Perfect material for a toilet seat
A toilet seat is an absolute essential in any bathroom or toilet. The material and shape will help to determine the level of comfort we experience. In this guide, we present the different materials in detail along with their advantages and drawbacks.
General requirements for any toilet seat
A toilet seat is generally a ring-shaped folding seat with a matching lid. Its main function is to enhance comfort by avoiding direct contact between the skin and the ceramic of the toilet. The toilet seat also allows people of different heights and builds to easily use the toilet.
Hygienic standards
As well as the comfort aspect, hygiene is another important requirement for a toilet seat. The surface needs to be as smooth as possible to provide the least favourable living environment for germs and allow easy cleaning. If you have very high hygiene requirements for your home or want to reduce cleaning time for your toilet, you should consider the attachment system as well as the material of the toilet seat. Modern systems with quick-release hinges, such as the QuickRelease technology, allow you to remove the seat in a single movement and replace it just as quickly. You can then clean the toilet and seat separately and reach even difficult to access areas behind the toilet.
A little guide to toilet seat materials
Below we present five common materials for toilet lids and seats. Three are synthetic and two are natural and renewable materials:
Duroplast – antibacterial and very easy to care for
Duroplast materials are plastics that can’t be deformed by heat or other influences once they have hardened. This makes a Duroplast toilet seat very robust and resistant, and it also has a higher quality feel in comparison with a Thermoplast model. The smooth, non-porous surface allows easy cleaning and therefore improved hygiene. It is highly resistant to chemical cleaning products and the glass-like plastic is very stable and durable.
Wood – a natural product with multiple benefits
Wood is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a toilet seat in a natural and renewable material. A clear varnish emphasises the effect of the natural wood grain and makes the smooth surface very easy to clean. Different varieties of wood can be used and make each toilet seat a one-off. Another advantage of this natural material: wood is completely recyclable and has an almost neutral CO2 balance. This makes it the best choice from an environmental perspective, despite the fact that wood is comparatively more expensive than other materials and less durable than a plastic toilet seat. This natural material also needs slightly more attention and care.
Other materials for toilet seats
Different colours and shapes of toilet seats
The toilet seat and toilet need to match as closely as possible. To avoid any wobbles when the toilet is used, the best possible fit between seat and ceramic is essential. This applies to colour as well as shape. Classic toilet seats come in shades of white and cream, for example, Light Stone White or muted Star White, to match the ceramic. These shades harmonise with a wide range of styles in the bathroom without being overwhelming. For anyone looking for a brighter or trendier look, a brightly coloured MDF or plastic toilet seat will add a highlight to the bathroom. This look appeals in particular to children and versions with smaller toilet seats can also be found in bright child-friendly colours.
Soft-closing toilet seats
A soft-closing mechanism in the toilet seat stops it slamming shut with a bang. Simply press gently and the lid glides back down, slowly and almost silently. SoftClosing (or Soft Close) toilet seats also protect the material and therefore increase the lifespan of your toilet fitting. Seats with a soft-closing mechanism are particularly important in households with small children as they avoid trapped fingers when using the toilet.