Choosing the right toilet seat might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re updating your bathroom, but with various types of toilet seats to choose from and plenty of features to consider, it’s worth checking out our buying guide to help you choose.
Whether it’s a quick-release toilet seat for easy cleaning, a top fix seat for quick installation, or a modern soft close seat for busy households with children, we’ll give you a full rundown covering different toilet seat fixings, shapes, and even materials, so you can make the right choice.
Types of Toilet Seats
There are 3 main types of toilet seat to choose from; soft close, standard close and quick release. The lid of a soft close seat gradually descends with no risk of slamming, a standard close seat is more commonplace and budget-friendly. On the otherhand, a quick release toilet seat is easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.
Soft Close Toilet Seat
A soft close toilet seat is a popular option thanks to the slow and controlled way in which it closes. This makes the seat more difficult to slam, keeping loud and disruptive noises at bay which can be particularly beneficial, especially at nighttime.
Thanks to its gentle closing action there’s far less chance of little ones trapping their fingers between the seat and toilet bowl, making it a good choice for families with young children.
As the hinge mechanism on a soft close toilet seat allows for a gradual descent, this can minimise wear and tear so, with proper maintenance, you can expect this type of toilet seat to last longer when compared to other models.
Over time, the hinges can become susceptible to creaking, but a small amount of spray lubricant can quickly banish any irritating noises.
Advantages
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Gradual closing keeps noise to a minimum
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Harder to slam making it safer for children
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Less prone to wear and tear
Things to Consider
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Can be more costly
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Prone to creaking noises over time
Standard Close Toilet Seat
For the more budget conscious, a standard close toilet seat could be the best option as, compared to soft-close seats, they typically carry a lower price tag making them more budget-friendly.
They’re of a simple, minimalist design and their hinge type is far less complex than a slow-closing toilet seat. The benefits of a standard hinge seat are two-fold. Firstly, they’re much less likely to malfunction and secondly, this makes them more lightweight which could allow for easier installation.
While it doesn’t offer the gradual closing action you get from a soft-close seat, if you’d prefer to close the lid quickly and would rather not have the same maintenance requirements, i.e. regular oiling of the hinges, then a standard hinge toilet seat is perfect. However, keep in mind the hinges could wear faster, making toilet seat replacement a more regular occurrence.
Advantages
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Usually carry a lower price tag
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Less likely for the hinge to malfunction
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Low maintenance
Things to Consider
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Prone to accidental slamming
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Wear and tear could happen faster
Quick Release Toilet Seat
Those hard-to-reach places on toilets can be a real pain when it comes to cleaning, and if cleanliness and hygiene is your number one priority, then why not consider a quick release toilet seat. They can be removed and reattached with ease, with no extra tools required.
This makes cleaning your toilet seat, especially those awkward places around the hinges, super easy. Most quick release mechanisms consist of a two-button design which simply needs to be compressed for the seat to lift away from the bowl.
Quick release toilet seats come with either a soft-close or standard-close hinge. So, whether you’d prefer a lid that closes slowly or a low maintenance toilet seat, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Advantages
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Available with soft close or standard close hinges
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Easy to keep clean
Things to Consider
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Complex mechanism may require more maintenance
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Can be heavier than other toilet seat types
Toilet Seat Materials
Wooden Toilet Seats
Wooden toilet seats have a traditional and classic look that will look great in most bathrooms. They come in a variety of painted colours, or you can opt for the natural wood finish. You’ll find that wood, compared to plastic alternatives, retains its heat, making the seat more comfortable. You also won’t need to worry about that unpleasant discolouration you sometimes get with plastic toilet seats, because wood won’t discolour over time, meaning it will retain its aesthetic. As wood is a more expensive material, you can expect to pay a little more for a wooden toilet seat.
Thermoset Plastic Toilet Seats
Thermoset plastic toilet seats are moulded from a toughened resin, making them very durable. This strong material is more scratch resistant and non-porous, making these types of toilet seats easier to clean and therefore more hygienic. Toilet seats made from this material tend to have a more premium look and feel, so if you’re wanting something a bit more luxurious this could be a great choice.
Thermoplastic Toilet Seats
Like thermoset toilet seats, thermoplastic seats are also made from resin. However, because they haven’t been hardened in the same way, they lack the same non-scratch properties making them more susceptible to wear and tear and discolouration. Their lightweight design can sometimes make them more prone to wobbling so regular tightening of the hinges may be required. That said, they tend to be the most cost-effective option if you’re looking for a simple, fuss-proof toilet seat for your bathroom.
Types of Toilet Seat Fittings
Toilet seat fittings come in different two types; top fix or bottom fix. A top-fix toilet seat is installed from the top making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or toilets with limited space. Conversely, bottom fix toilet seats are affixed from under the toilet pan making for a secure seat.
Bottom-Fix Toilet Seat
A bottom-fix toilet seat is one whereby the seats are installed from the top, but tightened from underneath the toilet pan. Compared to top-fix seats, they’re usually much more stable and secure. However, they can be more difficult to install, particularly in smaller bathrooms and toilets. This more traditional style seat tends to be better suited to toilets that have plenty of space surrounding the bowl.
Top-Fix Toilet Seat
Top-fix toilet seats are installed and affixed from the top, making them much easier when it comes to installation and cleaning. Popular on more modern toilets, such as back-to-wall or wall-hung toilets, some models feature quick-release mechanisms making removal and replacement quick and easy. The easy installation of top-fix toilet seats make them perfect for compact bathrooms.
Key Toilet Seat Considerations
Toilet Seat Shape
Toilet seats come in a range of different shapes; round, D-shape and square. Square and D-shape seats are modern in design, whereas round toilet seats tend to have a more traditional appearance. If you’re not replacing the whole toilet system, be sure to purchase the right toilet seat shape for your bowl.
Compatibility With Your Toilet Bowl
As well as checking the shape of the toilet bowl, it’s important to take proper measurements to make sure your new toilet seat will be compatible with the bowl. Take time to measure the widest part of the bowl, the distance between the fixing holes and front of the toilet, along with the distance between the middle of each fixing hole.
What The Toilet Seat Is Made From
Wooden toilet seats are more rustic in style and can add a subtle touch of warmth to your bathroom. They also retain heat well, so if you want to avoid a cold toilet seat, wood is a great choice. On the other hand, plastic toilet seats have a more modern and sleek appearance that is both lightweight and cost effective.
Maintenance Of Your Toilet Seat
If you want a toilet that requires little maintenance and is easy to clean, a quick-release toilet seat is a great option. When it comes to material, consider choosing wood or thermoset plastic for their increased durability and reduced likelihood of staining.
Budget
If you’re not fussed on fancy features and want a simple, low-cost toilet seat, you can’t go wrong with a standard close plastic lid. With its straightforward hinge mechanism, it’s easy to look after and cost-effective. If budget isn’t a consideration, you could opt for a wood seat for its aesthetic appeal, or a soft close seat for its safety features.
Toilet Seat Hinges
Toilet seat hinges are typically available in either plastic or metal. Plastic toilet seat hinges are great if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, metal hinges, while a little more expensive, are much more durable and less susceptible to wear and tear.