Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat -The Pros & Cons + Which is the Best?

Currently, the top-notch toilet seat options available in the market are made of wood or plastic. These materials provide excellent value for your money and are highly sought after by consumers. But if you’re trying to choose between the two, which one should you go for?

Fear not, dear reader, for this article is dedicated to answering that very question. We, as experts in this field, will conduct an in-depth analysis of both wood and plastic toilet seats, highlighting the key factors that matter most to you as a user.

While both options can meet your requirements, there are some significant differences between them that could significantly impact your decision-making process. Fortunately, as experts, we possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to differentiate between the two.

So, this post will comprehensively compare wood and plastic toilet seats, enabling you to understand the variations between them and make a well-informed decision.

Plastic vs Wooden Toilet Seat Comparison Table

Features Plastic Toilet SeatWood Toilet Seat
Durability Lasts longerDegrades each you clean with a detergent
Style and design Glossy, modern, timeless designUnique antique appeal
Scratch resistance Scratch-resistantPoor resistance to scratches
Pricing Lower price tagHigher price tag
Ease of cleaning Glossy and easy to cleanProblematic to clean

Winner

After thoroughly examining all the important factors, we have concluded that there is no outright champion in the wooden vs. plastic toilet seat debate. It was not an easy decision to make since there are several aspects to consider, as demonstrated in the detailed comparison table above.

Ultimately, choosing between a wooden and a plastic toilet seat comes down to personal taste. Each alternative has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you can confidently opt for either one without hesitation.

Top Pick (Plastic) – White American Standard 5320B65CT.020

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Top Wooden Toilet Seat

Best Wooden Seat – Molded Wood Round Toilet Seat with Zinc Alloy Hinges by Angol Shiold

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But, for those of you who are interested in learning more about the differences between them.

Wood Vs Plastic Toilet Seats

In the realm of toilet seats, both plastic and wooden options offer comparable functionality, making it a challenging task to determine a clear winner. In terms of pricing, the differences between the two are negligible.

However, it is worth noting that plastic toilets are typically only available in a single solid color, such as white. In contrast, wooden toilet seats boast a sleeker and warmer appearance, evocative of traditional designs.

Given these points, prospective buyers seeking further information about the nuances between plastic and wooden toilet seats are advised to delve deeper into the topic.

What are these other differences?

In our comparative analysis of wooden versus plastic toilet seats, we begin with an assessment of their distinctive attributes.

While both types of toilet seats offer the standard features that one would expect, we will focus on highlighting the unique qualities that distinguish them from each other, rather than providing a comprehensive list and comparison of their shared characteristics.

Wood Toilet Seat Unique Features

Wood toilet seat prides itself as a warmer, stylish, and more comfortable toilet seat.

1. Style and Design

As the name implies, wooden toilet seats are crafted from wood or a composite material that has been finished to mimic the appearance of wood. Typically, these seats are constructed from particleboard that is polished several times to emulate the look and style of solid wood toilet seats.

When one envisions a wooden toilet seat, they usually imagine a seat that is light-colored or has a dark hue with an antique appeal reminiscent of oak. These seats are made from wood planks that are varnished and polished to achieve a smooth surface.

To further enhance the vintage look of the toilet seat, brass hinges are used for darker colored woods while nickel hinges are utilized for lighter colored woods like pine. Such intricate details contribute to the original, old-time feel of a wooden toilet seat.

2. Durability

As an expert in the field, it is important to note that wooden toilet seats are susceptible to damage from various sources such as moisture, insect bites, and frequent use of detergent.

Moreover, in environments with high humidity or heat, wood seats may distort and even break, while the protective coating may wear away over time.

Additionally, they are prone to scratches during cleaning, which is not the case with plastic toilet seats. It is essential to consider these factors before making a decision on which type of toilet seat to invest in.

3. Comfort

Heated toilet seats are a popular addition to enhance comfort during chilly seasons. Interestingly, despite wood being a natural material that could potentially retain heat, it is often overshadowed by plastic when it comes to toilet seat material. However, wooden toilet seats can also be equipped with heating elements that offer a pleasant experience.

Moreover, enameled wood toilet seats have the added advantage of retaining heat more efficiently, providing an even more comfortable and cozy experience. If you’re looking to avoid an uncomfortable chill during your bathroom breaks, opting for a wooden toilet seat with heating capabilities could be a wise choice.

4. Ease of Cleaning

If wooden toilet seats are not coated to prevent moisture absorption, they can become damp. In contrast, plastic toilet seats do not retain moisture, which makes them a breeze to clean.

Thanks to the vinyl lamination, plastic toilet seats have a smooth and glossy surface that is easy to clean and repels water.

