A toilet is incomplete without the right toilet seat. Most toilets on the market don’t feature a toilet seat, which is annoying. Some come with seats, but they are not durable or offer the comfort that most people desire. As a result, choosing the right seat for your toilet is essential if you want comfort and durability.
One of the trickiest parts of selecting a toilet seat is choosing between wooden and plastic seats. Both of these seats are fantastic, but they also differ in many ways. With this comparison, we will help you have an easy time choosing between the two.
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Wood vs. Plastic Toilet Seat: What Are The Differences?
Choosing a toilet seat from Wood and Plastic is not a difficult task if you know the differences between them. A wooden toilet seat is slightly more expensive than a plastic seat, but it offers much-needed warmth and a magnificent look. On the other hand, plastic seats are simple to replace and clean and don’t break easily, but they are not suitable for use in cold weather.
| Features | Wood Toilet Seat | Plastic Toilet Seat |
| Made of: | Natural Material | Plastic |
| Cleaning: | Hard | Easier |
| Weight: | Heavier | Light |
| Durability: | durable | more durable |
| Weather impact: | best for all-weather | specific weather only |
| Hygienic: | Not so | More |
| Stay Warm: | Yes | No |
| Comfortable: | Yes | Yes |
| Appearance: | best look | simple |
| Toilet Cost: | High | Low |
| Maintenance Cost: | High | Low |
Related article: Check the review of Tushy Portable bidet toilet seat attachment
Wooden Toilet Seat- Advantages & Setbacks
Wooden toilet seats are typically made out of natural materials. Wood is durable, but wood toilet seats tend to break or crack when exposed to moisture.
Pros:
- Wood toilet seat is very durable
- They are more aesthetically pleasing than plastic seats
- They remain warm throughout
- Wooden toilet seats and sanitary products have a rustic look
Cons:
- It absorbs moisture, which may lead to deterioration quickly
- The wood toilet seat is not scratch-resistant and harder to clean
- Wooden seats can break easily
Wooden Toilet Seat Best Pick
MAYFAIR Toilet Seat (19601CP 378)- Check On Amazon
- Dimensions (LxW): 18.53 x 14.13 Inches
- Shape: Oval
- Weight: 4.7 Pounds
- Color: Natural Oak
Angel Shield Toilet Seat- Check On Amazon
- Dimensions (LxW): 18.48 x 14.11 inches
- Weight: 6.61 Pounds
- Shape: Elongated-18.5″
- Color: Dark Walnut
- Style: American, Elongated
Sanilo Toilet Seat- Check On Amazon
- Shape: Round
- Color: Various Colors
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 14.5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 5.94 pounds
Plastic Toilet Seat- Review With Pros & Cons
Plastic toilet bidet seats are the most preferred seats on the market. They are cheap, easy to clean, and come in two types. The first one is the thermoplastic seat, and the second one is thermoset plastic. Thermoplastic is the most economical and cannot resist scratches, while thermoset plastic can resist scratches, and that’s why it is more costly. Wood seats are heavier compared to other plastic toilet seats. Check the pros and cons of this product to get a clear idea of it.
Pros:
- It is easier to clean
- Features soft close toilet seat
- It is more hygienic than a wooden seat
- They don’t break easily as they don’t absorb moisture
- Some are scratch-resistant; thus, they can last longer
Cons:
- It is not durable
- The seat is always cold and not ideal for use in winter
Best Pick of Plastic Toilet Seats
KOHLER Toilet Seat (4636-RL-0) – Check On Amazon
- Dimensions(LxW): 18.04x 14.18 Inches
- Weight: 4.82 Pounds
- Color: White
- Style: Ready Latch
- Shape: Round/Elongated
SmartBidet SB-1000 Electric Bidet Seat- Check On Amazon
- Dimensions: 23 x 20 x 10 inches
- Weight: 9.97 pounds
- Batteries: 2 AAA batteries are required. (included)
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
- Shape: Round/Elongated
MAYFAIR Plastic Toilet Seat (887SLOW 000)- Check On Amazon
- Dimensions(LxW): 14.37 x 2.18
- Shape: Round
- Weight: 4.15 Pounds
- Color: White
Differences between wood and plastic toilet seats
Continue reading to find out which toilet seat is best suited for your needs and demands.
Weight and durability
Wooden toilet seats are heavier than plastic toilet seats. When it comes to longevity, it depends on how you maintain the seat.
Wood appears to be more durable than plastic, but in the long run, plastic is more durable. This is because wood absorbs moisture that causes it to warp and crack, while plastic doesn’t.
As a result, plastic toilet seats such as Toto C100, Toto C200, or Brondell Swash 1400 will last longer than wooden toilet seats. To be more specific, thermoset plastic is the most durable as it is scratch-resistant.
Weather impact
There is no debate here. Wood toilet seats are the best for all-weather, hands down. Whether it is summer or winter, wooden toilet seats will keep you warm. This is not the case with plastic toilet seats that become a problem to use in the morning and during the winter season.
Comfort
Plastic and wood, both of these toilet seats offer exceptional support. So, it depends on what you’re accustomed to or what you prefer. However, the type of toilet bowl may determine if you will be more comfortable with it or not. The best bowl type to have is the elongated bowl which provides additional sitting space.
Appearance
When it comes to looks and design, wood toilet seats offer the best look. Their rustic look will give your bathroom a unique appearance, as most bathrooms don’t have them. Plastic seats are excellent and simple to use.
Ease of cleaning
Plastic toilet seats carry the day in this category. Wood is quite challenging to clean when liquids spill on it. If you delay tidying up whatever falls on the wooden toilet seat, it will absorb it. And because of this, the wood will end up warping and deteriorating quickly. But then, plastic doesn’t absorb liquids, which makes cleaning fast and straightforward. Additionally, plastic toilet seats are perfect for an individual who wants to maintain high levels of hygiene.
Related article: What are the features of the Luxury Omigo Toilet seat?
Soft-closing
This depends on the features that the toilet seat comes with. Not all toilet seats come with a soft-closing function. But it is a great idea to choose a toilet seat with a soft-closing function. It prevents the slamming of the toilet, and your kids won’t get hurt as they leave the toilet.
Wood or Plastic Toilet Seat? Final Thought
After comparing the wooden and plastic toilet seats, it is evident that both of these seats have their advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your preference. The wooden toilet seat is best suited for an individual looking for an aesthetically pleasing and warm seat. On the other hand, the plastic Bio-bidet toilet seat is ideal for a person looking for an easy-to-clean and durable seat that will last for many years. So when it comes down to my personal preference, I would suggest you go with a plastic bidet toilet seat that will give you more comfort.
However, you should ensure that you not only select the right toilet seat material but as well as design and size. A toilet seat is meant for an elongated toilet bowl, and it may not fit on a round bowl toilet. Also, getting a toilet seat with a soft-close function is better as you won’t slam the toilet or hurt your kid’s fingers. So, make the right choice, and you won’t regret it a single bit.
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.