Can I raise the toilet up on a platform with the 3" pvc drain pipe going through the wall to avoid cutting into the hardwood floor? Or is there a better way to avoid destroying the floor?

Yes, you probably can do that but the platform would have to be more than 3" high, probably at least 8". The pipe has to make 90 degree turn. I take it that you are concerned about repairing the floor should you decide to remove the bathroom at a later date. Attaching the platform would probably do as much damage to the floor as cutting the hole, just spread over a larger area. Also look kind of strange.

You could purchase a wall mounted toilet and set the height where you want it. You would have to open the wall to install a carrier and then patch it back before installing the toilet.

Both replies helpful! Wasn't aware of a wall hung toilet for homes. After searching found 2 models that don't require concealing the tank in the wall. American Standard's Glenwall and Eljer's Walford which I never heard of before. As for using a platform, if it was made of something heavy enough that sat on a protective layer or if, for stability, the platform was bolted to the wall somehow then it wouldn't have to damage the floor would it?

Hi there JMB,

If you were to take the time, you could do anything without damaging the floor, up to and including removing and numbering pieces that might be damaged and replacing them with a decorative tile/laminate/your favorite floor to place the toilet on.

You could build a platform that sits on a bushing of some type. You will still have the issue of a portion of your floor having a completely different wear pattern then the rest of the floor.

My point was only that absolutely anything is possible. The question you have to answer is how much trouble are you willing to go to?

Thanks,
Json

Yes, I plan to go with the American Standard wall-mounted which I found at Home Depot for a good price. Even if I wasn't obsessive about the floor this toilet seems to have some other advantages over traditional toilets. Thanks All! You have not heard the last from me, I'm sure. ~Jim