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6 Best Toilet Seats For Heavy People of 2024

Updated
Everyone deserves a toilet seat that fits.

Toilet seats need to be durable, hygienic, and, depending on your priorities, visually appealing. Although the majority of modern seats tick these boxes, they aren’t always made with heavier users in mind.

Most toilet seats are unable to hold weights exceeding 300 to 400 pounds (1), which can make them dangerous for many people. Thankfully, some toilet seats are designed for people who weigh more than this, so you will be able to use the toilet with confidence that your seat will be able to support you.

To help you find the right seat for your bathroom, we have reviewed six of the best toilet seats for heavy people. We chose these seats based on their stability, strength, and visual design.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Big John 1-W Toilet Seat
Best Quality Seat
Big John 1-W Toilet Seat
  • Ergonomic design
  • Holds up to 1,200lb
  • High-quality ABS plastic
Product Image of the Big John 3-W Open Front Seat
Most User-Friendly Seat
Big John 3-W Open Front Seat
  • Hygienic ABS plastic
  • Holds up to 1,200lb
  • Universal fittings
Product Image of the Bemis 7800TDG 000 Toilet Seat
Most Sustainable Design
Bemis 7800TDG 000 Toilet Seat
  • Elongated design
  • Three-pack
  • STA-TITE fastening system
Product Image of the Bath Royale Round Toilet Seat
Best Quality Product
Bath Royale Round Toilet Seat
  • Soft-close lid
  • 100% polypropylene plastic
  • Widely compatible
Product Image of the Slow Close Seat and Cover
Easiest Installation
Slow Close Seat and Cover
  • Ergonomic shape
  • High-grade polypropylene
  • Slow-close lid
Product Image of the Centoco 900-001 Elongated Wooden
Best Wooden
Centoco 900-001 Elongated Wooden
  • Polypropylene shell
  • Simple four-step installation
  • Available in four colors

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we take pride in our meticulous analysis and hands-on experience when examining the best toilet seats for heavy people. Our team conducts thorough tests and assessments, comparing different brands based on essential criteria such as durability, weight capacity, comfort, and design. We evaluate each product from a user’s perspective and use professional benchmarks to measure their performance. Our findings are based on hard facts and data, not mere opinion. We provide a comprehensive review, highlighting key decision-making factors like material quality, easy installation, and the seat’s effect on the user’s comfort. We track the products’ performance and rank them accordingly, ensuring that you have the most accurate and reliable information to make the best choice.



The Best Toilet Seat For Heavy People of 2024

You will have a lot of options to choose from when looking for a seat, which is why we have reviewed six of the best toilet seats for heavy people. These seats are high-quality, ergonomic, and made to last, so you can be confident that they will be safe to use.

Big John 1-W Oversized Toilet Seat

Best Quality Seat

The Big John 1-W toilet seat is renowned for being high-quality, which is no surprise for one of the leading names in heavy-duty seats. It combines an ergonomic design with excellent durability, so you will be able to count on the comfort it provides for many years.

This large-framed toilet seat has a weight limit of 1,200 pounds, more than enough to comfortably hold even the heaviest users. It is also two inches higher than the average seat, making it easier to stand up after use.

The material used is high-quality injection molded ABS plastic. Its bumpers are resistant to chemicals, so you will be able to clean them thoroughly without worrying about causing damage.

What We Like

Ergonomic Design

The Big John 1-W’s ergonomic 19-inch-wide design makes it far more comfortable than most toilet seats. It has a contoured surface that prevents discomfort while sitting on it. The wide surface is more than 4 inches wider than the average toilet seat.

Raised Design

The 1-W is two inches higher than a standard toilet seat. This places less of a strain on your muscles when sitting down or standing up, making it more user-friendly.

Strength and Durability

This seat is very strong and durable. It can hold as much as 1,200 pounds thanks to its high-quality construction, making it one of the strongest seats we have seen.

High-Grade Materials

Big John has used plastic injection molding to create this high-grade ABS plastic seat. This technique allows for greater concentration and complex design (2). It also enhances seat strength and durability.

The chemically-resistant synthetic rubber bumpers dramatically reduce the possibility of the seat moving or sliding during use.

What We Don't Like

Installation

This seat can be quite difficult to install, so you might need to ask for professional help or turn to a friend with some DIY experience.

