Best 10 Inch Rough In Toilets – Comparisons and Buying Guide

by Dan | Last Updated: April 25, 2023

Our editors independently research, select and recommend the best products. Some of these may be affiliate based, meaning we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if items are purchased.

The standard rough-in measurement for the modern toilets is 12 inches. However, you may find several old homes still using a 10 inch rough in toilet.

These toilets require the shortest distance from the wall. As such, they make superior choices for small bathrooms and powder rooms. These crappers make it easy to abide to the International Building Code as you try to set up a bath where the larger 12-inch and 14-inch rough-ins won’t suffice.

What do you need to know about these toilets? Are there any special considerations that come with them?

What are the best 10 inch rough in toilets today?

Find all you need to know about these toilets in this article. But first, here are a few models that we think might interest you.

Top 10 Inch Rough In Toilets

Best Overall
Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron
  • Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron
  • Our Rating: 9/10
  •  Water Consumption & Flush:
    1.28 GPF
    Aqua Piston
  •  Dimensions:
    27.2x17.6x30.5"
  •   Features:
    Eliminate Clogs Without Wasting Water
  • Price: 
Premium
Toto CST412MF.10No.01 Aquia
  • Toto CST412MF.10No.01 Aquia
  • Our Rating: 8/10
  •  Water Consumption & Flush:
    0.9 and 1.28 GPF
    Dual Flush
  •  Dimensions:
    30.8x17.5x20.5"
  •   Features:
    Low Consumption, Universal Height, Dual Flush Option
  • Price: 
Budget
>American Standard 2315.228.020 Baby Devoro Flowise
  • American Standard 2315.228.020 Baby Devoro Flowise
  • Our Rating: 8/10
  •  Water Consumption & Flush:
    1.28 GPF
    Power Flush
  •  Dimensions:
    25x17.2x24"
  •   Features:
    Low Consumption, Perfect For Kids or Small People
  • Price: 
Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake
  • Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake
  • Our Rating: 8/10
  •  Water Consumption & Flush:
    1.6 GPF
    G-Max Flush
  •  Dimensions:
    29x15x17.2"
  •   Features:
    Chrome Trip Lever, Universal Height, Powerful But Quiet
  • Price: 
Kohler K-3713-0
  • Kohler K-3713-0 Highline
  • Our Rating: 8/10
  •  Water Consumption & Flush:
    1.28 GPF
    Gravity Flush Toilets
  •  Dimensions:
    42.1x35.4x32"
  •   Features:
    Smooth Flushing Actuation, Significant Water Savings
  • Price: 

1. Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron – Editor’s Choice

Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron

Classic Design

The Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron brings a little more classic design than our first 2 picks. I imagine its sharp edges and lines will go a long way to giving your compact bathroom a touch of elegance.

This toilet uses the Aqua Piston flushing technology. Unlike the regular systems that involve a flapper that opens partially upon actuation, the Aqua Piston is designed to lift off completely.

Bowl Cleaning Efficiency

This releases water 360-degree turbulence that clears everything in the bowl in one sweep. Most homeowners are also impressed at this system’s bowl-cleaning efficiency that is along with Kohler quality standards.

Its chair-seating height also makes sitting and standing an easy task especially for people with injured backs and sore knees.

As a WaterSense labeled commode, the Kohler K-3851-0 might be an ideal replacement for an old toilet that has been using 5-7 gallons per flush.

Check Price at Amazon

2. Toto CST412MF.10-01 Aquia – Premium Pick

Toto CST412MF.10-01 Aquia

High Efficient Toilet

The Toto CST412MF.10-01 offers dual flush performance via a chrome push-button at the top of the tank. This toilet uses 1.6 GPF and 0.9 GPF for solid and liquid waste respectively.

Although it does not meet the threshold of a High Efficient Toilet, this slightly higher amount of water plus the dual max flushing system work together to drive the waste down the drain effectively.

It also helps in leaving the bowl clean with every flush. Worth noting is that this Toto toilet has a large base in the tray that helps in minimizing clogging.

