Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat

Even though plastic toilet seats are more popular today, many older homes still have wooden toilet seats. So which one you should pick: wood vs plastic toilet seat?

Wooden toilet seats can give a rustic feel to a bathroom and provide other benefits as well. If you are planning to go toilet seat hunting, you will find plastic seats are easily obtainable. However, this does not mean that wooden seats are not a good alternative. Nonetheless, before you choose, it is best to compare wood vs plastic toilet seats to know which one is right for you.

Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat – Things To Consider?

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Some aspects of a toilet can influence the efficiency of the toilet or the look of your bathroom. For example, a dual flush toilet will save water while the toilet’s shape will add to the decor. When it comes to the toilet seat, it is more about appearance and comfort. However, there might be some other things to consider as well before installing a new one.

Installing a new toilet seat is not as complicated as installing a new toilet altogether.  However, since we will spend a lot of time sitting on the seat, deciding what to get might be more of a struggle.

Therefore it is best to compare your options before you purchase.

There are certain factors to look at when comparing wood vs plastic toilet seats.

Once you have looked over them all, your toilet seat-purchasing decision might be a lot easier!

Comfort

When comparing wood vs plastic toilet seats, one of the most critical factors should be comfort. You should consider what comfort level the seat provides since it is something you will sit on regularly.

Plastic toilet seats tend to feel cold and flimsy. Wood, on the other hand, can provide you with a more solid and sturdy feel. Additionally, wooden toilet seats do not feel cold during the winter, depending on the type of finish. [1]

This does not necessarily mean wooden seats are better than plastic ones. In the end, it will come down to personal preference.

Durability

In most cases, wooden toilet seats offer better durability. Wooden seats are thick and heavy, and therefore, they are less likely to break than plastic seats.

This does not mean that plastic toilet seats are not durable. Many plastic toilet seats are very durable, but some tend to break in the connective areas.

In the end, it will come down to the quality of the seat and how it was made. However, one downside of wood is that the protective coating can wear down over time.

Wood can also scratch easily during cleaning. If the wood itself will come exposed, warping can occur, especially in a bathroom where there is a lot of moisture.

Cost

The price range for toilet seats is vast. Some might be as little as $20, while others can cost up to $100. The materials, brand, and style of the toilet seat can all impact the pricing.

On the lower end of the spectrum are plastic toilet seats, while wood is a bit more costly.

Hygiene

You might be wondering whether wooden toilet seats are sanitary. This is a common question people ask when purchasing wooden toilet seats.

In most cases, if not all, wooden toilet seats are coated with a sealant or laminate. This means that, yes, wooden toilet seats are sanitary. Such coatings will protect the wood and keep the germs from getting in.

You should still remember that sealants can wear down, which means the wood will need additional applications.

On the other hand, plastics are not very porous, making them easy to clean and wipe down. Therefore, with plastic, you will not have to worry about it wearing down over time.

Appearance

The toilet seat’s appearance, just like its comfort level, is a personal preference. Wood might bring some warmth and a rustic feel in your bathroom, while plastic might look cleaner.

If you are uncertain about what will look better, look at the other items in your home. The best might be to choose a material that fits in with the general decor.

For example, by looking at the finishes of trims, towel rack, etc., you will get a better idea of what will fit best. You might want to hold off on getting a new toilet seat if you are anyway planning a bathroom remodel soon.

In general, plastic is a good choice if you want a modern look, while the wood will give a more traditional feel. If you prefer wooden toilet seats but want a white look, you can always get one that is painted white.

Maintenance

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a toilet seat is maintenance. Wood is a bit more challenging to clean than plastic toilet seats as the material is more high maintenance.

You can easily wash and wipe down plastic toilet seats with essential antibacterial soap and water. However, wood is a highly absorbent material that can absorb moisture and urine if the protective finish is damaged. Water can cause rot, and urine will cause a foul smell if they get into the wood.

Nonetheless, if you care for the wood properly, moisture issues should not be of concern.

How To Care For A Wooden Toilet Seat

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If you decide to go with a wooden toilet seat over a plastic one at the end of the day, you need to know how to care for the wood. A wooden toilet seat vs. plastic is more high maintenance.

Nonetheless, a wooden toilet seat can look stylish and provide comfort. So if you appreciate the look and feel of wood, then higher maintenance might not be such a deal-breaker for you. By properly taking care of your wooden toilet seat, you will ensure good hygiene and avoid cracks and peels.

A wooden toilet seat needs a gentler approach. In other words, you will have to use products that won’t harm the wooden surface. The toilet seat should be kept as dry as possible, and natural oils and moisture should be replaced.

When it comes to cleaning, it is crucial to ensure that splashes and mishaps are removed. To eliminate bacteria and viruses, you should regularly disinfect the wooden surface. And finally, if you want to avoid cracks and peels in the wood, you should ensure that the wood has a protective layer.

Products To Avoid

Harsh cleaning products should be kept away from wooden toilet seats as they can harm the material.

For example, bleach, vinegar, and abrasive cleaners are not recommended to use on wood. These solutions will bleach the color out of the wood and make it look lighter over time. They can be harmful to the protective coating of wood, and some can even cause scratches.

Products To Use

Luckily other products can be used to clean wooden toilet seats to avoid damage. These solutions will be gentle on the wood yet clean, disinfect and protect.

Cleaning products to use on a wooden toilet seat are:

  • dish soap
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • Murphy’s Oil Soap products

While dish soap is excellent for cleaning splashes, hydrogen peroxide will disinfect. [4]  Murphy oil soap or similar products can be used for cleaning and keeps the wood from drying out over time.

Keep It Dry

It is also important to remember to keep your wooden toilet seat dry. Water should not be left on a wooden surface for an extended period. Damp wood can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore drying the wood properly is essential. For example, you can leave the toilet seat up after a clean to ensure proper airflow.

Take Care Of The Hardware

It is essential to take care of the toilet seat hinges as well. Hydrogen peroxide can be useful for cleaning these parts as it will not promote rust on metal.

It is common for the bumpers underneath the toilet seat to break or become dislodged. These bumpers ensure that your toilet set stays stable on the porcelain bowl. Luckily they are easy to replace so that you can avoid slipping or sliding.

Final Thoughts On Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat

As you can see, in the end, it all comes down to preference and, of course, your budget. Each type of toilet seat has its benefits and drawbacks. However, both wood and plastic are safe to use and maintainable.

In most cases, consumers tend to choose a toilet seat based on appearance. But it is vital to keep the other factors in mind as well. By doing so, you will not run into surprises like when it is time to clean the toilet.

Neither toilet seat is a bad option, so it is best to go with what feels suitable for you. While wood and plastic toilet seats are the most common choice, there are other options as well. For example, toilet seats are also made of:

  • duraplast
  • resin
  • thermoplastic
  • steel

Keep in mind that not all toilet seats are universal, so before buying a seat, make sure to get the measurements right. Overall, if you want the perfect toilet seat for your bottom, make sure to take time to browse around and compare prices.