Product Specs

Size 19 inches wide
Material ABS plastic, synthetic rubber
Color/finish White
Warranty 12 months
Tools for installation Wrench or pliers

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Weight Capacity
5 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

I've been using this toilet seat and, boy, is it a game changer for larger folks like me. The sturdy build offers solid support, and the heightened seat eases my knee pain significantly. The non-slip aspect is great too, no more sliding around and stressing the seat's feet. However, the deep ribs underneath make cleaning a bit tricky, and I do wish the inside hole was a bit larger for comfort.

Big John 3-W Oversized Open Front Toilet Seat

Most User-Friendly Seat

Unlike Big John’s 1-W Oversized toilet seat, the 3-W model has an open front that makes it more hygienic and comfortable for many users. Regardless of its different design, the 3-W has the same strength, stability, and durability you expect from one of the leading names in heavy-duty toilet seats.

Surveys have found that open-front toilet seats can be more comfortable, particularly for women. The seat can hold 1,200 pounds, so it will be more than strong enough to hold even the heaviest users.

This seat has universal fittings, so it should be suitable for almost any standard modern toilet. These fittings are made of stainless steel, which means they should stay in top condition for several years. This quality is reflected by Big John’s lifetime warranty.

What We Like

Intuitive Design

This model’s contoured open-front design provides a more hygienic bathroom experience. Many women find that an open-front toilet seat is more intuitively designed for their comfort.

Another convenient aspect of the 3-W toilet seat is its universal fit. It will fit the vast majority of standard toilets, so you shouldn’t need to replace the rest of your toilet to accommodate it.

Excellent Construction

This seat has stainless steel fittings, resulting in a secure and long-lasting product. When combined with its high-grade ABS plastic and stabilizing rubber bumpers, you should feel very secure while sitting on your toilet.

The 3-W can hold about 1,200 pounds of weight, which means it will comfortably cope with even the largest users. Overall, this is a tough, durable model that you will be able to depend on.

What We Don't Like

Not for Everyone

The open-front design doesn’t work for every reviewer. Consider whether or not this seat’s shape appeals to you before you buy it.

Product Specs

Size 19 inches wide
Material ABS plastic
Colour/ finish White
Warranty Lifetime warranty
Tools for installation Wrench or pliers

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Weight Capacity
5 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

After installing this large toilet seat, I found it to be considerably sturdy and high-quality, despite its substantial size. The seat was easy to install, though the heavy stainless steel hinges posed a minor challenge, slipping out of place during the process. The added height of about 2 inches was an unexpected bonus, proving very comfortable, especially for taller individuals. However, the open-front design could potentially present sanitation issues in certain scenarios due to the significant gap in the front. Despite these factors, the overall design and utility of this toilet seat have been impressive.

Bemis 7800TDG 000 Plastic Toilet Seat Elongated

Most Sustainable Design

Bemis has a mission statement to offer “quality innovative products for everyday life” and that is reflected in this elongated toilet seat. The brand’s products are made in the United States with the environment considered throughout the manufacturing process.

This seat uses the company’s hollow core plastic design. The white plastic is also commercial grade, making it sturdy, easy to clean, and very resistant to stains.

This product contains three matching Bemis toilet seats, so it is an excellent option if you want to upgrade your seats in a multi-bathroom home or commercial property.

What We Like

Elongated Design

Whether you want it for commercial or residential use, the Bemis 7800TDG 000 has a sleek design that will look at home in the majority of bathrooms. It provides extra space and comfort, particularly for larger adults.

Modern System

Bemis has fitted this seat with the STA-TITE fastening system, which makes installation very straightforward. The seat is compatible with leading toilet brands such as Kohler and American Standard.

Three-Pack

Bemis sells this seat in a pack of three, so you can upgrade multiple toilets with a single purchase. This makes it an excellent option if you are renovating a commercial property.

What We Don't Like

Unsuitable for Children

This toilet seat’s elongated design means it is more comfortable for large adults but it is unsuitable for children as a consequence. If you have young children or are planning to start a family, you should look elsewhere.