The CST412MF.10-01 also features an elongated bowl and a universal height – these 2 make a good combination for a toilet that will be comfortable to most people including the seniors.

Toto CST412MF.10-01 Toilet Installation

What most people like here is that the CST412.MF.10-01 can install with or without the wax ring. This minimizes the installation time besides making it easier.

This toilet does not come with the seat though. Remember to do a research for the best toilet seats and add one to the cart.

Check Price at Amazon

3. American Standard 2315.228.020 Baby Devoro Flowise – Budget Buy

American Standard 2315.228.020 Baby Devoro Flowise

5 Inches Lower Than The Standard Height

The Baby Devore Flowise is purposely designed for people who find today’s ‘comfort height’ thrones way taller for their needs.

Rim Height Of 10-1/4 Inches

This toilet has a rim height of 10-1/4 inches which is almost 5 inches lower than the standard height. At this height, this throne is easily accessible and usable by both the short adults and kids. I bet this might be a great option for potty-training as well.

The American Standard Baby Devoro has a round bowl. This design complements the 10 inch rough in measurement to save you a few more inches at the front.

Powerful 1.28 GPF

Despite its compact design, this toilet has a powerful flushing system and uses only 1.28 gallons only per flush.

Check Price at Amazon

Which Is The Best 10 Inch Rough In Toilet?

Editor’s Choice

Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron

Since you are looking for a 10 inch toilet, I bet what you want is a crapper that will fit in a tiny bathroom. But I also imagine that you don’t want something that will compromise comfort and performance, right?

In that case, my best bet among the 3 toilets above would be the Kohler K-3851-0 Cimarron. Most users report that this crapper’s Aqua Piston flushing technology eliminates waste in a single flush and does not leave any brownish matter clinging to the sides. This is the most important thing that we check out for when buying a new toilet.

This Kohler 10 inch rough in toilet also combines the 10″ rough-in with a round front bowl to help in saving more space and has a 1.28 GPF flush rate. Furthermore, this toilet has a universal seat height and may be comfortable for most adults.

Best 10 Inch Rough In Toilets Comparison Chart

Rank:Model:Our Verdict:Price:Our Rating:Water Consumption:Flush Type:Dimensions:Type:Special Features:Rough In:Shape:Material:Color:Finish:Weight:Installation Method:Certification:Warranty:
#1Kohler K-3851-0 CimarronBest Overall (Our Pick)$$9/101.28 GPFAqua Piston Flush Technology27.2x17.6x30.5"Two PieceFast, Powerful and Plug-Free Flush, Significant Water Savings10"RoundVitreous ChinaWhiteWhite66.7 poundsFloor MountedWaterSense1 Year Limited Warranty
#2Toto CST412MF.10No.01 AquiaPremium$$$8/100.9 GPF / 1.6 GPFDual-Max Flushing System30.8x17.5x20.5"Two PieceDual-Max Flushing System, High-Efficiency, Universal Height, Chrome Push-Button10"/12"ElongatedVitreous ChinaCottonCotton95 poundsFloor MountedWaterSense1 Year Limited Warranty
#3American Standard 2315.228.020Budget$8/101.28 GPFPower Flush Toilets25x17.2x24"Two PieceEco Friendly, High Efficiency, Ultra-Low Consumption10"RoundVitreous ChinaWhiteWhite56.2 poundsFloor MountedWaterSense1 Year Limited Warranty
#4Toto CST744SF.10#01 Drake$$8/101.6 GPFG-Max Flushing System29x15x17.2"Two PieceChrome Trip Lever, Universal Height, Powerful But Quiet10"ElongatedVitreous ChinaWhiteCotton White48 poundsFloor MountedADA Compliant1 Year Warranty
#5Kohler K-3713-0 Highline$$8/101.28 GPFGravity Flush Toilets42.1x35.4x32"Two PieceComfort Height, Smooth Flushing Actuation, Significant Water Savings10"ElongatedVitreous ChinaWhiteWhite93 poundsFloor MountedWaterSense1 Year Limited Warranty

What Is A 10 Inch Rough In Toilet?

