We know you know this, but let’s pop the quiz anyway. Are you aware that there are places in the world where people have toilet problems? Yes, that’s true. This makes owning a decent toilet a modern-day luxury.
Which begs another good question; wood vs. plastic toilet seat, which is better? Do you find the antique nature of wood appealing? Or do you prefer to sit on the glossy, easy-to-clean nature of a plastic seat?
If your toilet came with a plastic seat, you probably are okay with it and have not given thought into changing it. But guess what, toilet seats come in many varieties, and your choice can revitalize your restroom and make your sessions..err..a true relief.
But wait a minute…
Just how important is a toilet seat anyway? Keep reading.
Importance of a Toilet Seat
A toilet seat keeps you steady and composed as you go about your business. Some feature a self-cleaning wand that does away with the need for a tissue. With a few more dollars, you can even get one that warms your bottoms, creating a relaxing feeling. Here is how Wood and plastic seats compare:
Comfort
When you think about comfort, what comes to your mind? Something squishy around your bottoms, right? Yes, that’s what comfort is. When you buy the best smart toilets, money can afford, comfort is usually part of the deal.
Comfort-enhanced toilets treat you with the prestige and convenience accustomed to kings and queens. This is usually made possible by toilets that warm the seat, so you don’t have to freeze your butt. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Are you aware some toilets come with a memory foam seat?
Incredible, don’t you think? Imagine plastering your bum on a spongy seat that hugs it pretty nicely; it’s amazing. It’s like having a mini couch in your restroom where you can take all the time you need without your sitting assets feeling numb. But since cleaning and their pricing makes them unfriendly to some people, most go for the hard toilet seats.
Speaking of comfort, some seats can warm themselves, so you don’t freeze your hindquarters. Be warned, and such a feature comes at a few extra bucks.
Durability
How long should a toilet seat last, anyway? 20 years. That’s if you take good care of your toilet, carry out frequent maintenance, and have the excellent toilet repair kits.
Truth be told, custom toilet seats may not last as long as those that come with the toilet. Most wooden seats are fashioned out of composite wood or sawdust glued together. As such, they can give in to moisture, insect bites, and even the spray of urine that splashes on it. Even though nothing is meant to last forever, poorly constructed seats will break down very fast.
So when it comes to durability, plastic seats might be an ideal choice, especially for large families with young fellows. They don’t get discolored too. Wood, on the other hand, degrades as time goes by.
Ease of Cleaning
Like we said before if your household has kids, you probably should avoid wood because it degrades with each cleaning you do. Frequent moist conditions from water, scouring detergent, and urine will compromise its structure bit by bit until it finally crumbles.
But if you are up for a wood seat anyway, then go for the best quality ones. Some are actually laminated with plastic or vinyl to give them a glossy, water-repellent surface.
But it’s not just wood seats that are problematic to clean. Any soft-seated toilet will be challenging, as well. Soft seats have pores that breathe out to accommodate your weight. These tiny holes let in water, dust, and other microscopic stuff that blends up to invite or create bacteria. So make sure whatever you are buying boasts of exceptional engineering.
A plastic seat is stress-free and probably the best choice for many folks. You can clean it with water and any detergent as many times as possible, and the structure remains the same.
Soft Closing Lid
What’s the common thing old-timers say when you creep up behind them and say “surprise?”
Yes, they can easily go into a cardiac arrest. And you know what else slams pretty hard to scare the crap out of you or your kid? A toilet lid. That is why you are highly advised to go for the soft closing seats and lids. If you invest in the best toilets, chances are high they come with soft-closing lids.
Style and Design
Wood has an antique appeal, and rarely do we bump into such toilets. Their brownish coating can accent with any décor you have. Even better, wood can get repainted to match your bright white fixtures in the bathroom. So if you are up for a traditional look, wood is the way to go.
Toilets seats come in a wide range of designs. You can get them in round or elongated shapes. The latter is considered the comfiest. Some feature a grip-tight rim that keeps users in a good position.
Scratch Resistance
This is one of those few areas where wood scores poorly for those with kids. Children have a habit of writing and drawing on anything as they explore their upcoming skills. Once the wood has been scratched or scribbled with pointless drawings, it loses its charming appeal.
Common plastic can sustain scratches too, but the good news is, the imperfections may hide under their super glossy surface. Thermoset plastic is one of the scratch-resistant materials to consider if you have rowdy young chaps.
Pricing
Wood has become a prestigious item, and products fashioned from it cost a tad high.so as you go about looking for a toilet seat, bear in mind it might cost you a bit more for wood than plastic varieties.
Wrap Up
Wood vs. plastic toilet seat, which is better? Well, in all fairness, they are all reliable in their own ways. For instance, while both of them can redefine the look in your restroom, the antique touch of wood has a more prestigious feel.
Unfortunately, wood is not for the reckless or those with younger kids. Scratches, moisture, dust, and urine can shorten its lifespan. If you have to go for a wooden seat, opt for those with a laminated exterior that makes it impossible for water and urine to get through.
Plastic seats are common; they match any décor and are easy to clean. Furthermore, they are the cheapest. Even though they lack the magnificence of their wooden counterparts, their durability is the most inspiring element. After all, who wants to keep replacing their toilet seats after some months? No one.
All in all, this is a matter of personal preference. If you decide to ditch the antique appeal of a wooden seat for the affordability and easy to clean nature of plastic seats or the other way round, then it’s okay. Just make sure to consider the décor of your bathroom, number of users, and your pocket before placing an order.
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