Both options work, but most plumbers still go with a wax ring for a reason—it’s simple and reliable if installed right.
Quick tips from experience:
Make sure the flange height is correct (flush with floor or slightly above)
Use a jumbo wax ring if the flange is low
Set the toilet straight down once—don’t wiggle too much
Tighten bolts evenly, but don’t crank them (cracked base = big problem)
Rubber/foam rings are easier to reposition, but long-term I’ve seen more failures with them than wax.
Also—big one people overlook—test for leaks properly:
flush multiple times
check around the base AND underneath if possible
I’ve seen a bad seal cause slow leaks that go unnoticed and turn into serious water damage. Happened to someone I know in Las Vegas—tiny toilet leak over time ended up damaging flooring and even the unit below before anyone realized.
So yeah, take your time on the seal—that’s the part that matters most