A 10 inch rough in toilet is a commode that fits in a bathroom where the toilet flange is 10 inches from the back wall. These toilets have a shorter depth than 12 inch and 14 inch toilets and will, therefore, leave you more legroom at the front.

They are common in old homes where the bathroom has not been redesigned for a long time. Their space-saving design, however, makes them a good bet for modern small bathrooms and apartments as well.

How To Measure A 10 Inch Rough In

10 inch rough in toilets are very different from 12 inch toilets. The 2 use different types of flanges. This means that you cannot switch from one model to the other in a snap.

Despite their differences, measuring a toilet with 10 inch rough in is pretty much the same as measuring for a 12 inch measurement.

If you want to determine the size of your current commode, grab a tape measure and stretch it from the wall behind the toilet to the closest bolt cap from that side. The reading will represent the rough in.

Note: If your bathroom walls have a baseboard, you still need to measure from the wall, not the board.

10 Inch Rough In Toilet Buying Guide

Water Consumption

Unlike the old toilets that use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, the latest toilet technology has availed models that use as low as 1.28 gallons per flush. These toilets not only save you money on your water bill but they qualify you for rebates too.

Bowl Shape

There are 2 major options here: elongated and round front toilets. Elongated bowls are said to be more spacious and, therefore, a little bit more comfortable.
Conversely, these egg-shaped bowls are 2 inches longer than their round-front alternatives. They might not be the best option if you are struggling with a cramped bathroom.

Height

Regular toilets measure approx 15 inches from the ground to the seat. Most people, however, tend to favor today’s ‘comfort height’ thrones.
These models have elevated seats that could be 17-19 inches high. You might consider one of these if the conventional height causes or aggravates your back and knee pain.

Color

Most toilet brands offer you several color options. Not unless you want a specific scheme, we advise our readers to go for white.
This color never goes out of fashion even after renovating your bathroom, and it’s easy to match with about any theme.

Frequently Asked Questions About 10 Inch Rough In Toilets

Can I Replace My 10 Inch Toilet With A 12 Inch Model?
No.

Each of these toilets is designed to fit in its specific rough in measurements. If you try to fix a 12 inch toilet in a 10 inch rough in, the first thing that you’ll note is that it won’t fit in the flange correctly.

For the uninitiated, a leaking flange is the harbinger of a whole lot of problems including flooded bathrooms and rotten subfloors.

Another reason why you might not be able to fit a 12 inch toilet in a 10 inch rough in is that the tank will not fit properly on the bowl due to the minimal space at the back.

Should I Replace My 10 Inch Toilet With A 12 Inch System?
If you live in a rented house and you don’t intend to live there for years to come, then purchasing a 10 inch replacement might be the best idea.

This is because switching from a 10 inch toilet to a 12 inch or 14 inch john involves breaking the slab which might be quite expensive.

On the other hand, this is a worthy investment if we are talking about your home. There is very little information about 10 inch commodes and most home improvement stores don’t store them.

So, there is a high chance of this size becoming extinct in some years to come.

On the other hand, 12 inch toilets are easy to find. They are available in different styles and come loaded with lots of advanced features.

Facts That You Should Know About 10 Inch Toilets

  • They are ideal for petite bathrooms since they are a bit hard to find replacements for.
  • You might be forced to break the slab if you plan to replace it with a 12 inch or 14 inch commode.
  • They save more space lengthwise.
  • These toilets sit close to the rear drop passage. This may lead to minimal clogging issues.
  • There is minimal information about them and can be quite hard to find.
  • It’s not easy to replace them with a 12 inch or 14 inch rough without making some plumbing changes on the waste line.
  • Although compact, most of these toilets are great water savers and have powerful flushing performances.
Dan is the editor in chief and founder of this site, after running into troubles with his own old toilet a while ago. Discussing toilets is not your everyday topic, so let’s talk toilets today.