cheap or branded bathroom?

misskool

Just wondering what the opinion is on cheap (generic) sanitaryware vs the branded stuff. Is there a real difference or is a toilet just a toilet?

jennytiger

Cheap unbranded sanitaryware looks cheap and is made cheaply. Poor fixings, with cheap WC inards will make them more likely to become faulty and require fixing.

markie1980

I have used both and once they are in there isn't a huge differance, but i did find the branded suite came with much better fittings, fixings and cistern parts etc making it easier to fit.

I got a complete brand new Twyfords suite off ebay for the same price as a cheapy from focus.

dougk_2

Nothing wrong with the stuff from Screwfix, there is very little to go wrong anyway. Personally to me simple white unfancy sanitaryware looks best.

lovethymini

I bought the cheapest loo from B&Q for £60, but when we got it out of the box, the enamel was so thin it looked grey! Took it back and went to Bathstore and spent £130 - never buying cheap sanitaryware again!!!

Alan_M_2

Many years ago I was bathroom installer.

The difference in quality between good and bad is world apart.

Forget DIY store stuff, it' really is not worth it.

Best Budget range I found was the Spanish manufacturer ROCA for the ceramics, I was never keen on their taps though.

If you want something very modern looking with great quality then you can't beat LAUFEN PRO series. The quality is the same as pottery 5 times the price. I fitted a huge amount of this stuff and never once had a wonky casting, poor glazing etc.

aliasojo

Alan_M wrote: »

If you want something very modern looking with great quality then you can't beat LAUFEN PRO series. The quality is the same as pottery 5 times the price. I fitted a huge amount of this stuff and never once had a wonky casting, poor glazing etc.

Is the difference in the PRO A / B / C etc series just a design thing or is there a difference in quality between the ranges too?

Alan_M_2

aliasojo wrote: »

Is the difference in the PRO A / B / C etc series just a design thing or is there a difference in quality between the ranges too?

I think it was mainly design, although there was a clearly defined pricing structure.

The Pro Range was squarely aimed at architects for commercial applications but the designs were so good it was adopted by bathroom stores all over the country. It's not what you'd call cheap, but for the quality it's outstanding (or certainly was when I dealt with it).

busiscoming2

I don't know what the difference is, but the one thing I will always buy is a rimless toilet.

misskool

Thanks all, went for a mid-level branded one in the end. I thought there would be a difference.