Ever since we replaced one of the toilets in the house with an ADA height one, I've found that I prefer the taller toilets as they are easier to stand up from & my legs aren't getting any younger. My brother is over 6' and has a hard time with lower toilets. We already have two standard height toilets from Toto (around 14-5/8" high or so). Even a couple inches more would help with making the toilets more comfortable. We don't want to get the super thick seats. I've looked at the toilet platforms for sale but they are too small for the base of the Toto Drake. The Drake is just a bit too long in the front so it would hang over. Plus it's about $100+ for the platforms. They are around 23" long but the toilet is 23 5/8".
So, I've been thinking about making my own platform that would be sturdy enough to fit under the toilets. I was thinking floor grade 1/2" or 3/4" plywood (if I can find it) over some sort of frame. Not sure if 2x4s would be too tall or not, but I suppose I could rip things to size. I want the platform to fit to the shape of the toilet (or at least fit behind a Squatty Potty). I would be ok with the platform poking out a bit from under the toilet so long as the squatty potty thing fits around it and it doesn't interfere with water supply lines. The water supply line in my bathroom is far enough away that it shouldn't be an issue & in the other bathroom I will install the toilet supply line where I want.
These are the specs of the toilet size
So, from the wall to the front of the toilet bowl it's 28", but the base of the toilet is only 23-5/8" (not sure if the tank sticks out from the back at all or not- but it looks like the base is supposed to start 1-5/8" from the wall). Widest point of the toilet base is 9-1/4" so the platform doesn't have to be 11" wide like some of the pre-made platforms. I might make it 9-1/2"W x 24"L just in case so it has a little lip for easier movement. Hopefully the toilet jack will still be able to slide beside it, but I can measure to make sure.
I'm debating whether or not to use a slimmer sheet of plywood on top of the 1/2" to slightly recess the toilet flange. (I'm thinking pressure treated plywood would be the way to go). I could have reinforcing pieces inside the frame as extra support (so long as it doesn't interfere with the flange/drain).
So, I'm thinking a frame sort of like this:
With 2 layers of pressure treated plywood (although I will paint over the platform). I will need to figure out how to get the angles for the front and then find some way to cover over the base to make it look smoother/rounder instead of sharp. I could use a jig saw & sanders I suppose to cut it a bit smoother but might need something thicker than 2x4s for that. Maybe a 4x4 chunk for the front. (I need to see if my band saw still works).
Then I will have to figure out the best way to align everything and get the flange seated.
Editing: 3x3s were too expensive but I found that 3x4 pressure treated landscaping timbers are under $5 at Lowes and they claim to be actual size rather than 1/2" smaller. I'd have to measure them though. So I might not need plywood on top if I use those for the outer part and I can have supports under where the screws go to hold them up. I could use a little plywood and some other lumber scraps for the flange support.
I know this is more construction than plumbing, but has anyone tried making a platform like this?
So, I've been thinking about making my own platform that would be sturdy enough to fit under the toilets. I was thinking floor grade 1/2" or 3/4" plywood (if I can find it) over some sort of frame. Not sure if 2x4s would be too tall or not, but I suppose I could rip things to size. I want the platform to fit to the shape of the toilet (or at least fit behind a Squatty Potty). I would be ok with the platform poking out a bit from under the toilet so long as the squatty potty thing fits around it and it doesn't interfere with water supply lines. The water supply line in my bathroom is far enough away that it shouldn't be an issue & in the other bathroom I will install the toilet supply line where I want.
These are the specs of the toilet size
So, from the wall to the front of the toilet bowl it's 28", but the base of the toilet is only 23-5/8" (not sure if the tank sticks out from the back at all or not- but it looks like the base is supposed to start 1-5/8" from the wall). Widest point of the toilet base is 9-1/4" so the platform doesn't have to be 11" wide like some of the pre-made platforms. I might make it 9-1/2"W x 24"L just in case so it has a little lip for easier movement. Hopefully the toilet jack will still be able to slide beside it, but I can measure to make sure.
I'm debating whether or not to use a slimmer sheet of plywood on top of the 1/2" to slightly recess the toilet flange. (I'm thinking pressure treated plywood would be the way to go). I could have reinforcing pieces inside the frame as extra support (so long as it doesn't interfere with the flange/drain).
So, I'm thinking a frame sort of like this:
With 2 layers of pressure treated plywood (although I will paint over the platform). I will need to figure out how to get the angles for the front and then find some way to cover over the base to make it look smoother/rounder instead of sharp. I could use a jig saw & sanders I suppose to cut it a bit smoother but might need something thicker than 2x4s for that. Maybe a 4x4 chunk for the front. (I need to see if my band saw still works).
Then I will have to figure out the best way to align everything and get the flange seated.
Editing: 3x3s were too expensive but I found that 3x4 pressure treated landscaping timbers are under $5 at Lowes and they claim to be actual size rather than 1/2" smaller. I'd have to measure them though. So I might not need plywood on top if I use those for the outer part and I can have supports under where the screws go to hold them up. I could use a little plywood and some other lumber scraps for the flange support.
I know this is more construction than plumbing, but has anyone tried making a platform like this?
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