Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the toilet seat used in your home. After all, as long as it’s sanitary and sturdy enough to support you while you go about your business on the bowl, why should it matter? There is a lot more to consider than merely how the seat feels when sitting on it when it comes to toilets.

There are significant differences between wood and plastic toilet seats that could potentially impact your day-to-day life in and out of the bathroom. In today’s article, we’ll take an in-depth look at wooden and plastic toilet seats so that you can determine which type of toilet seat is right for your specific needs.

The Advantages and Disadvantages in a Snapshot

Close up of a white toilet pan with a wooden seat in a domestic bathroom of blue tiles

Wooden Toilet Seat

Wooden toilet seats come in various colors, finishes, and styles. They are also easy to clean, durable, and add charm to any bathroom. But they are also heavy, which may inconvenience some people. Plastic seats are lighter than wooden ones and don’t scratch as quickly, but they’re not as attractive or sturdy.

Pros:

  • They’re easy to clean
  • They add charm to your bathroom
  • They can be made from a variety of materials and colors

Cons:

  • They’re heavy (may require two people to lift)
  • They need some maintenance, like oiling now and then to keep them from cracking

Plastic Toilet Seat

a hand is opening the plastic toilet seat

Plastic toilet seats are an excellent option for those who want a low-cost, easy-to-clean alternative for their bathroom. They are also the best choice for anyone looking to install a toilet seat that can be easily removed and cleaned.

These toilet seats come in various styles, including round, elongated, standard, and comfort height models. At the same time, some people prefer wood or metal toilet seats over plastic, several advantages of using plastic in your bathroom.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • Easy to install
  • Easy to clean (wipe it down)

Cons:

  • Can crack under pressure

Selecting a Toilet Seat: What to Look for

A toilet seat is one of the most critical parts of your bathroom. It’s where you sit and relax, so it can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom. Today, you can find many toilet seats on the market, including wooden, plastic, and padded ones. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to know what to consider when choosing the right one for your bathroom.

Toilet Seat Material

The most popular material for toilet seats is plastic. This seat is easy to clean and won’t break as easily as a wooden one. But if you have small children, they may be tempted to scratch the surface with their fingernails or feet.

Wooden toilet seats are more expensive than plastic ones, but they tend to look nicer in your bathroom and last longer. You’ll also need fewer repairs because wooden toilet seats don’t crack or chip like plastic ones can over time.

Elongated Vs Round Toilet

Toilet Seat Style

There are two styles of toilet seats available: round bowl and elongated bowl style. Elongated bowls are longer than round bowls, making them more comfortable for people with disabilities such as arthritis or those who have difficulty sitting down or getting up from the toilet bowl. Round bowls are best suited for children since they tend to fall off easily when using elongated bowls due to their small size.

Size

Another thing to consider when choosing a toilet seat is size. If you have an elongated bowl or round bowl toilet, you’ll need to get along or around the toilet seat. Other options are available for specific models, such as comfort-fit toilets where the lid extends further into the bowl for added support and comfort when sitting down on the toilet seat.

Durability

A wooden toilet seat can last for decades, but a plastic seat may be more appropriate if you want something more durable that will last longer. Plastic is less susceptible to moisture damage than wood, making it ideal for bathrooms with little ventilation or colder climates where humidity levels tend to be higher. Wood is more likely to warp if exposed to moisture over time or if it gets wet during cleaning or spills.

new toilet seat ready to install
Image from Joan Troyer

Installation

The easiest way to tell if a seat will fit your toilet is by checking the measurements. Most seats are designed with one-size-fits-all in mind, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check before purchasing.

You can install toilet seats in a variety of ways. Some are designed to attach directly onto the toilet bowl, while others bolt to the floor or wall. If you want your new seat to fit on an old toilet, check the dimensions before buying it.

If you’re installing a new toilet, you may need to replace the old seat with one that matches your new model. This will ensure a good fit and prevent leaks.

Color

The toilet seat color might be a significant consideration when determining which one to purchase. For example, if you have little children who may be tempted to bounce up and down on their toilet seats, you should select a white or light-colored seat to quickly clean up after them when they create messes on it (and they will). If you don’t have children but prefer something more colorful, there are many solutions available in various hues that will complement any bathroom decor plan.

Some individuals want to match the color of their toilet seat to their bathroom décor, while others choose a more neutral hue for greater adaptability. Today, there are various colors and designs to choose from, so take your time and consider all of your choices before making your final pick.

wooden toilet seat
Image from She Can Do It

Other Factors to Consider

A toilet seat is an integral part of the toilet that can be overlooked when planning to remodel or renovate the bathroom. However, it is just as important as any other bathroom part.

Toilet seats come in many different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Toilet seats are typically made from these three materials because they each have their benefits and drawbacks.

Wooden toilet seats are often made from cedar or oak trees. Cedarwood is known for its natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that can help prevent mold from growing on the seat and keep it smelling fresh longer than plastic or metal toilet seats.

Though more challenging to find than cedar, oak wooden toilet seats are also durable and long-lasting.

Wood vs. Plastic Toilet Seats: Which Is Better?

The debate over whether to use a wooden or plastic toilet seat is contentious and ridiculous. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. However, there are some things you should know before deciding which one is right for you.

This depends on your needs and preferences. If you want something that will last for years, wood is probably the better choice. It doesn’t scratch easily, but it’s also more expensive than plastic and may require unique cleaning products if you have young children or pets.

If you’re looking for something affordable that works well with most bathrooms and doesn’t take too much space, plastic is probably the better option. Plastic seats are also easier to clean than wood because they rarely get dirty enough to require special treatment — wipe them down with soap and water when needed!

cleaning plastic toilet seat

Final Thoughts

The pros and drawbacks of wood vs. plastic toilet seats may vary depending on your choice and the aesthetic you want for your toilet; this is why each individual must consider the possibilities and decide what is appropriate for them. Each option is distinct and should be evaluated on its own merits before deciding which is best for you.

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