A commode is one of the most-used fixtures in any home, yet it often gets the least research. Most buyers compare only the look and the price. A western toilet also has to match your bathroom's drainage, your wall construction, your space and how easy it is to clean.

This guide covers the main types of commodes: floor mounted, wall hung, one piece, two piece, S-trap and P-trap. It also explains how each affects the toilet seat, installation and maintenance. I have helped many homeowners choose bathroom fixtures, and most regrets come from skipping one check: the drain outlet type.

What Is a Commode?

A toilet commode is a sanitary fixture made of a bowl, a flushing system (cistern or flush tank) and a commode seat with a lid. It is also called a western toilet or English toilet seat in India, to distinguish it from the Indian-style squat pan. Most modern commodes are made of vitreous china, a glazed ceramic that resists stains, moisture and bacteria.

Types of Commodes by Installation

1. Floor Mounted Commode

A floor mounted commode sits directly on the bathroom floor and is fixed with bolts. It is the most common type in Indian homes.

Advantages

• Easy installation and repair

• Works in most bathrooms without structural changes

• Wide range of designs and budgets

• Stable and suitable for all age groups

Things to consider

• The base can trap dirt and moisture, so the floor around it needs regular cleaning

• It takes more visual floor space than a wall mounted model

Best for: Standard family bathrooms, rentals and renovations on a budget.

2. Wall Hung Commode (Wall Mounted Commode)

A wall hung commode, also called a wall hanging commode or wall mounted commode, is fixed to the wall and appears to float above the floor. The cistern is hidden inside the wall or a support frame, and only the bowl and flush plate are visible.

Advantages

• Looks sleek and modern

• Floor stays clear underneath, which makes mopping easy

• Makes small bathrooms look more spacious

• Seat height can be adjusted during installation

Things to consider

• Needs a sturdy wall or a metal support frame, as the unit bears the user's full weight

• Installation and repair are more complex

• Costs more than a floor mounted model

Wall mounted commode with flush tank: Most wall hung models use a concealed flush tank inside a wall frame. Choose a model with a clearly marked load capacity and keep the tank access panel reachable for future servicing. Wall hung toilets are generally tested to carry 200 kg or more, but check the manufacturer's specification.

Best for: Modern bathrooms, compact spaces and premium renovations.
You can also read our full blog: Wall-Hung vs Floor-Mounted Toilet Comparison

Types of Commodes by Construction

3. One Piece Commode (One Piece Toilet)

A one piece toilet has the bowl and cistern made as a single moulded unit with no gap between them.

Advantages

• Seamless design, so there are fewer crevices where dirt collects

• Easy to wipe clean

• Compact, modern look

• Fewer joints mean fewer potential leaks

Things to consider

• Heavier and harder to handle during installation

• Higher in price than two piece models

• If one part is damaged, the whole unit may need replacing

A one piece toilet seat is typically designed to fit these models, usually in a slim, soft-close style. Always check that the seat matches the bowl shape.

Best for: Buyers who want easy cleaning and a premium finish.

4. Two Piece Commode

A two piece commode has a separate bowl and cistern, joined with bolts and a gasket during installation.

Advantages

• Easier to transport and install because the parts are lighter

• Usually more affordable

• A damaged cistern or part can be replaced separately

• Widely available with easy-to-find spares

Things to consider

• The joint between tank and bowl needs occasional checking for leaks

• More surfaces and crevices to clean

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, large families and homes where easy repair matters.

Types of Commodes by Trap Type

The trap is the curved drain section that holds a water seal, which stops sewer gas from entering your bathroom. It also determines where the drain outlet leaves the commode.

5. S-Trap Commode

An S-trap commode drains downward through the floor. The outlet pipe goes straight into the floor drain. It is common in older buildings and in bathrooms where the drain pipe is under the floor.

Best for: Bathrooms with floor-level drainage.

6. P-Trap Commode

A P-trap commode drains backward into the wall. The outlet is horizontal and connects to a drain pipe in the wall. It is common in modern buildings and apartments with wall-side plumbing.

Best for: Bathrooms with a wall drainage line. Wall hung commodes also generally use a P-trap-style outlet.

S-Trap vs P-Trap: Quick Comparison

Expert tip: Do not buy a commode before checking your drain. Measure the distance from the wall to the centre of the floor outlet for an S-trap, or the outlet height from the floor for a P-trap. Buying the wrong type is the most common and most expensive mistake.

Comparison of Commode Types

Commode Price: What Affects the Cost?

Commode price varies widely depending on:

• Type: Wall hung and one piece models generally cost more than floor mounted and two piece ones

• Material and glaze quality: Better vitreous china resists stains and cracks

• Flushing technology: Dual flush and rimless designs add to the cost

• Brand and warranty

• Included accessories: Seat cover, fittings and concealed tank

As a rough guide in India, basic floor mounted commodes start at a few thousand rupees, while premium wall hung and one piece models can go well beyond that. Prices change often, so check current listings before budgeting.

Toilet Seat Price and Western Toilet Seat Price

Toilet seat price depends mainly on material and features:

• Plastic (PP): Affordable and lightweight

• Urea-formaldehyde (UF): Durable and more premium in feel

• Soft-close seats: Close slowly and quietly, at a higher price

• Antibacterial coating: Adds hygiene benefits

Western toilet seat price also rises with quick-release hinges, which make cleaning easier. Always match the seat to your bowl shape (round or elongated) and the hinge hole spacing.

How to Choose the Right Commode Seat

A commode seat or western toilet seat should be chosen for fit, comfort and hygiene:

1. Bowl shape: Round or elongated. Measure before buying.

2. Hinge type: Soft-close and quick-release are easier to use and clean

3. Material: UF seats resist stains and scratches better than basic plastic

4. Fixing holes: Check the spacing of the bolt holes on your bowl

How to Choose the Right Commode: A Quick Checklist

• Check your drain: S-trap (floor) or P-trap (wall)

• Decide on a floor mounted or wall hung commode based on your wall strength and style

• Pick a one piece for easy cleaning or a two piece for budget and repairability

• Look for a good flush: dual flush, and a water-saving rating

• Confirm that the seat is included or compatible

• Buy from a brand that provides a clear warranty and spare parts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a commode and a western toilet?
They refer to the same thing in everyday use: a raised toilet with a bowl, flush system and seat, as opposed to a squat toilet.

2. Which is better, S-trap or P-trap?
Neither is better overall. The right one depends on your bathroom's drainage. S-trap suits floor drains, and P-trap suits wall drains.

3. Is a wall hung commode strong enough?
Yes, when installed correctly on a proper support frame or a solid wall. Most are tested to carry 200 kg or more.

4. Is a one piece toilet better than a two piece?
A one piece toilet is easier to clean and looks sleeker. A two piece is cheaper and easier to repair or transport.

5. Can I install a wall mounted commode in an existing bathroom?
Often yes, but it usually needs a concealed tank frame and wall changes, so it is best done by an experienced plumber.

6. Can I replace just the commode seat?
Yes. Match the bowl shape and hinge hole spacing, and you can replace the seat without changing the bowl.

Conclusion

There is no single best commode. A floor mounted model is practical and affordable. A wall hung commode gives a modern, easy-to-clean look. A one piece toilet offers a seamless finish, and a two piece commode is budget-friendly and easy to repair. Before you buy, confirm whether you need an S-trap or P-trap commode, as that decides what will actually fit.

Choose a trusted brand, check the warranty, and consult a qualified plumber for installation. A well-chosen commode serves a home reliably for many years.

Confused between floor mounted, wall hung, one piece and S-trap or P-trap commodes? Watch our new video - Types of Commodes Explained