Did you know the toilet seat dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty in China? The first wood toilet seat was invented in 1859, and the plastic version in 1993 by Matt DiReberto.
Today’s most standard toilet seat is the plastic seat, but the wooden seat has regained popularity in recent years. Let us look at how they measure up against each other!
Wood toilet seat – Pros and cons
Pros
- Stylish with a variety of designs to choose from
- Easy to clean
- Weighing more than plastic seats makes the probability of braking less
- Easy and fast installation
- Environmentally friendly
- Heavy-duty hinges for added lifespan
- Won’t shift around when you sit on it
Cons
- Pricier than plastic seats
- Harder to clean
- Can warp and crack in high heat
- Vulnerable to bug attacks such as termites
- Water can sip through the wood and cause rotting
- Fading can occur over time
- Lower weight-bearing capability than plastic toilet seats
Plastic toilet seat – Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain because of the smooth service
- Cost-effective
- Extended lifespan
- Can’t be scratched easily
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Can be used in public and private bathrooms
Cons
- Can get cold in the winter
- Not very appealing to the eye
- Limited design features
- Can break easily
- Won’t be able to hold heavier users
Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seats – A Quick Look
| Comparing factors | Wood toilet seat | Plastic toilet seat |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Weight tolerance | Higher weight tolerance | Handles less weight |
| Comfort | More comfortable | Less comfortable |
| Warmth | More | Less |
| Hygiene | Less hygienic | More hygienic |
| Durability | Less durable | More durable |
| Style | Less stylish | More stylish with several color choices |
| Cleaning | Harder | Easier |
| Closing | Louder | Quieter |
| Aesthetics | Has a strong aesthetic appeal | Not aesthetic |
| Versatility | Has a limited design range | Comes with a broad range of styles |
| Price | Costly | Cheaper |
1. Weight
Wood toilet seat
The wooden seat has more weight plus a higher weight tolerance.
Plastic toilet seat
As plastic is a very light material, it won’t feel as solid as the wooden seat and it can handle less weight.
Winner
The wooden seat is the heavier, steadier winner.
2. Comfort
Wood toilet seat
Because the wood toilet seat is thicker, it’ll stay warmer and thus be more comfortable. You will experience less movement and bending with this seat.
Plastic toilet Seat
The plastic seat can be slightly flimsy and thin, making it less comfortable, especially if you spend some time on it.
Winner
The wooden seat wins this round with its thick and well-built body.
3. Warmth
Wood toilet seat
Toilet seats do get cold, but the wooden toilet seat does a better job of heating up quickly when you sit on them. Also, in general, wood has a warmer feel than plastic.
Plastic toilet Seat
The plastic toilet seat can get cold, which might be uncomfortable for some people.
Winner
Hands down the wooden toilet seat.
4. Hygiene
Wood toilet seat
Wooden seats are usually made of enameled wood with a glossy finish all over them. The seat is impervious to any kind of liquid. However, the glossy varnish weakens over time and cracks may form up that may make it less hygienic.
Plastic toilet Seat
Plastic takes a long time to deteriorate, meaning you’ll face fewer hygiene issues in general. However, how hygienic your seat is vastly depends on how well you maintain and clean it. You may get a UTI even after using a high-quality plastic seat if you don’t maintain it properly.
Winner
As the wood deteriorates faster than plastic, wooden seats become less and less hygienic over time. As a result, plastic seats have a slight edge over wooden ones. However, hygiene depends primarily on your maintenance pattern.
5. Style
Wood toilet seat
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Plastic toilet Seat
Plastic is far more available than wood. Although it’s possible to get a plastic toilet seat in just about any color or pattern, the wooden seat takes the lead by rarity. But the modern ones are often made of recycled wood pulp.
Winner
Even if most other people are content with their plastic seats, there are some who’ll prefer wood over plastic any day. Wood wins this round by superior design and texture.
6. Durability
Wood toilet seat
Wood and water are never a good mix, so this will affect the durability of your toilet even though the wood gets treated before use.
Plastic toilet Seat
Even though they are lighter, the plastic toilet seat is strong and durable. Their finish resists water, stains, and chips.
Winner
Look no further than the plastic toilet seat if you are looking for durability.
7. Lifespan
Wood toilet seat
A wood toilet seat is solid, but because of constant exposure to the ‘elements’ (think: sweat, moisture, urine, etc.), it can rot and become warped after time.
Plastic toilet Seat
If you are looking for a long-lasting, durable seat, go with plastic.
Winner
The clear winner is plastic.
8. Cleaning
Wood toilet seat
Because wood seats have an absorbent surface, they can be harder to clean.
Plastic toilet Seat
The surface here is much easier to clean; a simple wipe with a sanitary wipe will do the job.
Winner
Plastic comes out the winner here.
9. Soft Closing
Wood toilet Seat
Because it has a heavier lid, the wooden seat will be louder when closing.
Plastic toilet Seat
Plastic has a soft touch and is lighter, making the closing much smoother.
Winner
Plastic
10. Aesthetics
Wood toilet Seat
Wood has a story and a strong aesthetic appeal.
Plastic toilet Seat
On the other hand, plastic is mass-produced, cold, and ridged.
Winner
Wood toilet seat
11. Versatility
Wood toilet Seat
Wood seats have a limited design range, and they are heavier, so the soft close option will come at a premium.
Plastic toilet Seat
Plastic seats come with a broad range of styles and a lighter frame for soft closing.
Winner
The versatility of the plastic seat gives it the win.
12. Price
Wood toilet Seat
Depending on the type of wood you go for has a significant effect on the price but the average cost is around $50.
Plastic toilet Seat
With a wide range starting from under $20 to over $100, plastic seats provide low prices and a wide variety.
Winner
Plastic as a budget-friendly option.
Are wooden toilet seats safe?
A wooden seat can be as safe as a plastic one when adequately maintained. Care must be taken when cleaning, so the surface is properly sanitized.
Are plastic toilet seats prone to staining?
Staining can occur on a white plastic toilet seat without proper caretaking. By cleaning the toilet seat instantly, these stains can be prevented.
FAQs
1. Why do wooden toilet seats crack?
Ans. The heavier frame of wooden seats makes them prone to closing hard, leading to cracks. High heat and humidity can also cause cracks.
2. Why did my plastic toilet seat turn yellow?
Ans. Many factors can play a role in your seat turning yellow, such as splashes, urine, and hard water.
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