How to Choose a Toilet Seat

If you are looking to get a new toilet seat for a brand-new toilet, or replace a seat for an older toilet, you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed about how to choose a toilet seat that meets your needs. There are a ton of different options available and even minor details in how the toilet seat is described can throw your judgment off and make you second guess your decision. The goal of this blog is to cover some basic info about toilet seats to narrow down your choices and make buying the right one easier.

Sizing the Toilet Seat

Finding the right size seat is the most important thing to consider when buying a new toilet seat. The shape of the toilet bowl is the easiest way to find the correct size. Most toilets are either a round/circle shape or an elongated/oval shape. A round bowl will be roughly 16 ½” front to back whereas an elongated bowl is around 18 ½” front to back. D-shaped toilets, corner toilets, and other unique toilets may require non-standard seats. Tank shape can also be a factor, especially as it relates to the hinges.

The distance between the toilet seat bolts has been standardized for the most part and will measure 5 ½” from bolt to bolt. Most of the big manufacturers, including Toto, Kohler, American Standard, Mansfield, and Gerber will have this 5 ½” spacing between the seat bolts. If you end up wanting a different shaped toilet or a different measurement between the seat bolts, you’ll need to do a bit more research into the exact seat you need.

Seat Material and Finish

A large majority of toilet seats are going to match the finish of the toilet. White is by far the most popular finish for a toilet, but keep in mind that not all whites are exactly the same. Matching your toilet seat color to the new seat color can be tricky because most non-standard shades have been discontinued. For that reason, it’s best practice to match your toilet color with a color chip to ensure you get the most accurate match to your toilet’s finish.

Choosing a toilet seat material is all personal preference. We believe that the plastic seats being made today are the most durable and comfortable seats on the market. Wood seats feel a little more substantial, but often have the finish wear and age over time. Vinyl seats are comfortable, but often crack or split due to age, use, and the cleaning substances used on them.

Seat Features

Toilet seats can come with a handful of convenient or stylish features, including:

Metal hinges
Padded seats
Slow-close seats
Children sized seats and potty-training seats
Bidet seats

If you end up having a different shaped toilet, a different measurement between the seat bolts, or if you have any questions or need any assistance in choosing the right toilet seat, contact Super Terry! We carry the top of the line products from the best home brands out there, call us today for more information.