5. Price tag

You can find a basic plastic toilet seat without cushion or support for a low price of a few dollars, while a wooden toilet seat can be much more expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars.

However, certain wood toilet seat manufacturers use affordable wood instead of rare and exotic types to make their elegant designs more affordable to customers.

But, the downside of these cheaper wooden seats is that they may contain harmful chemicals that could irritate the skin, and they may not last as long as more expensive options.


Pros and Cons of Wooden Toilet Seats

ProsCons
Stylish designRelatively More Expensive
ComfortableHarder to clean
Traditional and timeless lookLess durable
Luxurious look and feelLess resistant to scratches
Warm and invitingHeavier

Plastic Toilet Seat Unique Features

Before the advent of plastic toilet seats, the only available option was wooden seats. However, when plastic seats were introduced, they were considered to be more hygienic than wooden ones.

Plastic is a general term that encompasses various synthetic materials such as polypropylene and acrylic resin. Acrylic resin comes in both transparent and translucent colors, which allows for the incorporation of materials like seashells, dried flowers, and photographs into the resin.

Right now, plastic toilet seats boast the following unique features:

1. Easy To Clean

The smooth and waterproof surface of plastic toilet seats makes them incredibly easy to clean. They are resistant to scratches and can be cleaned with detergent multiple times without harming the structure of the surface.

Any moisture or debris will simply sit on top and can be effortlessly wiped away. This makes plastic toilet seats more hygienic and easier to maintain compared to other materials.

2. Price tag

When it comes to cost, plastic toilet seats are generally cheaper than wooden ones. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on your budget. If you’re looking for a functional, hygienic, and cost-effective option, a plastic toilet seat could be a great choice.

3. Comfort

Plastic toilet seats can feel uncomfortably cold, especially during winter months, as they don’t retain heat. This can make your toilet experience quite chilly. To avoid this, consider using a wooden toilet seat or investing in one that comes with a warming feature to keep you cozy and comfortable.

4. Long-lasting

Plastic toilet seats have some advantages over wooden ones. They are resistant to warping or cracking, as well as scratches and fading, even when subjected to harsh detergents frequently.

Although modern wooden toilet seats are coated with a protective layer that makes them scratch-resistant, this coating may lose its effectiveness over time. When the wood is exposed, it may become warped.

5. Appearance

Plastic toilet seats have a simple and plain appearance, with a solid white color that can seem unexciting when compared to the warm and inviting aesthetic of their wooden counterparts.

In contrast, wooden toilet seats can complement and enhance the beauty of most bathroom decor styles better than plastic toilet seats.


Pros and Cons of Plastic Toilet Seats

ProsCons
Less expensiveUncomfortable
Easier to cleanAesthetic unattractive
Scratch-resistantBasic design
DurableLess sturdy
Modern looking 

Bottom Line

A toilet seat is an essential household item that is mainly valued for its functionality rather than its appearance. Therefore, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Before you go shopping for a toilet seat, here are some key factors to consider:

Type:

You have the option to choose between a plastic or wooden toilet seat based on various criteria that have been mentioned previously.

Cost:

Saving money is important to most people when shopping, and the same applies when purchasing a toilet seat. Make a wise decision based on your budget.

Color and Design:

Toilet seats come in various colors and styles, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs. This means that you don’t have to redecorate your entire house to match your toilet seat.

You can find one that blends seamlessly with your decor and enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal. You can even choose a unique design to make your toilet look more interesting.

Toilet Hinges:

The market offers a wide range of toilet seat hinges to choose from, so make sure you are aware of the type of toilet seat you have to ensure proper installation.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the perfect toilet seat that meets your needs and preferences.

Elongated or Round Toilet Seat

Depending on your family’s requirements, you can decide which option would suit them best. If you have children, a circular toilet seat may be more suitable, while elongated toilet seats tend to be more comfortable for adults.

Slow close feature

Both wooden and plastic toilet seats possess this quality. They are designed with a slow-closing mechanism that allows the lid to shut slowly and quietly with just a light touch, thus preventing any unwanted noise.

American Standard Round Front Toilet Seat (White) Champion Slow-Close 5320B65CT.020

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Looking for an affordable toilet seat that delivers quality and convenience? Look no further than the American Standard Champion Toilet Seat!

Crafted from high-quality polypropylene, this plastic toilet seat is lightweight, stain-resistant, and won’t absorb any unpleasant odors. It’s also designed to fit on virtually any toilet, whether it’s elongated or circular in shape.

