Wooden Vs. Plastic Toilet Seats: Which One Is Better?

You may think that the decision between various toilet seats doesn’t really matter. But in reality, you’re going to be sitting on it every single day, so it’s something you should think about! Wood and plastic are the two most common materials for toilet seats, but which is best?

Plastic toilet seats are generally preferable over wooden toilet seats, thanks to their low cost, durability, and zero-maintenance design. Plastic toilet seats are easy to clean, match any color of bathroom decor, and have a simple, streamlined appearance. Plus, you don’t have to worry about them becoming damp or smelly since they’re nonporous.

On the other hand, wooden toilet seats are prone to cracking and warping due to fluctuating temperatures and moisture. They must be resealed regularly, or you run the risk of having a permanently damp or smelly toilet seat. Wooden toilet seats are also more expensive than plastic ones.

There are several downsides to choosing a wooden toilet seat. First, fluctuating temperatures and moisture in the bathroom can cause them to crack and warp. Letting a wooden toilet seat fall shut can result in it breaking on impact.

Wooden toilet seats must be resealed on a regular basis. Otherwise, they will quickly fall prey to mold and nasty smells. Since wood is porous, a wooden toilet seat that isn’t well-maintained is prone to being permanently damp.

In addition, the popular “soft-close” feature typically found on plastic toilet seats is not available for wooden toilet seats. This is due to the heavier weight of the wood.

One of the biggest pros of plastic toilet seats is their durability. They’re much less likely to crack or break than wooden toilet seats. They’re also extremely low-maintenance and easy to clean.

Unlike wooden toilet seats, plastic toilet seats aren’t porous. Instead, any moisture sits on top of the plastic and can be easily wiped away. Therefore, you won’t be left with a permanently damp or smelly toilet seat.

Plus, many plastic toilet seats have a soft-close feature that prevents them from loudly slamming shut. This is a very convenient feature that also provides additional protection for the toilet seat.

Which is better when it comes to appearance, wooden toilet seats or plastic toilet seats? It’s really up to personal preference.

Some prefer the simple, understated look of a plastic toilet seat. Others think that wooden toilet seats have a more refined appearance.

Do you like the feel of a wooden seat and the look of a plastic seat? You can purchase a wooden seat that is painted white. The opposite applies as well: You can also paint a plastic toilet seat to look like wood.

A finished and well-maintained wooden toilet seat is just as sanitary as a plastic toilet seat. However, if your wooden toilet seat is unfinished, the porous material will absorb moisture and bacteria. This can quickly lead to unwanted odors and a permanent damp feeling.

For a clean and sanitary wooden toilet seat, you’ll need to reapply laminate or another sealant periodically. Meanwhile, plastic toilet seats are not porous, and they don’t wear down over time. They are easy and quick to clean and typically don’t require any maintenance.

First, you’ll need to measure your old toilet seat using a tape measure. Measure the space between the bolts where the toilet seat attaches to the toilet; the standard is 5.5 inches. Next, measure the bowl at its widest point.

Finally, measure the length of the bowl from the bolts to the outer edge of the front of the bowl. Most round bowls will be around 16.5 inches, while elongated bowls are about 18 to 18.5 inches.

Write down your measurements and bring them along to the store or refer to them while shopping online. This way, you’re sure to buy a toilet seat that will fit your toilet.

Related Questions

Are toilet seats universal?

Toilet seats are not universal. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Before you choose a new seat for your toilet, make sure you have the correct measurements.

Are toilet seat covers flushable?

Most toilet seat covers are flushable. The disposable toilet seat covers often found in public restrooms can be flushed, for example. However, decorative toilet seat covers should not be flushed.

Are toilet seat covers out of style?

Not only are toilet seat covers out of style, but they’re also extremely unsanitary. Give your bathroom a quick and easy upgrade by throwing out your toilet seat cover. If you have a rug that goes around the base of your toilet, it’s best to get rid of that too!

Overall, plastic toilet seats are a better choice for your bathroom than wooden toilet seats. Plastic toilet seats are more affordable, easier to clean, and don’t require any maintenance. They’re nonporous, so you don’t have to worry about them absorbing any moisture.

Plus, plastic toilet seats aren’t prone to warping or cracking. They often have a convenient soft-close mechanism that keeps them from loudly slamming closed. Their simple, no-frills appearance is sure to fit right in with any style of bathroom decor as well.

Wooden toilet seats are still durable, but they require more maintenance. They’re still a good choice, but just keep in mind that you’ll have to take care of them. Nobody wants to sit on a smelly or damp toilet seat!