Got a Tiny Bathroom? How a Rear Outlet Toilet Can Save Your DIY Furniture Project
Small bathrooms are a pain. You want storage, style, and space to move, but that clunky toilet tank eats up half the room. If you’ve ever tried squeezing a shelf next to your toilet or dreamed of building custom cabinets, you’ve probably hit a wall (literally). That’s where rear outlet toilets come in. These sneaky fixtures hide the plumbing at the back, freeing up space for your DIY furniture ideas. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use one in your home projects—no plumbing PhD required. By the end, you’ll see how a simple swap can turn your cramped bathroom into a functional, stylish oasis.
Why Rear Outlet Toilets Are a DIYer’s Best Friend
Imagine your toilet is a shy turtle. Standard toilets stick out like a turtle’s shell, but rear outlet toilets tuck the pipes behind the wall. That means you gain inches—or even feet—of usable space. For example, Sarah in Brooklyn wanted floating shelves beside her toilet for towels and plants. With a regular toilet, it was impossible. After switching to a rear outlet model, she built shelves that *actually fit*. No more squeezing past the tank!
Here’s why they work:
- Wall-hugging design: The toilet sits closer to the wall, so furniture fits snugly around it.
- Hidden plumbing: No awkward gaps or exposed pipes to work around.
- Flexibility: Build cabinets, benches, or even a mini library around it.
Pro tip from HomeCrt: Measure twice, cut once. Check your wall’s plumbing setup before buying—some homes need minor adjustments.
Planning Your Project: What You Need to Know
Rear outlet toilets aren’t magic (though they’re close). You’ll need to plan for two things: plumbing and support. Let’s say you’re building a built-in cabinet next to the toilet. If your pipes are old or rusted, you might need a pro’s help first. But if everything’s in good shape, here’s your game plan:
- Check the rough-in: This is the distance from the wall to the drain. Most rear outlet toilets need 4-6 inches.
- Use sturdy materials: Moisture-resistant wood like cedar or PVC keeps your DIY furniture safe from bathroom humidity.
- Leave access points: Add a removable panel in case you ever need to reach the plumbing.
HomeCrt’s co-founder once tried skipping the access panel. Let’s just say… don’t be like Mike. A small hinge door saved his project later.
Creative Ideas to Steal (Yes, Steal!)
Ready for inspiration? Here’s how real folks are using rear outlet toilets in their DIY projects:
- The “Cloffice” Toilet: A Chicago couple added a narrow desk and shelves around theirs, turning a bathroom corner into a tiny home office.
- Kid-Friendly Storage: Use the space for pull-out bins to stash bath toys or extra TP. Bonus: kids can’t flood the tank with Legos.
- Floating Vanity: Extend your countertop over the toilet area for more sink space. Just keep toiletries in sealed jars.
Check out This Old House for more bathroom hacks, or browse Houzz for layout ideas. Remember, your furniture doesn’t have to match the toilet—contrast modern shelves with a vintage-style fixture for personality.
Keeping It Functional: Maintenance Tips
DIY furniture + toilet = potential mess. Avoid icky surprises with these tips:
- Seal everything: Use waterproof caulk around edges to block sneaky leaks.
- Ventilation matters: Add a small vent fan or crack a window to prevent mold.
- Easy-clean surfaces: Glossy paint or laminate wipes clean faster than textured wood.
HomeCrt’s rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t put it in a sauna, don’t put it near your toilet. Stick to materials that laugh at humidity.
Wrapping It Up: Your Tiny Bathroom’s New Superpower
Rear outlet toilets aren’t just for fancy hotels. With some DIY magic, you can turn that awkward bathroom corner into your favorite spot. Remember: plan your plumbing, choose durable materials, and don’t forget access panels. Whether you’re building shelves, cabinets, or a secret snack stash (no judgment), this toilet style gives you room to get creative. Got questions? HomeCrt’s blog has more tips, or ask your local hardware store for advice. Now go rescue that wasted space—your bathroom will thank you!