Product Specs

Size Elongated design — 18.5 inches length
Material Injection mold solid plastic, stainless steel, earth-friendly materials
Color/finish White
Warranty One-year warranty
Tools for installation Wrench or pliers

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Weight Capacity
4 / 5
Comfort
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with these toilet seats has been nothing short of fantastic, especially given their ease of cleaning and robustness. Their sturdy build has proven excellent for my larger-sized family, maintaining their pristine condition and functionality even after years of use and a cross-country move. The installation process was a breeze, employing a 5/8 deep socket to tighten the deep nut on the bolt until the smaller piece breaks off, signalling the correct tightness. However, a word of caution, avoid tightening at an angle to prevent the nut from breaking off prematurely. The only thing missing from these seats was a soft close feature, which would have added to their convenience.

Bath Royale Premium Round Toilet Seat

Best Quality Product

This premium round toilet seat was created by Bath Royale, a small, family-owned company based in the United States. Reviewers praise the company’s customer service, so you will be able to get help and advice.

The seat features a soft-close lid, so you won’t damage it if you accidentally drop the lid. This can also be helpful if you struggle to bend down to close the lid, as you won’t need to move it all the way yourself.

Polypropylene plastic reduces the seat’s maintenance requirements as it is resistant to stains and won’t absorb dirt. You will be able to use the majority of cleaning products on it, so it is easy to clean it when required.

What We Like

User-Friendly

A soft-close lid and secure fastening feature will prevent the noise and potential damage caused by accidentally slamming the toilet’s lid. It also means you won’t need to bend down as far if you want to close the lid, as it will protect itself.

Construction

This seat’s 100% polypropylene plastic makes cleaning quicker and easier. It is non-staining, non-absorbant, and chemical-resistant, so the surface should wipe clean easily. The material also acts as a thermal insulator, so it will be far more comfortable when cold, compared to lower-quality plastics.

Versatile

The fittings are widely compatible with top toilet brands such as American Standard, Kohler, and Toto. You won’t need to buy a new toilet to accompany this seat. It is available in elongated and round shapes, so you should be able to find an ideal model for your toilet.

Sleek Design

This toilet seat has a sleek modern design with high-quality mounting hardware. These are available in polished chrome or even color-matched.

Customer Support

Even the best products can be let down by bad customer service. Thankfully, Bath Royale has an excellent reputation for providing customer support.

What We Don't Like

Unsuitable for Bidets

This toilet seat is incompatible with a bidet. Some owners also report that abrasive items can damage the seat’s high-gloss finish, so be careful when choosing a cleaning product and tool.

Size

Some customers say this seat will stick out from the side of the toilet if you don’t choose the specific size and shape for your unit. Measure your toilet carefully to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Product Specs

Size 16.5 x 14 x 2 inches
Material Polypropylene
Color/ finish White, linen, almond colors. High-gloss finish
Warranty Two-year warranty
Tools for installation Wrench or pliers

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Weight Capacity
4 / 5
Comfort
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I'm overjoyed with this toilet seat, especially because it tackled my numb legs and buttocks issue that I previously had with the old one. The installation was a breeze, only taking about 5 minutes due to the adjustable hardware and it's twice as thick as my former seat, offering a stable and comfortable seating experience without any annoying squeaks. The slow close feature is a delight, I can simply walk away and let it lower itself. Also, the seat is extremely easy to clean which is a big plus for me, as I value cleanliness in my restroom.

Elongated Slow Close Seat and Cover

Easiest Installation

This is an excellent toilet seat at an affordable price. It has been designed with comfort in mind, with an elongated shape that makes it ideal for larger adults.

As well as being comfortable, it is also sturdy with high-quality polypropylene material. At a net weight of just over 4 pounds, it is one of the heavier plastic seats we have seen.

It has a soft-close lid that prevents slamming, so you won’t need to worry about damaging it or accidentally making noise in the middle of the night. The material is also anti-bacterial and easy to clean, making it a hygienic option.

What We Like

Ergonomic Shape

This seat’s elongated concave shape is designed to fit your hips more comfortably, making it a great option for heavier people.

High-Quality Construction

The plastic in this seat is high-grade polypropylene, a durable and non-toxic material (3). It is reusable and also acts as a thermal insulator.

Slow-Close

This seat’s lid has a built-in slow-close feature. It ensures the lid closes slowly and gently instead of slamming shut, preventing noise and protecting the seat and toilet from damage.

