Toilet Seat Buying Guide

A soft close toilet seat is a popular option thanks to the slow and controlled way in which it closes. This makes the seat more difficult to slam, keeping loud and disruptive noises at bay which can be particularly beneficial, especially at nighttime. 

Thanks to its gentle closing action there’s far less chance of little ones trapping their fingers between the seat and toilet bowl, making it a good choice for families with young children. 

As the hinge mechanism on a soft close toilet seat allows for a gradual descent, this can minimise wear and tear so, with proper maintenance, you can expect this type of toilet seat to last longer when compared to other models.

Over time, the hinges can become susceptible to creaking, but a small amount of spray lubricant can quickly banish any irritating noises.

For the more budget conscious, a standard close toilet seat could be the best option as, compared to soft-close seats, they typically carry a lower price tag making them more budget-friendly.  

They’re of a simple, minimalist design and their hinge type is far less complex than a slow-closing toilet seat. The benefits of a standard hinge seat are two-fold. Firstly, they’re much less likely to malfunction and secondly, this makes them more lightweight which could allow for easier installation.

While it doesn’t offer the gradual closing action you get from a soft-close seat, if you’d prefer to close the lid quickly and would rather not have the same maintenance requirements, i.e. regular oiling of the hinges, then a standard hinge toilet seat is perfect. However, keep in mind the hinges could wear faster, making toilet seat replacement a more regular occurrence.

Those hard-to-reach places on toilets can be a real pain when it comes to cleaning, and if cleanliness and hygiene is your number one priority, then why not consider a quick release toilet seat. They can be removed and reattached with ease, with no extra tools required. 

This makes cleaning your toilet seat, especially those awkward places around the hinges, super easy. Most quick release mechanisms consist of a two-button design which simply needs to be compressed for the seat to lift away from the bowl. 

Quick release toilet seats come with either a soft-close or standard-close hinge. So, whether you’d prefer a lid that closes slowly or a low maintenance toilet seat, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Wooden toilet seats have a traditional and classic look that will look great in most bathrooms. They come in a variety of painted colours, or you can opt for the natural wood finish. You’ll find that wood, compared to plastic alternatives, retains its heat, making the seat more comfortable. You also won’t need to worry about that unpleasant discolouration you sometimes get with plastic toilet seats, because wood won’t discolour over time, meaning it will retain its aesthetic. As wood is a more expensive material, you can expect to pay a little more for a wooden toilet seat.

Thermoset plastic toilet seats are moulded from a toughened resin, making them very durable. This strong material is more scratch resistant and non-porous, making these types of toilet seats easier to clean and therefore more hygienic. Toilet seats made from this material tend to have a more premium look and feel, so if you’re wanting something a bit more luxurious this could be a great choice.

Like thermoset toilet seats, thermoplastic seats are also made from resin. However, because they haven’t been hardened in the same way, they lack the same non-scratch properties making them more susceptible to wear and tear and discolouration. Their lightweight design can sometimes make them more prone to wobbling so regular tightening of the hinges may be required.  That said, they tend to be the most cost-effective option if you’re looking for a simple, fuss-proof toilet seat for your bathroom.

A bottom-fix toilet seat is one whereby the seats are installed from the top, but tightened from underneath the toilet pan. Compared to top-fix seats, they’re usually much more stable and secure. However, they can be more difficult to install, particularly in smaller bathrooms and toilets. This more traditional style seat tends to be better suited to toilets that have plenty of space surrounding the bowl.

Top-fix toilet seats are installed and affixed from the top, making them much easier when it comes to installation and cleaning. Popular on more modern toilets, such as back-to-wall or wall-hung toilets, some models feature quick-release mechanisms making removal and replacement quick and easy. The easy installation of top-fix toilet seats make them perfect for compact bathrooms.