But that’s not all – the American Standard Champion Toilet Seat is also incredibly comfortable to use. Its closed-front design is sleek and modern, while the slow-close feature prevents any loud slamming noises. And when it’s time to clean, the fast-release hinges make it easy to remove the seat for a thorough scrubbing.

With its versatile design and low price point, this toilet seat is the perfect addition to any bathroom decor. And thanks to its scratch-resistant surface and tight bumper, it’ll stay securely in place for years to come.

Plus, installation is a breeze thanks to the quick-attached hardware, so you’ll have your new seat up and running in no time.

Product Features

  • Dimensions: 16.81 x 14.31 x 2 inches (round)
  • Shape: elongated and round
  • Material: polypropylene
  • The slow-Close feature helps prevents slamming
  • Color: white
  • Mounting hardware and installation manual included

Pros

  • Resistant to staining, fading, chipping, and peeling
  • Fast and secure installation
  • Value for money
  • Sturdy
  • Easy to clean
  • No loud slamming
  • Durable

Cons

  • Flimsy mounting system
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You may also be interested in:

Most Stain Resistant Toilet Seats

Wooden Bathroom Toilet Seats

Most Comfortable Toilet Seats

Seniors Padded Toilet Seats


Are Wooden Toilet Seats Sanitary?

Toilet seats made of wood come with a protective coating that ensures they remain dry and sanitary despite exposure to water and urine. However, if this coating wears off, the seat may get wet, causing the porous wood beneath to become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

To maintain the hygiene of the toilet seat, it must be regularly maintained and not slammed. Additionally, if there are any small cracks or fractures in the seat, they could harbor germs and contribute to urine odor over time.

How to Correctly Maintain a Wooden Toilet Seat

The scratch and dent resistance of modern wooden toilet seats is inferior to that of plastic toilet seats, and therefore they endure less time.

Wooden furniture may be kept in excellent condition by using non-abrasive cleaning cloths or sponges.

If you want to get rid of germs, use antibacterial soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol to wash your hands.

Take extra care while washing the seat to make sure to completely rinse it with clean water and then use a dry, soft towel to dry it.

Toilet doors should be left open to help keep hinges free of moisture. Bacteria, fungus, and mold may be present in the presence of moisture if the wood surface is provided with it.

You may want to try applying some wood glue to the nozzle of the dispenser to fix a broken toilet seat. To seal the gap, first apply the glue, then clamp the gap. After clamping, use a wet cloth to remove any excess wood glue.

Use mild hand soap and lots of water whenever you clean the toilet seat.

The following cleaning and hygiene products should not be used: acid, detergents, bleach, scouring powder, essential oils, chlorine, pine, oils, and disinfectants, as well as items packed in aerosol cans.

Do Plastic Toilet Seats Stain?

A white toilet lid and seat may get corroded as a result of the accumulation of minerals from hard water. You may use bleach, baking soda, or vinegar to prevent stains from forming.

In a mixing basin, combine 14 cup baking soda with 12 cup warm water to form a paste.

Smear this mixture over the affected areas and let it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before wiping away with a wet cloth or sponge to remove any remaining stain residue.

Why Are Toilet Seats Fond of Split In the Front?

Public toilets are divided because they must adhere to a plumbing regulation that is specific to public restrooms.

They are industry-accepted standards that have been adopted by a large number of municipalities. The UPC is often included into the local codes of these towns.

All chairs that are accessible for public use in water closets must be of the open-front kind. To prevent genital contact with the lid, an area of the seat that might get contaminated with urine has been left exposed.

By avoiding touch, wiping can be accomplished more quickly.

Later, a worldwide industry standard known as the Uniform Plumbing Code superseded the American Standard National Plumbing Code, and open-front toilet seats for public toilets have since been mandated.

As a result, the true solution rests in the reason why they are included in the public plumbing code in the first place.

The U-shaped form of the seat is intended to make cleaning up after oneself simpler for women.

This design provided greater accessibility for women and enabled them to use the toilet without the danger of damaging the porcelain.

How Do You Disinfect a Wooden Toilet Seat

Housecleaning may be done using bleach, baking soda, or vinegar. Everything is in excellent order.

After cleaning the toilet, be sure to always clean the toilet seat and seat cover thoroughly and avoid leaving a seat on the toilet overnight. Once it has been cleaned, reattach it to the toilet.

In a basin mix vinegar with water, then use a soft cloth or a sponge to wipe clean the toilet seat. This is about wooden toilet seats, and what they offer, as well as any possible disadvantages.

One must not pour water directly into the toilet tank. It should first be put into the toilet bowl and the bowl should be well cleaned.

Recommended Post:-

How do you Prevent a Cold Toilet Seat?


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