When you shop for toilet seats, you will notice that the two primary materials used are plastic and wood. But who would win in a wood vs. plastic toilet seat battle? There are obvious differences between the two, with plastic being lightweight and cheap, and wood being stylish and long-lasting. But these are not the only things you should look at when comparing the two materials.
Which one is the most comfortable?
One aspect you should never overlook is the comfort factor. When you sit on the toilet, you need to feel comfortable, and that’s not something to take lightly since it would have an impact on your health. Taking a look at the two materials, wood and plastic, will help you see which one you should choose based on this particular aspect.
When you sit on a wood toilet seat, you will notice right away that it’s comfortable, something that has to do with the overall sturdiness of this material, and also the fact that you won’t experience a sensation of cold. However, you should bear in mind that all manufacturers use various finish options, and some may feel colder than others, especially in winter.
Plastic, on the other hand, may feel flimsier compared to wood, and also cold, but the way the manufacturers create the overall design may have a significant effect on the comfort factor. The truth is that both materials have ups and downs, but if you want a clear answer, wood seats are a bit more comfortable.
How durable are they?
You may have heard it plenty of times; wooden seats are more durable than plastic. They are designed to be thick and heavy compared to plastic seats, and the risk of breaking them is minimal. Even so, you shouldn’t see this difference as being as important as it may sound at first. The plastic material used by manufacturers to make toilet seats are sturdy and breaking one would take a lot of force.
One thing to remember is that the parts of a toilet seat that are prone to breaking are those that connect the lid with the seat. Even on wooden seats, they aren’t made of wood, but plastic or metal. Therefore, the overall quality of a seat might play a more significant role than the actual material.
Here is something else to bear in mind. Seats made of wood have a protective layer of coating added. However, in time, the finish tends to wear off, and the material will show signs of scratches after a while. If the wood absorbs moisture – which can happen in a bathroom – it could begin to warp, making the seat unusable. You won’t notice the same thing happening to plastic seats.
Which seats are pricier, wood, or plastic?
You might already know the answer to this question, but that doesn’t mean that a bit more insight wouldn’t help. On the market, there are a plethora of options available, and you can buy a toilet seat for as little as 20 dollars, and as much as several hundred dollars. Aspects such as brand and design play a role in the final price.
As a general rule, plastic models are sold for cheap, and it is more likely to find an expensive model made from wood. The use of exotic woods can add to the cost, and, of course, if you can afford the expense, their durability makes it all worth it.
Which material is easier to maintain?
Because it’s about toilet seats, the problem of hygiene, and how easy it is to clean them is paramount. You may well know that wood is a porous type of material, which means that it can absorb water and rot. Also, that means that wood could be more challenging to keep clean for the same reason.
Still, you shouldn’t think that wooden seats are made from unfinished materials. Like any wood used for furniture that will be exposed to high moisture levels, it comes with a finish. That could be a type of sealant, or, as some manufacturers use, laminate. Because of this finish, there is no chance for the moisture and bacteria to penetrate the wood and make it unclean.
In time, the finish on wood toilet seats can wear off, which means that you’ll either have to apply another coating or replace them altogether. Plastic toilet seats are the more practical choice since their maintenance is straightforward and easy. Wiping them with cleaning supplies and a clean cloth is the only thing you have to do. Also, there is no coating to wear off, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about.
Which one is the most stylish?
Some people will tell you that wooden toilet seats are better looking, and they can make your bathroom look stylish and luxurious. It is a simple truth, but you should remember that choosing one over the other is all a matter of preference. Will a wood seat work in your current bathroom layout? Integrating the toilet seat with the overall décor is essential, and an issue you must not overlook.
A modern looking bathroom would benefit more from a plastic seat, appearance-wise. However, if your bathroom has more of a classic look, a wooden toilet seat would be an excellent choice.
Which toilet seat wins when it comes to the soft-close feature?
Although it may be an aspect you haven’t given too much thought to, the soft-close feature might make the difference when you are on the fence about which toilet seat is better for your home. Most models you will find on the market are regular seats, and they close fast. If you drop the lid, it can make a lot of noise, and if that’s something that bothers you, you might not be too happy with your choice.
There is another thing to consider here. If you drop the lid multiple times, it could damage, too. So, for people who believe such things important, a soft-close feature might be the bottom line to help them decide. This feature is usually found more in plastic seats, and less frequently in wooden models. Also, wood is a pretty heavy material, and dropping the lid can make a lot of noise.
To make your decision easier, just look for models that have the soft-close feature listed. This way, you will know which one you should choose for a home where many light sleepers live.
Variety of styles – which one is better?
So far, you’ve seen how wood and plastic fare in terms of comfort, durability, cost, hygiene, still, and extra features. If you still aren’t convinced which one should be your choice, here is another aspect to consider. You may have a clear idea about how your toilet seat should look, or you’re just bored with the same old classic design.
This brings us to another detail that may play an essential role in convincing you which model is better, one made from wood or a plastic one. For the record, you should know that plastic toilet seats are available in a broad range of styles. They even vary in shapes, something that cannot easily be said about wooden toilet seats.
Of course, you must consider the shape of the toilet bowl when making this choice. If it’s something that doesn’t abide by the classic rules, you will have to find a toilet seat that fits. In that case, it’s more likely that you will find a plastic model to match.
Other materials used for making toilet seats
Although they are the most common, wood and plastic are not the only materials used for making toilet seats. Resin is, for instance, an attractive choice because of its aesthetic value. This material looks great, is durable, and is an excellent alternative to plastic. One thing you should know is that resin usually comes from organic sources, so you may want to go for it if you’re environmentally conscious.
Duroplast is another material you will find in toilet seats. A polymer blend that was first used in Germany, it has become more and more widespread due to its excellent properties. Compared to plastic, it is more durable and, another thing that will surely make you think of getting a Duroplast toilet seat is the fact that it resists harsh chemicals found in cleaning supplies.
Therefore, if you are interested in keeping your bathroom clean, you will find Duroplast an excellent idea for your toilet seat. Bear in mind that it’s not an eco-friendly material like resin, though.
You will also find toilet seats on the market that are made from MDF, an abbreviation that stands for medium-density fiberboard. It is obtained by compressing wood fibers together, so it’s a cheap alternative to actual wood. Therefore, if you’re interested in using organic materials as much as possible, you will find MDF to be an alternative to consider. Make sure to purchase a model with a reliable finish to avoid durability issues.
