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Plastic and Wood Toilet Seats: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 13, 2024

When selecting a new toilet seat, you mostly have two alternatives: plastic or wood. Each material has pros and cons, sometimes making it hard to determine which is right for a bathroom remodel. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between plastic and wood toilet seats.

What Are Plastic and Wood Toilet Seats

Plastic and wood are the two primary materials used in the manufacture of toilet seats. Plastic seating is fabricated from molded polymers and may be equipped with rubberized end pads for client comfort. Wood seats are usually made from veneered or solid wood, such as oak.

Choosing Between a Wood or Plastic Toilet Seat

The factors while choosing a suitable wood or plastic toilet seat can range from: 

1. Comfort

Compared to wood toilet seats, plastic ones feel cold when touched. In many of the newer plastic models, the cap and the buffer are made of rubber, making them warm and soft.

These make a plastic seat to overlook wood and be nearly as comfortable as wood. The temperature and touch characteristics of wooden seats provide a higher comfort level.

2. Durability

Premium plastic toilet seats are exceedingly sturdy, barely worn out, chipping, scratching or staining. They last for several years of intensive use while maintaining their appearance.

Hardwood seats become brittle if chipped, scratched or stained over time or frequently used. But higher-priced wooded models at a high price tend to provide an extremely high degree of protection.

3. Cleaning

The ones made of plastic are easy to clean. Using a mild cleaner and a sponge, they remain stain-free from liquids, grime or dirt. Wood toilet seats, when washed, need to be handled in a particular way to ensure that they are not damaged by water.

This also causes their surface structures, such as grooves, to trap dirt and germs if not washed.

4. Cost

To some extent, affordable toilet seats are simple plastic ones that cost between $10 and $50 USD​. They are affordable and reasonable for rental or second lavatory ideas. Designer wooden seats are costly, from $200 to $500 USD, since they offer luxury.

However, quality wood and plastic seats cost between $50 and $200 USD, making the investment very reasonable.

5. Style

While plastic toilet seats have simple and bland models, they have modern and sleek-looking designs, multiple colors, self-closing and soft-closing mechanisms and even lively-themed decorations suitable for fully contemporary bathrooms.

Wooden seats are elegant and fit the traditional look and feel of the house. The oak, maple and mahogany wood look splendid. Janitorial supply wood models come with engraved carvings, artistic painting or precisely carved engravings.

Plastic v/s Wood Toilet Seats: The Better Choice

The best toilet seat material choice depends on what you value most. Use these considerations to prioritize your needs:

1. Plastic:

Go for a plastic seat if you want a budget-friendly option and want to pick from various options. It is easy to clean, durable and long-lasting. It is also mold/bacteria resistant, saving you the trouble of extra cleaning.

2. Wood:

You can opt for wooden seats for a softer, warmer seat. They can withstand very heavy usage and offer the look of natural wood. They can also be engraved, carved and painted to suit any aesthetic. They are also an eco-friendly option.

After recognizing all the aspects most crucial for your bathroom, you can easily determine whether plastic is better than wood for your new toilet seat. Compare comfort, cleaning, cost, durability, eco-friendliness and style against this guide to make the perfect decision.

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