What We Don't Like

Possible Discomfort

Despite being designed to provide extra comfort, some users find that the seat’s concave shape results in greater discomfort than a standard flat seat.

Product Specs

Size Length 18.5 x Width 14″ x Mounting hole distance 5.5″
Material Polypropylene
Color/ finish White, high-gloss finish
Warranty Not specified
Tools for installation Wrench

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Weight Capacity
3.5 / 5
Comfort
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

This toilet seat, while generally sturdy and comfortable, presented some installation challenges. Opting for the rubber expansion bolts during assembly led to 15 minutes of frustration, whereas the plastic bolts resulted in a smoother, quicker setup. Despite its convenience, this product shows some minor instability at the hinge, which could potentially lead to wear and tear over time.

Centoco 900-001 Elongated Wooden Toilet Seat

Best Wooden Toilet Seat

Although ABS plastic is the most popular material for strong toilet seats, it isn’t the only one. The Centoco 900-001 is made of thick molded polypropylene over a wooden core. The wood won’t crack, chip, dent, flatten, flake, fade or peel so you can be confident that this seat is very durable.

The polypropylene shell is a high-gloss scratch-resistant material. It won’t stain or discolor and its smooth finish makes it very easy to clean.

This Centoco toilet seat’s material makes it a hygienic option. It is non-porous so it won’t harbor bacteria or absorb chemicals in cleaning products.

What We Like

High-Quality Design

In addition to the polypropylene shell and wooden core, this product has a high-quality design. It has an ergonomic shape that is ideal for elongated toilet seats, but there is also a round version. The hinges will absorb impacts to protect them from cracks or breaks.

There are also permanent bumpers that will stay sanitary if cleaned, without needing to remove them.

Easy to Install

The Centoco toilet seat has a simple installation process with four steps that should only require a couple of minutes to complete. The majority of people will be able to do it themselves without professional assistance.

Color Options

This toilet seat is available in four colors: white, crane white, biscuit, and bone. This will help you coordinate it with the rest of your bathroom. You can buy a seat individually or in a pack of six, ideal if you are renovating a commercial property.

What We Don't Like

Hinges May Come Loose

Although the seat itself is very durable, some customers have found the hinges to be unreliable. It is important to note that the weight limit of this seat is 300 pounds, much lower than some of our other recommendations.

Product Specs

Size 18.5 inches
Material Polypropylene shell over wood core
Color/ finish White, crane white, biscuit, or bone
Warranty One year
Tools for installation Screwdriver

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Weight Capacity
3 / 5
Comfort
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

Best described as a sturdy and reliable toilet seat, I found this product to be surprisingly comfortable and robust, despite initial skepticism. Although the seat is not made from my preferred wooden material, its rigidness and lack of flex provided a similar feel, proving to be a worthwhile compromise. The installation was a breeze, but be warned, it comes with a recommendation against the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, so you'll need to be careful with sanitation.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Size Material Color/finish Warranty Installation Tools
Big John 1-W Toilet Seat Quality Seat 19″ (W) ABS plastic, synthetic rubber White 12 mos Wrench / pliers
Big John 3-W Open Front Seat User-Friendly 19″ (W) ABS plastic White Lifetime Wrench / pliers
Bemis 7800TDG 000 Toilet Seat Sustainable Design 18.5″ (L) Solid plastic, stainless steel White 1-year Wrench / pliers
Bath Royale Round Toilet Seat Quality 16.5″ x 14″ x 2″ Polypropylene 3 colors. High-gloss finish 2-year Wrench / pliers
Elongated Toilet Seat Easiest Installation 18.5 (L) x 14 (W) Polypropylene White, high-gloss finish Not specified Wrench
Centoco 900-001 Wooden 18.5″ Polypropylene shell over wood core 4 colors. High-gloss finish. 1-year Screw driver

Choosing the Best Heavy-Duty Toilet Seat

When choosing a toilet seat, the material, size, and shape will usually be your main priorities. However, if you need a stronger seat, you will need to pay extra attention to its durability. Keep the following factors in mind while shopping:

Design

Ensure that the seat is designed to be comfortable to sit on. Consider choosing a raised toilet seat design, as you won’t need to move as far to sit down or stand up.

