Choosing the Right Toilet Height
When selecting a toilet, think about both comfort and long-term practicality. Standard heights (around 420mm) suit most households, while comfort-height options are easier for taller users or those with mobility concerns. For accessible or public spaces, New Zealand’s specific height requirement of 460-480mm ensures both compliance and usability.
Across its range, Newtech offers solutions for every need — from sleek back-to-wall suites to fully accessible models, all designed with modern features like rimless flushing, soft-close seats, and optional odourless technology, so you never have to compromise between form and function.
Toilet height is more than just a technical detail; it shapes everyday comfort, accessibility, and compliance. Understanding the differences between standard, comfort, and accessible options makes it easier to select a model that truly suits your household or project needs.
To explore Newtech’s full toilet range, visit /newtech.co.nz/categories/toilets, or get in touch at sales@newtech.co.nz or call 0800 728 662 for tailored advice.
When choosing a toilet, most people think first about style, shape, or flushing performance, yet one of the most important factors for everyday comfort and usability is often overlooked: toilet height. Whether it’s a standard 420mm pan, a comfort-height design closer to 450mm, or an accessible toilet at 460–480mm, the difference in height can greatly impact everyday comfort and usability.
This guide explores the key toilet height categories, what New Zealand’s building guidance says about accessibility, and how Newtech’s range caters to both style and practicality.
Traditionally, standard toilets sit at a pan height of around 400–420mm, measured from the finished floor to the top of the seat. This height suits most adults and remains the most common option in New Zealand homes.
Newtech’s popular back-to-wall suites such as the Frank, Casalino Compac, and Casa Curve models all feature pan heights around 420mm, striking the right balance between comfort and familiar proportions. For households seeking a timeless, versatile option, this standard height remains a safe and functional choice.
Also referred to as “mid-height” or “raised height,” comfort toilets generally measure between 440–460mm to the top of the seat. The slightly elevated pan reduces the distance you need to bend when sitting or standing, making it easier on the knees and hips.
This height is increasingly popular with multi-generational households and anyone looking for long-term usability. While not strictly required under the New Zealand Building Code, comfort-height toilets can offer a more ergonomic option without the full proportions of an accessible suite.
Accessible Toilet Heights
Accessibility requirements are set out in NZS 4121:2001 – Design for Access and Mobility and referenced in the New Zealand Building Code. For compliance in accessible facilities, the toilet pan height must typically fall within the range of 460–480mm to the top of the seat. This extra height makes transferring from a wheelchair or standing with support rails significantly easier.
Newtech offers dedicated accessible toilet suites designed to meet these requirements, ensuring both compliance and comfort for users with mobility needs. These models provide the required pan height along with a range of supportive features. Seat options include durable blue, grey, and white comfort seats, as well as a standard seat, allowing for flexibility in both visibility and design preference. To enhance usability further, Newtech also supplies raised flush buttons, designed for easier operation by users with limited dexterity or reach. Combined with compatibility for grab rails and robust construction, Newtech’s accessible toilets deliver a reliable, compliant, and user-focused solution for residential, commercial, and public spaces.
