully assist you from seated to standing.

Mechanical or powered toilet lifts typically vary in their maximum heights. Some electric models can raise the toilet seat as high as 26 inches!

Some models come equipped with wheels, which is helpful if you have trouble walking to the bathroom. The wheels allow the caregiver to push you into the bathroom before positioning the chair on top of the toilet.

The Carex Commode Seat Riser is a popular product in this category and is available at multiple retailers.

EaseLift Powered Toilet Lift

If a regular toilet, even a tall one, is still a struggle to get up from, a powered lift is the next step to look at. The EaseLift Powered Toilet Lift Bedside Commode Kit does the lifting for you with a motor, so your legs and arms don’t have to do all the work.

It raises and lowers the seat smoothly, straight up and down. The lift takes about 20 seconds and has a 14-inch range. That can help older adults recovering from surgery, and anyone who needs a steady boost when sitting down or standing up. It can also save a caregiver from lifting.

It runs on a rechargeable battery, which is included, so there’s no cord to trip over. It supports up to 440 pounds. The listing says it meets recognized standards for assistive toileting products, including testing for weight capacity and mechanical safety.

Here is the sizing, since a lift only helps if it fits:

• Fits toilets 14″ to 18″ high. An extra-tall option covers 18″ to 21″.
• 24″ wide overall, with 16½” inside width and 19½” of hip room.
• Product size 29″ to 35″, and it weighs 43 lbs.

Measure your toilet height and the space around it before you order.

Now the downsides. At 43 pounds, it isn’t something you move around casually. It also needs a charged battery to work, so someone has to remember to keep it charged. And the 20-second lift is slower than standing up on your own. It’s not for someone who only needs a little extra height, because a plain raised seat is simpler and has nothing to charge.

Here is an installation guide for this type of product:

Dignity Lifts Electric Toilet Lift

If a taller seat still leaves you or a loved one struggling to stand up, a powered toilet lift is the next step. The Dignity Lifts DL2 Deluxe Toilet Lift does the raising for you, up to 14 inches of vertical lift, and it supports up to 300 pounds.

You hold the handlebars, and the up/down controls are on both sides, so either hand can work them. It also comes with a wireless remote.

It runs on a rechargeable battery, so it keeps working in a power outage and doesn’t need an outlet nearby. You can plug it in if you prefer. The flip side is that a battery needs charging now and then, and that is easy to forget.

Four wide stabilizing feet hold it steady, so it isn’t relying only on the toilet to stay put. It’s less than 25 inches wide, and it’s made to fit most toilet shapes and heights. The surfaces have few seams, which makes cleaning easier.

This isn’t for everyone. It’s a bigger piece of equipment than a plain raised seat, so measure your bathroom first. It’s also not the right fit if you can’t safely grip the handlebars while it moves. If you only need a few extra inches of height, a simpler riser will do the job.

Vive Toilet Seat Riser With Arms

If your toilet sits too low, the Vive Health Toilet Seat Riser with Arms is a simple fix. It raises the seat 3.5 inches, so you don’t have to lower yourself as far or push up as hard to stand.

It has padded aluminum handles on both sides. They give you something solid to hold on the way down and on the way up, which is where most of the trouble happens.

It’s made of crack-resistant composite and holds 300 pounds. It fits under your current seat, so you don’t have to replace your toilet. Vive backs it with a lifetime guarantee.

It suits someone recovering from surgery, or someone whose knees and hips make a low toilet a daily struggle.

Some things to know before you buy. It’s a fixed riser, not a powered lift, so it won’t lift you. It only shortens the distance and gives you handles to push from.

Because it raises the seat, a shorter person may find their feet no longer rest flat on the floor. The arms also take up room on either side, so measure the space around your toilet first.

VOCIC Electric Raised Toilet Seat

The VOCIC Electric Raised Toilet Seat does the lifting for you. It slowly raises you toward standing when you press the remote, so your knees and hips don’t have to do all the work.

It comes with a plug-in remote and a rechargeable one. The plug-in remote gives you steady power. The rechargeable one lets you move around without a cord, but it does need charging now and then.

It supports up to 330 lbs, and the maker says it was tested for 10,000 lifts. If the person using it weighs more than that, look at something else.

The lift path is designed so you are less likely to get tipped forward as you rise. It also has handles, and the armrests lock in place when you want something firm to grip.

For wheelchair users, you can take off one armrest and slide in from the side. That is a thoughtful touch, though it means one more step each time.

This is a better fit for someone who has trouble standing up but can sit steadily and work a remote. If a simple frame or a plain raised seat would do the job, a powered one adds a motor and a charger you don’t need.

Toilet Safety Rails for Extra Support Getting Up and Down

A taller toilet means less distance to lower yourself and less work to stand back up. But height only solves part of the problem. Most people still need something solid to push on, and a sink or towel bar was never built to take that weight. A toilet safety rail is a frame with armrests on each side of the seat, so you have something sturdy to hold at the moment you need it. It pairs well with any of the options above.

Here is what to look for. Check that it fits your toilet, since round and elongated bowls are different sizes. Look for height and width adjustments, so the arms sit where your elbows naturally fall. Non-slip feet and padded armrests matter more than they sound. Read the weight limit on the label before you buy, and skip any frame that doesn’t state one. One downside: a frame that sits on the floor around the toilet takes up room, and it won’t feel as solid as a grab bar bolted into the wall. For a small bathroom, a frame with armrests that fold up can help.

Toilet Safety Rails

This is a toilet safety frame with padded armrests and non-slip feet. It attaches right to the toilet, so there’s no wall mounting and no contractor. It goes on without tools in a few minutes.

It suits older adults, and people recovering from surgery, who want something solid to push up from and lower down onto. The height and width adjust, and it’s made to fit most standard and elongated toilets. The armrests fold, which helps in a small bathroom or one that several people share.

Two things to know before you buy. Check the weight capacity on the label to be sure it fits the person using it. And the non-slip feet grip well on hard floors, but how they hold on textured tile can vary, so give it a good test push once it’s set up.

FAQ

How tall is the standard toilet?

The height of a standard toilet is about 15 inches from floor to seat.

Does the ADA recommend a toilet height?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends that toilets be 17 to 19 inches tall, measured from the floor to the top of the toilet seat, for disabled people. This toilet height is also called comfort height and chair height toilets.

How tall are comfort height toilets?

Comfort height toilets are typically 17 to 19 inches in height, which is the same as ADA-compliant toilets.

What is the difference between a round bowl and an elongated bowl?

The critical difference between a round bowl and an elongated bowl is the shape. The round bowl resembles a circle and tends to extend less into the bathroom, while the elongated model protrudes outward from the front because of its oval shape.

The elongated bowl is approximately 18.5 inches long on average, while the round toilet is about 16.5 inches long on average. The round bowl is the conventional, traditional type, while the former has a more modern appeal.

What is the highest toilet you can get?

The highest toilet you can get is between 20 and 21 inches tall.

RELATED READING: Toilet Safety Resources for Seniors and the Elderly

Summary and Final Recommendations

The aging process is inevitable, while disability is nobody’s choice. So, you don’t have to end your independence because of either.

By knowing their options, seniors aging in place can be confident and comfortable in their homes.

Installing tall toilets for elderly people can make a huge difference in your ability to properly and safely care for yourself.

The extra height requires less effort, energy, and concern whenever you visit the bathroom, and you can keep some of your independence intact.

Which option is better? Replacing the toilet or adding an assistive device to your current one? Please tell me what you think in the comments below!

Also, if you found this article helpful, please share it on your favorite social media.