Which WC Frame to Choose?

If you are renovating a bathroom, you are surely wondering which WC frame to choose. You have two options: a concealed frame and a surface-mounted frame. Here are some tips to help you choose the best solution. Remember, a bathroom is usually renovated once every few or several years. It's worth making the right decision upfront to ensure a pleasant experience using the toilet.

What will you learn from this article?

Although the WC frame isn't visible daily, it plays a crucial role in the function of the sanitary installation. Choosing the appropriate concealed or surface-mounted frame affects the aesthetics and comfort of using the bathroom. From this article, you will learn:

• Which concealed or surface-mounted WC frame is worth choosing.

• Whether a compact WC or a wall-hung unit is worth selecting.

• Which concealed set to choose.

• If every bowl fits every frame.

Concealed WC Frame or Surface-Mounted Frame?

If you want to create a both functional and aesthetic bathroom, you should devote some time to precisely plan its equipment. One of the key aspects to pay particular attention to is selecting the appropriate fittings. Bathroom sanitary installations are available in various variants. You can choose between a concealed frame and a surface-mounted frame.

Tips on Which Concealed Frame to Choose

A concealed frame is the solution you must opt for if you plan to install a hanging WC bowl or a bidet in the bathroom. A quality concealed frame ensures an ergonomic, elegant, and modern installation. The installation is not visible — the installer hides it in the wall or special housing. You gain a modern and minimalist look for the bathroom. A significant advantage of concealed frames is their availability in many sizes. This makes the installation easy in any bathroom.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Concealed WC Frame?

If you are wondering which concealed WC frame to choose, answer the following questions before buying. This way, you will make a well-thought-out choice.

1. What type of water connection is there in your bathroom — do you have access to an installation for hot or cold water. Do you use central heating or a point water heater.

2. How is the wall constructed — do you have a solid wall, or a skeleton one made from drywall or gypsum board. Concealed frames are primarily designed for lightweight building.

3. What type of WC bowl do you plan to buy — the choice of concealed frame should always depend on the specific model of the WC bowl. You will achieve a well-functioning, neat look for the toilet space this way.

Additionally, you also need to remember the following challenges:

• The plumbing installation is hidden within the wall or housing, making access very difficult. In the event of a failure, there is a risk of having to break tiles to repair the WC.

• The frame intended for concealed installation is more challenging to install. It requires knowledge, precision, and experience of the installer. One mistake can cost you another bathroom renovation. Find out what you should know about installing a WC bowl.

• When browsing through rankings of concealed frames, you will certainly notice their prices are higher than WC compacts. This is due to the need for a solid construction made from high-quality materials. Spare no expense on this element.

Advantages of a Concealed Frame

• A concealed WC requires very little space and creates a minimalist, modern space, without visible installations.

• A concealed WC frame is perfect for both small and large bathrooms.

• When planning which concealed set to choose, always pay attention to the quality of its execution. The models available in Mexen's offering are durable, faultless, and resistant to damage.

• By investing in a concealed frame, you also care for your comfort. It is much easier to keep the area around the WC clean. There are no additional crevices on the floor that need cleaning.

• A bathroom with a concealed WC frame becomes functional and visually modern.

Is a Surface-Mounted Frame Suitable for Every Bathroom?

Surface-mounted frames are available in aesthetic and minimalist designs, which add elegance to the project. The solution can be used in both spacious and smaller bathrooms. The modules available for sale are convenient and easy to install. They are compatible with wall-hung WC bowls and bidets.

Advantages of a Surface-Mounted Frame

• The type of surface-mounted installation is distinctive for its attractive appearance and simple construction.

• Flat and small models of sanitary WC modules fit perfectly into modern, minimalist, and industrial interior designs.

• Today, surface-mounted frames come in versions of slim partitions, thus not taking up much space in the bathroom. They can successfully replace a concealed frame.

Concealed Set or WC Compact?

A WC compact is a traditional solution with an integral cistern that isn’t hidden in the wall. Previously, such a toilet bowl was present in every bathroom; today, it is mainly used in styled, traditional bathroom spaces. WC Compacts are simpler to install than the concealed WC set. What to choose — check the guide on WC compacts.

Advantages of a WC Compact

• High resistance to damage and low failure rate.

• Works well in shopping centres, public utility buildings, and offices, meaning places used by many people daily.

• Access to the installation is easier in case of failure.

• In comparison to concealed and surface-mounted frames, the WC compact is much cheaper.

Disadvantages of a WC Compact

• It's worth mentioning that if you want to install a WC compact in the bathroom, you need to allocate more space than for a concealed frame with a wall-hung WC bowl. This solution is not functional for small bathrooms.

• If you don’t particularly like cleaning, cleaning around a floor-standing WC is much harder than around a wall-hung bowl.

• If you value aesthetics and minimalism, this isn't the solution for you.

WC Flushing Mechanism — Mechanical or Pneumatic?

Another consideration, after deciding whether to choose a concealed or surface-mounted WC, is to consider what flushing mechanism it will have. You can enhance both concealed and surface-mounted frames with a mechanical or pneumatic flush button.

Mechanical Flush Button

The operating principle is a mechanical connection of the button to the flush. The solution is very simple to use, and activating it requires only a slight press. Mechanical flushes are available in single and double versions.

Pneumatic Flush Button

By pressing the button, compressed air activates the release valve in the flush. Pneumatic mechanisms are known for their quiet and smooth operation. They are comfortable to use due to the minimal amount of pressure needed to activate them. One of their significant advantages is their low failure rate.

Concealed Frame or Surface-Mounted Frame, or Perhaps a WC Compact — Check All the Options Available

Each of the proposed solutions offers many advantages, but the systems also have drawbacks. By thoroughly assessing the pros and cons, you will invest in a WC for the bathroom that meets all your expectations. Consider

• aesthetics,

• functionality,

• safety,

• failure rate.

Along with the frame, select an easy-to-use flushing button. By assembling a practical and functional set, you create a bathroom you will enjoy using every day.