Toilet Seat Buyers Guide
Choosing the right toilet seat can enhance bathroom comfort, but it can be challenging due to varying designs, materials, and hardware. Whether redesigning your bathroom or installing a new toilet, making informed decisions is essential to save time and money. Let’s explore the different toilet seat configurations and key factors to consider when selecting a new one.
Toilet seats can be categorized by dimensions, shape, size, and materials. It's often best to choose a seat from the same brand as your toilet, as compatibility is crucial. For example, a TOTO toilet should have a TOTO seat. Additionally, consider durability, especially in high-traffic areas like busy households or commercial spaces. These factors make selecting the right toilet seat more complex than it seems. Let’s explore specific variables and their impact on your toilet bowl.
Toilet seats come in various shapes, impacting both functionality and bathroom ambiance. Here are some common configurations:
Elongated Toilet Seats
Elongated toilet seats are often associated with traditional designs and some users feel that these toilet seats are also the most comfortable. This type of toilet seat is also associated with larger pans. They may also be slightly more expensive when compared to other versions.
Square Toilet Seats
As the name suggests, square toilet seats will be fitted to a pan of similar dimensions. Some individuals feel that these offer a slightly more modern appeal and like most toilet seats, you will need to choose the appropriate size to ensure a smooth fit.
D Shaped Toilet Seats
Similar to square models, these toilet seats will offer a contemporary flair and a unique overall appearance. They provide your bathroom with a sense of stylised luxury without overwhelming nearby elements.
Round Toilet Seats
Round toilet seats are ideal when accommodating a limited amount of space and most experts agree that these are suited for more traditional bathroom settings.
Toilet Seat Sizes
As you might have already imagined, toilet seats come in a range of different sizes. There is no definitive guide in this respect. However, the majority of toilet seats range in length from between 350 and 500 millimetres. Those who wish to purchase a new toilet seat will therefore need to measure the dimensions of the pan as well as the location of the hinges so that an informed decision can be made. it could also be possible to select a custom-made toilet seat if you happen to be dealing with a unique toilet configuration.
There are many materials which can be used when engineering a modern toilet seat. Here is a handful of the most common:
Plastic Toilet Seats
These are the most common, made from acrylic or similar polymers. They are lightweight, durable, and budget-friendly.
MDF Composite Wood Toilet Seats
Also known as composite wood seats, these offer a warm, organic look and come in various colors and grain patterns, often suited for traditional designs.
Solid Wood Seats
Natural wood seats are considered high-quality options, providing warmth in winter and durability. However, they typically come at a higher price than plastic or composite options.
To find the right toilet seat, start by measuring the dimensions of the toilet pan. Record the distance (in millimeters) between the two post holes at the back and the distance from the front to the back post holes. This will help you identify the perfect seat for those dimensions, which are measured by length and width.
If you need a special configuration, like a raised toilet seat for mobility issues, consult a distributor to check available dimensions.
Hinges are an important consideration when selecting a toilet seat. A popular trend is soft-close seats, which use specialized hinges to buffer the movements of opening and closing. This design helps reduce wear and tear over time.
Choosing the appropriate toilet seat for your needs should always involve the advice mentioned above. From soft-close hinges to options for smaller bathrooms, premium brands like Roca, Vitra, Ideal Standard, and OVS offer stunning choices.Please contact us if you have any other questions or you wish to obtain additional advice.