Studies shared by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that a raised toilet seat reduces muscle activity (4), making them more user-friendly than standard toilet seats.

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Stability

It is important to choose a stable seat, both to make it more secure and to reduce the strain placed on its hinges, which can break if the seat moves too much. The seat’s bumpers are the part between the toilet seat and bowl, protecting both parts and providing stability.

If you need your seat to hold more weight, it is better to have as many rubber bumpers as possible. Higher quality material will reduce unwanted movement and unsteadiness.

Construction

Cheap toilet seats are usually made of low-quality plastic. However, an effective seat for a heavier person should be made of high-grade ABS plastic. This will strengthen the seat and reduce the chance of it cracking or breaking during use (5).

You should also try to choose a seat with stainless steel hinges and heavy-duty bolts. These will allow you to use your seat with confidence that its essential parts will hold the unit together.

Installation

You need to ensure that your toilet seat will fit your toilet bowl. Many seats will fit both round and elongated toilets. Most toilet seat fittings are now standardized but it is important to check, especially if you have an older toilet model in your home.


Tips for Installing a Toilet Seat

  • Compatibility: Ensure that your toilet seat will be compatible with the existing toilet. This means both being the right size and having fixtures appropriate for your toilet.
  • Customer Service: Read customer reviews to get a sense of the company’s customer support in case anything goes wrong.
  • Weight limit: Check that the toilet seat is guaranteed to support your weight, especially if you weigh more than 300lb.
  • Installation: Make sure you have the tools required to install the product quickly and easily.
  • Hiring: Consider whether or not you will be able to install the toilet seat yourself or will need to hire a professional. Most seats are simple to install but some heavy-duty models are more complicated.

Check First

Double-check the weight limit of the toilet before buying. If it isn’t designed for your weight, you could end up damaging the seat or suffering an accident.

FAQs

How Can I Clean My Toilet Seat?

In most cases, mild soap and water are the best options for cleaning a toilet seat. This will minimize wear and tear compared to chemical cleaners, which could damage the seat’s finish. If you need a more powerful cleaner and your seat can cope with it, you can use a stronger cleaning product.

Why Is My Toilet Seat Stained?

If you frequently use harsh chemicals or cleaning products to clean your toilet seat, you might be doing more harm than good. In most cases, milder cleaners such as soap and water will be sufficient to remove any marks from your seat.

Professional Help

If you don’t want to install your new toilet seat or it seems too complicated, check whether the brand offers an installation service. If not, a local handyman or a DIYer friend should be able to do it relatively quickly and easily.

Will the Seat Hold My Weight?

A toilet seat should always have a weight limit listed in its product specifications. Pay attention to this, as a toilet seat that is too weak can be dangerous to use.

Are There Thick Toilet Seats?

While there isn’t necessarily a thick toilet seat category, there are seats that have additional layers of padding. Experts have conducted research showing that certain materials offer enhanced cushioning and support for their users.

When it comes to toilet seats, a little extra cushioning can go a long way, particularly as toilet seats are traditionally made using hard materials such as plastic and wood. This can help prevent strains and reduce discomfort.

Which Toilet Seat is Better: Plastic or Wood?

Of the two most popular toilet seat materials, plastic seats tend to be more affordable and easier to clean. They also have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of contemporary bathroom styles.

Wooden seats are sturdier and will last longer than their plastic counterparts. They are also resistant to mold and mildew growth, which is particularly important in humid environments such as bathrooms.

There is no universal answer as to whether wood or plastic is better. It depends on your budget, personal preference, and how you think it will complement the rest of your bathroom.

How Do I Stop My Toilet Seat From Moving Sideways?

There are a few different methods to prevent your toilet seat from moving sideways or shifting out of position. A common solution is to install seat stabilizers onto the seat itself. These help keep the seat securely in place, minimizing movement and preventing unwanted wobbling.

Some people prefer to place suction cups under each corner of the seat for added security. If you have a floor-mounted toilet bowl, adhesive strips or hook-and-loop fasteners on the base of the seat will also help keep it steady.


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About the Author

Sylvia Jones

Sylvia Jones is a hands-on, DIY aficionado from Indiana. She is passionate about home improvement, gardening, and environmental conservation. In her spare time, you can find Sylvia getting involved in home improvement projects around the house with her husband, or spending quality time out in the yard.